Against our local rivals it was obvious from the start that it was going to be a very close game with both sides creating early chances.  After several penalty corner chances wasted by Cheltenham it was Lansdown who struck first.  As an attacking unit we always looked threatening although the final simple pass was often missing as we ran into defenders. From one such attack the ball was partially cleared by Lansdown straight to Will Byrd who created space to shoot firmly into the corner of the goal to level the scores. We again lost the lead after some rather indifferent defending ending the first half 2 -1 down. A more direct approach in the second half was rewarded with 2 early goals from Dan Baker to create a deserved lead but further chances were wasted until Lansdown equalised with 4 minutes to play.

Elliot Bishop in midfield was always influential and Ben Bolwell was once again a very solid defender. A 3 – 3 result was a fair result but going back to the basics of open stick hitting will always be more effective than any reverse hit !!!!!!

-- Chris Boulton

The Cheltenham Badgers played in a very competitive and well natured match against Yate at St. Edwards School.  After soaking up some early Yate pressure, the boys got into their stride and started to build some good attacks.  Sam Wood provided some good crosses from the right and the midfield of Dan Baker, Matt Woods and Richard Owen found room.  The Yate goalkeeper made some excellent saves from Tom Mitchener, Sam Wood and George Wilshaw, until Dan baker managed to deflect a shot past him for the first goal.

The Badgers increased their lead early in the second half when a well worked short corner saw Tom Hage pass to Dan Baker who slotted it home for Cheltenham's second.  This seemed to spur Yate into action and after sustained pressure, they scored twice.  The final ten minutes was end to end with both goalkeepers making good saves and the final score of 2-2 was a fair reflection of the game.

Cheltenham's Man of the Match was Ben Bolwell with solid tackling, excellent marking, all round defensive awareness and great support play shut down all Yate's attacks down their right hand side.

--Mike Woods

Active Gloucestershire are promoting two courses that may be of interest to hockey coaches and team managers. The first is a free training session helping coaches to provide appropriate support to children with autism. The course takes place on 15th February.

The second course is entitled Safeguarding and Protecting Children. It costs £40 and takes place on 1st March.

Both courses can be booked through the University of Gloucestershire.

The Cheltenham Badgers resumed their matches for the second half of the season with a home game against Newent.

The boys started well and claimed two early goals through Alex Diesel and George Wilshaw.  However, Newent strengthened their side and were rewarded with two goals of their own, leaving the scores level at half time.

In the second half, the Cheltenham Badgers dominated the game. Using both wings and playing some excellent hockey, they scored three times. Alex Diesel got two more - getting his first Hat-trick and Matt Woods the other one.

Man of the Match was Alex Diesel, not just for scoring three, but also for his excellent general play on the left wing.

-- Mike Woods

We are afraid that once again the weather has beaten us. There will be no Cheltenham Junior hockey activities on Friday. We will keep you posted about the situation.

-- Shaun

I am afraid the weather has taken its toll and there will be no hockey this Friday.

-- Shaun

Balcarras Astro continues to be out of action and so we have made the following arrangements for training.

Under 9 Training at Richard Pates Junior School 4:45pm - 5:55pm

Under 10 Training at Richard Pates Junior School 4:45pm - 5:55pm.

We would be grateful for a prompt pick up of the children as the lights on the astro have to go off at 6pm.

Under 11 Training at the Boys College Astro from 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Under 12 Training at the Boys College Astro from 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Under 13 Training at the Boys College Astro from 7:00pm - 8:00pm

We appreciate that the change of venue and the alterations of the timings will not be convenient for everyone, however we have tried to ensure that all the children get a chance to play in what is the last training session before Christmas. These changes have been forced on us and we thank you for your understanding.

We will be keeping with tradition and therefore this session will be around a Christmas theme with everyone encouraged to come in some sort of fancy dress, tinsel etc.  There will be prizes for the best ones in each age group. The majority of each session will be focused around competitions and games. Even if you are in full fancy dress, please remember gum shields and
shin pads.

The Academy training sessions for Under 14s and Under 15s remain unaltered - at the Boys College at usual times - with fancy dress!

Angie will contact the goalkeepers separately to advise them - however we expect them to follow the same format as last week.

We expect to be back to normal in the New Year with training re-starting 8th January 2010.

For those of you that are unable to make it this Friday - we hope that you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

-- Peter Marsden

It sounds like the last game was a cracker and a good win for the badgers.

Last Saturday's game concludes the first half of our season. Personally I think this season is looking like our best so far.

We have a very young squad, but our core is strong and reliable and, most importantly, we are winning our matches!

Our next game is on Saturday 16th December. It is a home match against Lydney. I will send out a mail inviting players on Sunday 10th, so please do not respond to this.

In the meantime may I take this opportunity, on behalf of the management team (Mike Woods, Chris Boulton and Stuart Diesel), to wish you a festive Christmas and New Year - please don't feed the boys too much!!

-- Stuart

The Cheltenham Badgers completed the first half of the season with a 3 - 2 over Wotton.  The game was played in an excellent spirit and was evenly balanced throughout.  Cheltenham went ahead with a well taken goal from Dan Baker.  After sustained pressure, Wotton got a deserved equaliser and the first half ended 1 - 1.

Cheltenham had more chances in the second half, one of which was finished by George Wilshaw.  However, Wotton scored another equaliser as the game continued to produce chances at both ends.

Cheltenham's winner came from a team move with a final pass from Dan Baker finding Lawrence Hage in the circle and he finished it well.  The whole team played really well.  Lawrence Hage making his debut was great on the left wing and Sam Woods made good use of the space that he was given on the right wing.  Dan Baker controlled the midfield and created numerous chances.  The defence also played well - Stephen Pashley making several good saves, however the Man of the Match was Calum Bradshaw.  Calum tackled tenaciously, marked his opponents well and was not bothered by taking on players who were much bigger than him.

A good finish to the first half of the season and we look forward to the return match with Wotton.

-- Mike Woods

Dear All, thanks to the generosity of Richard Pates Junior School the Under 9s and Under 10s will be at Richard Pates from 5pm to 6pm. However if we have more heavy rainfall, please check your e-mails on Friday afternoon.

Richard Pates Junior School is off Old Bath Rd going away from Cheltenham. Look for the school signs and Southern Rd on your left.  Go to the end of Southern Rd and park in the school car park. The floodlit astro is behind the school so go down the side of the school to get to it.

-- Peter Marsden