Many thanks to all who helped at Stix tests.

After a mid season break (partly planned and partly enforced by the weather) the badgers returned to action at Cirencester. We fielded a young side who acquitted themselves well against a skilful and talented Cirencester team. The badgers soaked up pressure and attacked on the break.  We went into the half-time break at 1-1, with a well taken goal from Dan Baker.  The second half followed the same format and despite some tenacious defending,
excellent commitment and good team work, Cirencester grabbed a late goal to win the match 2-1.  All the team played well so it would wrong too single anyone for special praise, however Nathan Baker in goal had one of his best games of the season.

Until next week...

Mike

Don't forget that the second evening of Stix tests takes place on 27th February at Balcarras. Go for gold!

Training is ON! The school have managed to clear the pitch. Enjoy!

Hockey at Balcarras on 6th February is cancelled due to the weather. Training at the College had already been cancelled. The plan is to pick up the Stix tests again on 27th February. Keep warm!

The Academy training session due to take place on Friday 6th February at Cheltenham College is cancelled due to the weather. Another notice will be posted here if the Balcarras training is also cancelled. Watch this space.

It is the second week of Stix Awards this Friday (6th). There are no costs to players as CJHA will pay for the awards this season. Times are as follows. U10/U11 arrive 5.30pm finish at 7.00pm, U12/U13's arrive 6.30pm finish at 8.30pm and can leave at 8.00pm if they wish to. If there are any parents that could help out please can they contact Angie on 07984 801334. We need approx 6 parents from 5.30pm - 7.00pm and another 6 from 6.30pm - 8.00pm. The older age group will play a game at the end of the Stix tests from 8.00pm - 8.30pm. Please check for announcements here on Friday if the weather is bad.

Interesting game against Newent. Once again we fielded a relatively young team, with 2 of our older boys also playing a game for 3A's mens team beforehand so they were tired. We went down 0-3 in the first half and really deserved everything we got. The second half, however, saw a MUCH improved performance. The end result being a 2-4 loss, which means we actually won the second half 2-1.

I was very proud of the effort we made and the fact that we genuinely started competing for the ball. This forced errors by the opposition, so well done all - I am sure that was a perfect illustration of what can be achieved if we get the workrate up!! Even the opposition coach complimented our spirited second half fight.

-- Stuart Diesel

The Badgers fielded a young side against a well drilled Lydney side.  They went down 5 - 0, however the score line did not reflect the game. The Cheltenham Badgers had more shots at goal, with 7 players having chances to score but, sadly, none of them managed to count.

After a sluggish start, the team improved and in the second half showed excellent commitment and deserved more than they got. There were some good performances from many of the players, including a good debut from George Skane-Davis.  Thanks to Andy Parnell-Hopkinson and George Ratcliffe for umpiring.

-- Mike Woods

Super win against Wotton yesterday. Despite going in 1-1 at half time, we knew we could play much better, and the second half really proved that with the final score 6-2. All this despite the fact that they had a county keeper who enjoyed a brilliant game.

Particularly satisfying was the response to the half time chat in the second half. We discussed a number of issues and the whole team took this on board and implemented the plans. Our midfield diamond was dominant and Neil Bell proved, once again, to be an excellent winger.

Joe Colonna was called on to make a number of cracking saves, well done Joe.

The younger members of the team are developing very quickly now which leaves me feeling very positive about the future of this team.

Many thanks also to Anna Wright for offering to wash the kit this week - many hands make light work!

Next weekends fixture is a home fixture, at Balcarras. We are playing Lydney and push back is at 3:30pm, so we need to meet at Balcarras at 3pm. Please be aware that, as the home team, we have a responsibility to play host to the opposition after the match, and then ensure that the club house is left clean and tidy. I have been very pleased with the way the team has responded to these duties so far.

-- Stuart Diesel