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

The Cheltenham Badgers went down 3 – 2 in a closely fought game with Gloucester.  The teams were evenly balanced and both created many chances in open play during the first half.  Both goalkeepers were up for the challenge and played well to deny each attack.  However, Gloucester went ahead with a well taken penalty corner and then doubled their lead with another penalty corner on the stroke of half time.
 
Starting the second half 2 – 0 down, the Cheltenham Badgers showed their fighting spirit and got back to level with two well taken goals from Tom Hage (penalty corner) and Will Byrd (open play).  The game continued to follow the pattern of the first half with many chances at each end and both keepers playing well.  Gloucester then scored a third from another penalty corner and held on for their victory.
 
The boys showed great spirit and determination in this game and fought to the end.  It was a pleasure to watch to evenly matched sides playing good hockey without an adult on the pitch.  There were many good performances, particularly in the second half, however the Man of the Match was Nathan Baker (GK).

-- Mike

Due to flooding on the Balcarras Astroturf pitch, the pitch has become unplayable and work needs to be done to rectify the situation. This week's umpire training for U12 and older age groups will go ahead, starting at 6pm in the Balcarras club house. However regrettably, the coaching for the U9, U10 and U11 age group is cancelled.

We understand that action is in hand to sort out the pitch but if this is not going to be completed by Friday 4th Dec your committee are examining what other contingency arrangements may be possible.

-- Peter Marsden

The Balcarras pitch has been made unplayable by the recent heavy rain and will not be restored in time for Friday. When I know more I will post the information here.