News and Match Reports

Keeping you up to date with all the latest happenings in the club.


Saturday 26/11/11 Match Reports

Helensburgh 1s Make It Two In A Row

 
Helensburgh’s first team turned out the performance of the season so far on Saturday as they beat Kelburne at home on a very wet day!  The pitch was slippery and there was a driving rain but it didn’t put the Burgh boys off as they looked a new team out there.

Kelburne started with the ball and held possession in an even start to the game.  However; Burgh stole possession and were on the attack straight away.  Hill and Wands exchanged passes but the shot from Hill went just wide.  At the other end when Kelburne carved open the Helensburgh defence; they put their shot wide as well.  It became a tight midfield battle with Kennedy and Richardson fighting for Helensburgh.  The first real chance for Kelburne came at a short corner;  in which ‘keeper Black got his first touch of the ball with a comfortable save.  Stewart’s defensive skills then set up Helensburgh on the counter as he stole the ball.  Millar charged down the wing and set up Hill in the middle for a classy finish. At the restart Kelburne passed the ball well and came on the attack but Stewart and McGregor defended well.  Stewart was taking Helensburgh’s free hits from the back and was setting up some excellent chances with lofted balls up the park.  Wands came close and Caulfield had a shot well saved.  Helensburgh were playing some excellent hockey and were passing Kelburne off the pitch.  The home side managed to almost pass the ball into the net just before half time; Wands with the shot which snuck in past the keeper.  At half time it was 2-0.

The second half started and Burgh had the wind against them, however they battled on as Kelburne came out fighting.  They had a few chances, Stewart dealing with most however the Black had to make a few saves to keep the clean sheet.  Kelburne did press on; however McWilliam, McGregor and Stewart were playing exceptionally at the back.  At the other end, Helensburgh had numerous chances with Wands actually missing an open goal after a shot from Hill.  He did, however made up for it later on with a great pass to Hill who got his second of the game.  Hill could have in fact had the match ball however put his last shot wide.  With the game drawing to a close, Steel had a chance but the keeper saved well.

The game was a great result for Helensburgh and they look to continue next week away at Western.

Helensburgh team – Black (capt.), McGregor, McWilliam, Stewart (MoM), Moore, Millar, Kennedy, Richardson, Hill, Wands, Caulfield, Brown, Steel.

2nd Team
 
The second team were at home to Ayr this weekend and after a 4-0 thrashing in the first half, they came out and fought back for a 3-2 second half victory. Had the game lasted longer it could have been a different result but sadly the game ended 6-3.

3rd Team

The third team, also at home, hosted Rottenrow, a newly formed division four team.  Rottenrow haven’t lost all season and it showed in this game with a comfortable 8-0 win over the Burgh.



Saturday 19/11/11 Match Report

1st Team 

Helensburgh’s first team had no game this weekend due to a cancellation. After last week’s first victory against Strathclyde University they look forward to trying to continue the run next week at home to Kelburne.  Currently sitting in 10th, with only one win, it’s going to a tough road ahead but the first team are confident of staying in the top flight.

2nd Team - Victory Over Uddingston

The second team were in action against Uddingston away and managed a second victory of the season under young Captain, David McGregor.

The game started well for the home side with Helensburgh under pressure.  Steel coped well with the early attack though, cleaning up for the defence. Helensburgh came straight back with Richardson and Wands attacking through the middle. Uddingston looked shaky at the back and Helensburgh did well all game to make them suffer.  As the game wore on, first blood fell to the home side.  McGregor - in goal for this week - made the initial save but a keen Uddingston forward swept up the rebound to make it 1-0.  Helensburgh hit back almost immediately with Steel playing Cox in down the wing.  He sent the ball into the D with Wands netting a nice first time hit.  The game continued to flow from end to end; with Steel keeping defensive efforts tightly controlled with the help of Friel and Walsh.  Half time came as a needed break for both sides due to the fast pace of the first half.

The second half started brightly for the burgh with Walsh hitting his usual strong 16-yard hits to the attackers.  Hill picked up one and took the ball for a run into the D; he dribbled it nicely around the keeper to take Helensburgh into the lead for the first time in the game.  Uddingston came back at Helensburgh, McGregor in goals kept out the ball though with a great double save and Steel was there again to sweep the ball away!  As the game wore on, it was Uddingston who had the possession and the lion’s share of the attacking action.  Richardson was all over the pitch as usual and seemed tireless.  McGregor was called into action again and the ball was kept out.  As the whistle approached for full time, Helensburgh took a free hit to relieve some pressure, with Steel playing it to Hill up front who slipped a nice ball to Wands, who in turn slotted a second shot of the game into the bottom corner.  The final score was 3-1 to the Burgh!

Helensburgh Team – McGregor (capt.), Friel, Walsh, Harrison, Steel (MoM), Cox, Richardson, Hill, Osbourne, Wands, Gordon.



Saturday 12/11/11 Match Report


Helensburgh 1s Use Quality Over Quantity

The Helensburgh first team were playing away this week against Strathclyde University and it was a strong team that went on the trip. The game started well for Helensburgh as they pressed right from the start. They stole the ball early on and were a goal to the good after the ball was stolen by Millar and played it to Hill, who fired a reverse stick shot into the bottom corner. After this Strathclyde held possession well in their half but couldn’t create anything as the Burgh players defended well. Their attack did eventually come, building down Helensburgh’s right flank, as it did often in the game; however M.McGregor kept them at bay most of the game. As the half wore on, Helensburgh had a few more chances with Wands and Brown coming close. Wands actually found himself one on one with the opposition goalkeeper, who rose to the threat and left Wands wondering how he managed to miss. The half was nearing an end when Black was first called into action in the Burgh goal and he looked confident with a double save. As the half drew near to a close, Strathclyde had the last chance with their striker pouncing on a rebounded save; scoring an easy tap-in.  Half time it was 1-1.

The second half continued much as the first half did with the home side holding possession in their own half. The Helensburgh squad were patient and when the ball eventually came through the Midfield, the defence were holding strong with M.McGregor and Stewart holding well. Kennedy and P.McGregor commanded the midfield with military prescision and carved open another gap in the opposition defences, the netting of the ball just evaded Millar. Strathclyde hit on the counter and a defensive mix up by Kennedy was seized with visible relief on the home side’s faces as the Strathclyde forwards scored an easy goal. Burgh looked shaken as they had generated the lion’s share of shots and opportunities on goal but still trailed. As the half drew on, the burgh boys managed to up their game again and pressed forward, re-opening the cracks in the Strathy defence. They won a good number of short corners and managed to convert one. With Hill pushing out, the ball was slipped to Rentoul on the right who slotted it home with a well struck shot near grazing the inside of the post. At 2 a piece Helensburgh pushed on. Millar and Hill were involved in almost every attack, the two were having a good game. Brown also came close but it was Millar who had the shot of the match. His hit from just inside the D was ever so close to the top corner, but sadly it was not to be. Strathclyde hit Burgh on the break a few times in the second half, but each time it seemed to be M.McGregor there, holding the fort. As the game drew to a close Helensburgh were firing the ball in from all angles, desperate for their first win of the season.  Lady luck was on their side; after a short corner which went wrong, Wands found himself at the back post with an open goal and finished calmly. The whole team celebrated the goal as now Helensburgh were back in front. With not long left, Black kept the team in it with a couple of simple saves late on, although he had a rare quiet game on the whole. Burgh managed to keep possession down in the Strathclyde half and the game finished with a short corner to Helensburgh which Millar narrowly drew wide of the mark. The final 3-2 score line brought a well-earned first victory of the season for the Burgh and will hopefully spur a run of good results!

 
Helensburgh Team –  Black (capt.), M.McGregor (MoM), Stewart, McWilliam, Moore, Kennedy,
                                P.McGregor, Millar, Hill, Wands, Brown, Rentoul.



Saturday 17/9/11 Match Report


Helensburgh Hockey Club’s summer holidays were over last week and after an unlucky performance as the men’s first team looked to this week with a home game against Clydesdale 3rd XI. The team were stretched, only fielding the bare 11 as a couple of players were unavailable.

Helensburgh Unlucky in Defeat! 

The 1st team game started with the sun shining and straight away Helensburgh were under pressure, Clydesdale showing their intent from early on. The home side took their time to settle in and once they did the players started moving the ball around well, creating an early chance which went wide. It was Clydesdale who had the best of the possession in the early minutes. They moved the ball around the pitch and the chances they had were saved by keeper Black. When Helensburgh did have possession they failed to use it all, almost always passing to opposition. The first goal came after 20 minutes and it went against the home side. After some neat play down the right wing from Clydesdale, the ball was sent into the home D where ex-Helensburgh player Lewis Crawford (now a Clydesdale player) took a shot, met by the keeper, however the defence failed to clear and a swift follow-up ‘dale player managed to poke the ball in. The game then settled for a while as both teams failed to do much with the ball. With a few minutes left in the half, a quick free hit from McWilliam at the back set up Kennedy on the wing, he in turn fed Rennie who sent the ball into the D with pace for Brown. Receiving with composure and speed; the ‘Burgh forward set up Hill to apply an excellent finish, closing the half with honours even.

The rain started falling as the second half started and Clydesdale came out all guns blazing. Chance after chance was created and Black at the back as kept busy all game. Campbell and McGregor also had plenty to do at left and right back respectively. Under the battles with constant pressure the defence tired and Rennie took an injury to his calf. With an injured ‘Burgh player limping around the pitch, Clydesdale seemed to push on and finally took one of their chances to the goalmouth. Black was unable to reach the ball as the score went to 2-1. Helensburgh continued to hold on and although they weren’t having much luck up front, they managed to maintain possession whilst lacking the final ball. McWilliam played solidly at the back and the Clydesdale forwards struggled to get past him, and when they did keeper Black was their almost every time. However, with Clydesdale having substitutes, fresh legs came on and they made it count. Another mix-up in defence after a save from Black meant an easy goal was scored. Immediately from the restart however, Helensburgh hit back with Hill and Millar linking up well setting up Brown, who in turn placed a ball on a tee by Caulfield for a sweetly struck shot - slipping between the goalkeepers legs. With the score at 3-2 Helensburgh pushed forward, but sadly it was not to be as the shots didn’t hit the backboard. Final score was 3 – 2.

Helensburgh team – Black (capt.), McWilliam (MoM), McGregor, Campbell, Rennie, Kennedy,
                              Hill, Moore, Millar, Caulfield, Brown.


The 2nd team had an unfortunate game as well as they could only manage to get ten players together. They played away at Ansar with captain, McGregor playing in goals. They lost 4-1.


Helensburgh 3rd team were the only team to record points this week playing away at Anchor. They could only muster 9 players and so borrowed two players from Anchor. They started lively but soon went behind from an own goal by Steven Stewart. 1-0 at half time. After a rousing talk by McClure and a change of goalkeeper, they got going again. The second half proceeded as the first but this time Stewart kept a clean sheet and young Andy Yorke scored a great goal from a short corner. The game finished 1-1 and was a very good performance from the team.



Friday 18/3/11 Quiz Night





Saturday 5/2/11 and Sunday 6/2/11 Results and Reports

Helensburgh 1sts

Helensburgh Mens first Hockey team had two games this weekend and it wasn’t to be a happy weekend as they lost both, however it was first and second place team taking them on.
The game on Saturday was at home to top side Kelbourne and it was to be a miserable result to go along with miserable weather. Earlier in the season, Helensburghs boys had lost a whopping 9-0 and this game was to be a similar situation with the half time score at 4-0. However the second half was ever so slightly better with Wands adding to his tally of goals this season. The defence fought well all game and keeper Black made a number of saves, but the Kelbourne boys were too strong and the final score was 9-1. 
 
Helensburgh Team - Black, McWilliam, Richardson, Gooding, Kennedy, M.McGregor, Crawford, C.Wands (capt), R.Wands, D.McGregor, Millar, Steel
 
Sundays game proved to be a fiery affair with both teams receiving cards and goals flowed freely. The Home team were Anchor, who are looking for a place in National Leagues next season. As the game started, Anchor had plenty of possession and it wasn’t long until they had a chance on goal, but it went wide. As Helensburgh started to warm up to the game, it wasn’t long before they had a chance, but again it went wide. The game pace was high and both teams held possession well. Only five minutes in, the deadlock was broken, with a nice ball into the D from Captain Wands, finding Brown, who finished calmly. Anchor seemed angered from this and they were straight back into the game with nice reverse stick shot hitting the back of the net almost straight from the pushback. The game slowed a bit after this but Anchor held the ball well and received a number of penalty corners. The defence were put through there paces again and sadly slipped up on one short corner as the ball went straight under keeper Black. The home team got another goal without Helensburgh reply with some nice stick skills from there midfielder who turned the score into 3-1. Helensburgh finally got a hold of themselves and managed a reply with C.Wands dribbling the ball into the D and finishing himself, a fantastic solo effort. The burgh had a few more chances with Crawford dribbling well down the wing and D.Rentoul sending balls into the opposition D at high speed every time he had the ball. The next goal was crucial and sadly it fell to Helensburgh, at the wrong end of the pitch. Anchor credited with the goal but the shot, which was going wide, sadly deflected in off M.McGregor. McGregor made up for his mistake however with plenty of decent balls coming from the left back position all across the pitch. The first half ended with a goal for one of the Anchor central defenders, beating Black at his near post. The half ended at 5-2.
 
The second half proved to be a fiery affair, with an Anchor player receiving a green card for tackling which resulted in Anchor being down to ten men for a couple minutes. Helensburgh made there extra numbers count with a ball by M.McGregor across pitch to L.Rentoul who searched out Brown, adding his second of the game. Helensburgh fought on but Anchor found another goal which ended the dreams of a comeback. The ball came through to Anchors big centre forward who took on the defenders well and he managed to finish it calmly. Helensburgh then went down to 10 men as D. Rentouls tackling let him down, and his back chat made the green into a yellow card, as he missed ten minutes of the second half. With the game nearing its end, the last event of note fell to Black who made an acrobatic save from a penalty corner to leave the final score at 6-3.
 
Helensburgh Team - Black, L.Rentoul, M.McGregor, McWilliam, P.McGregor, L.Rentoul, Millar, R.Wands, C.Wands (Capt, MoM), Crawford, Brown, Greggain.
Helensburghs next game is at home, this Saturday, to GHK, whom also gained promotion last year alongside Helensburgh. Pushback around 1pm.

Helensburgh 2nds
 
Helensburghs second mens Hockey team played away on Saturday against Hillhead. The game was a Midfield battle throughout as Wain, McGregor and Richardson battled well for the team. Also, gritty defending from Steel and Walsh kept a clean sheet for the team, however up front lacked the fire power it needed from Black and D.McGregor. The score ended in a rare 0-0 draw. Helensburgh 2s play this Saturday at home to Clydesdale, pushback around 3pm.
 
If you would like to try Hockey, please come along on a Monday night 7 - 9 PM, all players are welcome, whether new or old!



Saturday 29/1/11 Results and Report


Helensburgh 1sts

Helensburgh’s away game against Steppes proved to be a difficult encounter as Helensburgh had to field a weakened team due to other commitments and injuries taking their toll. However the game announced the return of former Helensburgh striker Glenn Brown.
 
The game started with possession for Steppes and they had the first number of shots; however keeper, Black kept them out. Then followed a number of short corners for the home side but they failed to convert. Helensburgh’s defence held strong throughout the whole game and in fact seemed to be the only players in the team. However, the attackers did get a chance, with Brown playing the ball to Millar off the left wing. Millar was unfortunate as it was only the post that the kept the ball out. This proved to be Helensburgh’s best chance of the half as Steppes continued to put the defence through their paces. Steppes had another three short corners in quick succession but some gritty defending from Richardson and McGregor and some quick reactions from Black held the score at half time to 0-0.
 
Captain Wands then showed why he is captain with an inspirational team talk at half time, claiming the first goal would decide the game. How wrong he was!
 
Early in the second half Steppes continued with heavy pressure and it wasn’t long until Helensburgh conceded. The ball managed to sneak through and reach the striker, who slipped the ball past Black. Straight from the pushback the ball seemed to end up back on the sticks of the Steppes players and the defence felt another onslaught coming, however the ball went wide of the goal. From the hit-out, central defender McGregor sent a lovely ball to Millar on the wing; who sped past one defender and crossed the ball, finding Brown who chipped it nicely over the Goalkeeper. This goal seemed to shake the Steppes players who started arguing amongst themselves. With Helensburgh on the front foot, they attacked again and a ball in from the wing, this time from Brown found M.McGregor sliding in at the back post to score a second goal. Steppes continued to press as the possession didn’t reflect the scoreline. However the back line held strong. Helensburgh tried as hard as they could to keep the ball out of their half, and in fact won a free hit just inside the opponents half. Rentoul hit the ball straight into the D, which caught Brown’s stick and ended up in the top corner, a superb goal. With Steppes staring at defeat, they continued to press and it fell to keeper Black to keep the score at 3-1 in the last minute with a late save. Helensburgh came off the pitch after a heated end to the game with their heads held high after this emphatic victory. Final score 3 - 1.
 
Helensburgh team - Black, Andrews, Dodds, P.McGregor, Richardson, M.McGregor, Crawford, Rentoul, Wands (Capt.), Millar, Brown (MoM)
 
Helensburgh’s next game is at home to Kelburne, this Saturday, at around 1pm, they hope to improve on the current league position of 6th in the table.
 

Helensburgh 2nds 

Helensburgh 2s had an away game as well, playing a superior Western side. Unfortunately, due to the first team taking their players, they too were struggling for team members, succumbing to a 7-0 defeat. Their next game is away at Hillhead. If you would like to try playing, feel free to come to training on a Monday night, at the Lomond School pitch, Rhu Road Higher, from 7 til 9pm.



Saturday 22/1/11 Results and Report


Helensburgh 1sts

Helensburgh 1s 4-2 Glasgow Accies


Helensburgh Mens Hockey team managed their first win after the winter break on Saturday at home to Glasgow Accies. Helensburgh welcomed back Rentoul and Dodds for the first time after New Year and the game started in extremely misty conditions.

Helensburgh had most of the pressure of the first half it seemed. They started positively with good linkup between strike partners Wands and Millar. The wingers also seemed to be on form as Crawford and Williams played plenty of balls into the D. The first goal fell to the home side and was finished superbly. Winger, Williams, played a great solo effort after receiving the ball down the right. He dribbled into the D round two defenders and smashed the ball into the net. Helensburgh found the net again, this time through Rentoul. The home team had won a short corner which was well executed and only a great save from Accies goalkeeper kept it out. Sadly for the defending side, Rentoul pounced on the loose ball to slot it in. Helensburgh continued the pressure for the time and some good passing all over the pitch from central Midfielder Kennedy set up a good number of chances, but none were converted. Helensburgh also had a number of short corners but again, Accies held strong.  Burgh managed a third goal and it was Williams again who finished it. Some neat passing through the midfield left him through in space and he calmly slotted it home. The game seemed to have already been won by Helensburgh and they took the foot off the pedal. Naturally this resulted in some Accies attack. Glasgow Accies only real chance of the first half came right before the whistle, but some gritty defending by McGregor and a neat save by Black kept the clean sheet on.  Half time 3-0.

The second half started with pace from both sides. Accies looked a lot livelier and had a good couple of chances early on in the game however Keeper Black kept them out. Defender Gooding set up a great chance with one of his usual long balls. Crawford, on the wing, dribbled in and out of defenders and crossed into the D but sadly no one converted. Accies then stepped up the game and the Helensburgh defence was worked hard. The ball came into the D for Accies and there striker hit a lovely reverse stick shot which managed its way through the Goalkeepers legs and into the goal. With the Glasgow side looking ever likely to catch Helensburghs two goal lead, some tactical changes brought Park onto the pitch which made an instant impact. Dribbling straight down the wing and into the D, Helensburgh won a short corner and an almost identical goal was scored. Wands with the hit, which the Accies keeper kept out, however the defenders couldn’t clear and Rentoul finished the job. Sadly for Burgh the final act of the day was to be an away goal. The ball broke free and McGregors pass didn’t find Gooding who was beaten to the ball, with a one on one, the Helensburgh Goalkeeper lost out and the ball hit the back board. Final score, 4-2.

Helensburgh team – Black, MacWilliam, Dodds, Gooding, McGregor, Williams, Crawford, Kennedy, Rentoul(MoM), Wands(capt.), Millar, Park.



Saturday 15/1/11 Results and Reports


Helensburgh 1sts

Helensburgh 1s 2-2 Hillhead (result up for Scottish Hockey verifiction)

Helensburghs Hockey season restarted on Saturday with a controversial home tie against a strong Hillhead team.  After an extended winter break, the sticks and tops were dusted off for what ended up being a fantastic game of hockey on this very wet day.
 
The game started with pace, certainly from the Hillhead players who, after 30 seconds, had a chance on goal but was put wide. The Hillhead team certainly look the most likely to score in the first 15 minutes as they kept possession well, but the Helensburgh defence kept strong. However a nice chipped ball came into the Burgh D, which was well controlled and placed into the bottom corner past the keeper, Black. Helensburgh then woke up for a short while as they strung a good number of passes number. M.McGregor, Moore and C.Wands all linking up well and the ball ended up in the net after a good strike from Wands. Hillhead then seemed to up the pace approaching half time. The Helensburgh goalkeeper made a string of top saves to keep the score tied. With only 5 minutes remaining, the Burgh attackers looked likely to score however a sudden change in possession and a quick counter attack left 4 Hillhead strikers and 3 Helensburgh defenders. The goalkeeper came rushing out but the ball trickled past him as the Half time whistle came. Hillhead went in ahead, 2-1.
 
The second half started with more pace, just as the rain increased and the burgh defence were kept busy. Some gritty defending kept Burgh in the game. Helensburgh managed to retain some possession as they made good passes all over the pitch with Millar linking well with Moore in attack. Helensburghs second goal came after around 10 minutes into the second half. A good pass into the D by Crawford left the Hillhead defence scrambling. The ball seemed to bounce about however Millar managed to get a stick onto the ball and it rolled over the line.
However the game wasn’t to finish, as the Hillhead goalkeeper had to leave the pitch due to injury after a clash with a Helensburgh player. Both teams agreed on a 2-2 draw being fair result.
 
Helensburgh team news – G.Black, A.Gooding, A.Richardson, P.McGregor, A.Boyle, S.Crawford, K.Greggain, B.Kennedy, C.Wands (capt)(1), P.Moore, C.Millar (MoM)(1), R.Wands, M.McGregor. Helensburgh hope to gain a much needed victory next weekend against Glasgow Accies at home, pushback around 1pm, with the return of Defender M.Dodds and Midfielder D.Rentoul.


Helensburgh 2nds

No game, cancelled


Helensburgh 3rds

Helensburgh 3s 4-0 Clydesdale 7s

A solid and razor-sharp all-round performance from the team saw them emerge 4-0 victors over a well-structured Clydesdale team.  From the off, the Burgh boys looked to be chasing for as many swift attacks as possible with the breakthrough coming from David McGregor, placing a shot out of the Clydesdale keeper's reach in a bottom corner after frustrating a few defenders en route.  Continuing pressure from the Burgh forwards built to the award of a short corner with a soaring flick from Jonathon Cox palmed back into the D only to fall at the feet of McGregor to notch up a second.  Solid defensive work kept the Burgh keeper Murphy with relatively little to do in comparison to his opposite number.  Jonathon Cox made his mark on the scoresheet with a third for the Burgh, a reverse-stick hit which struck the post and rolled across the line with the spin on the ball.  Support from the midfield and defence held the ball with the forwards in and around the Clydesdale D with opportunities falling to Daniel Shahid and others narrowly missing the target.  The final minutes of the match saw the Burgh claim yet another goal, with David McGregor, chasing a hat-trick claiming his third capping off some intricate play between the father and son pair of Barry and Jonathon Cox to seal the result.  In spite of the un-flattering scoreline, the Clydesdale keeper deserves a great deal of credit for keeping a potentially far greater scoreline at bay.



Tuesday 23/11/10 Umpire Theory Tests for C-Badge


All who attended, both Helensburgh and Loch Lomond ladies, who sat the test were pleased to find they passed and are capable of displaying a satisfactory level of knowledge of the rules of the game and how they should be applied, now its just a matter of sitting the practical assessment to have the club flooded with a whole new set of umpires.  Well done everyone.



Saturday 20/11/10 Results and Report


Helensburgh 1sts

Helensburgh 1s 0 – 4 Monklands

Helensburgh’s first men’s hockey team lost again this week to make it three straight defeats in a row.
Monklands hadn’t lost a game yet this season and only conceded one goal but the Burgh Captain - Chris Wands, was optimistic before the start of the game. It started well for the home team as they held some possession at the back however Monklands stole the ball and attacked quickly.  The Helensburgh defence knew it was going to be a busy day as they dealt with the first chance well. Helensburgh’s midfield took a long time to get going as the ball seemed to escape Wands and Kennedy all too often. Monklands first goal came after an unfortunate foot in the D to give away a penalty corner. As the ball went out it took a very nice drag flick to beat Goalkeeper Black’s reach narrowly. Monklands continued the pressure as Helensburgh continued to defend strongly however it didn’t take long for another penalty corner to come for the away side. Sadly for Helensburgh, the exact same happened as a drag flick soared into the net again. As half time approached, the ‘Burgh players looked tired, and Monklands seemed to be able to pass the ball over the pitch. The away side looked like they wanted to walk the ball into the net, and in fact just before the whistle they did, with the superior passing showing, the keeper was left for dead as the attacker scored.

After half time the game changed and it seemed to even up a bit. Strong defending from McWilliam kept the Monklands players out and Helensburgh broke away to have a shot on goal, however it went narrowly wide. Monklands final goal came around the fifty minute mark as a good save from keeper Black kept them out however the rebounded shot seemed to slip through the narrowest of gaps past the Helensburgh defender, Gooding, on the line. At 4-0 down, ‘Burgh did improve and started to play some better Hockey.  A well-earned penalty corner for the home team sadly went wide. As Monklands came again, stand-in left back, McWilliam, again came to the rescue as he cleared the ball a number of times. Grittier defending at the end of the game from Scott Hill kept the score down at 4-0 with the final Monklands shot rocketed off the keepers pads to go wide.

Helensburgh hope to improve after the recent slump next week at Western. They play away, push back around 1pm.
Helensburgh team – G.Black, A.Gooding, G.McWilliam (MoM), Scott Hill, A.Boyle, C.Millar, Hammond, B.Kennedy, Stuart Hill, C.Wands (capt), L.Crawford,  M.McGregor


Helensburgh 3rds

The 3rd team played a good game today away at Uddingston against their 4th team but sadly fell to a 2-1 loss, the goal for the visitors coming from David McGregor, his first of the season.



Saturday 13/11/10 Results and Report


Helensburgh 1st

9-Man Helensburgh Fall to Kelburne

Helensburgh men’s first team were away at Kelburne on Saturday however injuries took their toll as the team could only field 10 players, slumping to a poor 7-1 defeat.  There were fresh faces from the younger teams including David McGregor and Daniel Shahid both making their first league appearance for the first team.
The game started slowly with Kelburne passing the ball all over the pitch and controlling the pace easily however Burgh had the first serious chance when a loose pass was picked up by Captain Wands but was put narrowly wide. Kelburne then hit back immediately as they had a good chance denied by keeper Black.  With burgh managing some nice passing, they made their way forward to attack, however Kelburne defended well and hit on the counter. The Kelburne striker outran the Helensburgh defence to shoot, a good save again by keeper Black unfortunately fell to a lonely Kelburne player who slotted the ball home. The extra man started showing as they moved the ball easily around the pitch, a ball down the right wing ended up in the D which was then slipped past the burgh keeper to be calmly placed home. The third goal to the Glasgow side came just before half time as they kept the ball moving all over the pitch and the pressure proved too much for Helensburgh as they conceded.  A glimmer of hope came from the youngsters as just on the whistle, wingers Crawford and Shahid combined well down the wing to cross the ball in; however the ball ended up just wide of the post.
Half time proved to be influential as the Helensburgh squad came out all guns blazing. Right back McWilliam passed a nice ball down the wing which was crossed in. The Kelburne keeper made a good save however the burgh winger, Crawford was there to mop up and score a clinical goal. With burgh looking positive, midfielders Kennedy and Wands combined well to send balls into the opposition D however the final touch was just not there. Striker D.McGregor came close on a good few occasions. Burgh’s strong centre back, Paul McGregor, however, had to go off with a hamstring injury which left burgh down to only 9 players on the pitch. The now 2-man advantage really showed now as they increased the lead to 4-1 with another tap-in after a good save from Black fell into the path of another Kelburne striker. The fifth and sixth goals followed as the Helensburgh team tried, but struggled to create anything. The final goal of the day fell to Kelburne. A number of quick reaction saves from the keeper and some gritty defending from burgh kept the Kelburne players on edge, however the ball fell once more to a waiting Kelburne player who struck it sweetly to arc into the top corner away from reach of keeper Black. The final score was 7-1.

Helensburgh Team - Black, McWilliam, Richardson, Boyle, P.McGregor, Shahid, Crawford, Wands ©, Kennedy, D.McGregor.  Helensburgh look to turn their recent slump in form around at home next week, to Monklands. Push back around 1:00pm.



Saturday 16/10/10 Results and Report


Helensburgh 1st sadly lost to a very skillful Kelburne 3s with every solid and purposeful effort made by the Burgh somehow not able to break the opposition, most of whom are competing for spots in the Hillhead 2nd team who play at regional level and so trap the 3rd team in district league 1.

Helensburgh 2nd

After a few recent disappointing results for the Burgh a win was needed today. On a beautiful sunny day a strange optimism flowed through the team as they warmed up for the game, and so to the game itself.

First half started with a bang for the Burgh as most of the possession and chances were theirs with Cox and Caulfield both coming close in the early minutes with great support from Mcgregor, Park and Richardson. Then out of the blue around 30 minutes a goal... for Hillhead. The goal came against the flow of the game with most of the chances cropping up for Burgh. Some indifferent defending and good awareness from the solitary Hillhead forward. 0-1

HT

Some strong words were bounced  round the team at half time to give the necessary kick up the backside the team needed. Back to the game.

Early parts of the second half were as much as a carbon-copy of the first. Good pressure from the Burgh was met with equal intensity from the Hillhead defence as Burgh went searching for an equaliser. A few breakouts from the Hillhead players caused some trouble from the stalwart figure of the keeper Stewart. As the game rolled on it became stretched as players got tired from the sapping strength of the sun and then with 20 minutes to go an equalising goal flew in. A neat through ball into the D from Henderson then left Cox on his own to cooly slot the ball in. 1-1. This in turn brought a new sense of urgency from both teams now looking for a winner with Walsh, Campbell, Steel and Murphy holding strong at the back and the Hillhead defence causing frustration within the burgh forwards. With a quarter of an hour to go another Helensburgh goal, Andy Campbell took a loose ball out of defence and within a blink of an eye surged on to the right wing firing in a low hard cross which caught a lucky deflection off of a Burgh forward, drifting over the unsuspecting keeper and into the back of the net. 2-1.

With more sterling defending from the Helensburgh defence another goal was had. A swift move down the middle into the Hillhead D led to the ball finding a defender’s foot to earn a short corner. Seemingly drawing inspiration from Commonwealth matches a short corner routine to be proud of saw a pass across the D lead to Caulfield slotting home the 3rd. 3-1.
Into the last 5 and Helensburgh kept looking to add a bit more gloss to the scoreline. A clearance from the burgh D and a thoughtful dummy from Cox left Caulfield on his own 1-on-1 with the keeper, an ice-cold lift over him finished the game at an impressive 4-1.

FT

Goals: Cox (2), Caulfield (2)

Helensburgh 2’s team: R.Park (c), A.Campbell, J.Caulfield, J.Cox, R.Henderson, M.Mcgregor, S.Murphy, A.Richardson, J.Steele, S.Stewart, P.Walsh.

Saturday 9/10/10 - Results and Report

 

Helensburgh 1st mens hockey team continued their good form at home to Stepps to make it 3 games unbeaten on a windy Saturday. The game started with a lot of pace as the teams shared possession. The first chance fell to Helensburgh but it wasn’t until about 20 minutes that the deadlock was broken. A good pass down the wing from Millar to Wands who took the shot, a deflection off the keeper fell to Millar who finished nicely squeezing a shot in at the near post. Stepps had a similar chance which the Burgh defence dealt with easily. Burgh kept the pressure on for the rest of the half and it paid off as Wands made it 2-0 going into half time. As the second half started, the Helensburgh team kept the pressure from the first half on. Good link-up play between the midfield and forwards resulted in many chances for Helensburgh but sadly they weren’t converted. With about 50 minutes on the clock, everything seemed to work for the Burgh and some sloppy defending from the Stepps team let Wands through on goal to make it 3-0. Shortly after, winger MacWilliam received a nice ball across the D from Millar to find himself 1-on-1 with the keeper however he saved well. Helensburgh's last goal fell to Millar, netting his second of the game after some poor defending. With Helensburgh sitting comfortably at 4-0 the midfield seemed to take the foot off the pedal. This in turn led to a change in possession as the Stepps players began to gain more chances. Helensburgh keeper Black, made a good few saves however it wasn’t long before the ball hit the backboard. With little time remaining, the Stepps boys grabbed a consolation goal in the last few minutes to leave the final score at 4-2. Helensburgh's next game is against Kelburne 3 away on Saturday 16th. Home team – Black, Dodds, Gooding, Boyle, MacGregor, Millar (MoM), MacWilliam, Kennedy, Rentoul, Wands (capt.) Moore, Crawford.

 

Helensburghs 2nd mens team sadly lost their home game to Western. The team defended very well despite a lot of pressure from the away team. A combination of good defending and quality goalkeeping kept the result to a very respectable score of just 1-0 to Western. The 2nds next game is on Saturday 16th, at home to Hillhead. 1pm pushback.

The Helensburgh 3rd team succumbed to a 9-0 defeat. The team, full of our promising youngsters, and a few older heads to guide them couldn’t fend off a much stronger Ansar team as they lost away from home. Their next game is on Saturday 16th, at home to Clydesdale. Pushback around 3pm if you’d like to watch!

Friday 1/10/10 - Race Night Results and Big Winners


The return of the ever-popular race night raising funds for the club was once again a roaring success with a good laugh, banter and general fun night for all and most importantly the club benefitted to the tune of around £1600.  The big winning horses of the evening have to be recognised along with which prizes they won their owners and anyone who put a bet on them before each race :-    
   
Race 1       H.Orse - Owned by Moira J-Maun won a food hamper from the Buffet Shop

Race 2       Magic - Owned by 1st team captain Chris Wands won a 3 course meal for 2 and wine at the Upper Crust

Race 3       Galluping Gail - Owned byt Graham Craig won a £30 meal voucher for Princess Rose Steaks

Race 4       Blue Nose - Owned by Tam Symington won a bottle of 12 year Tormore single malt from Clyde Whiskies

Race 5       Kirkhill Rose - Owned by Rob Snodgrass won a case of 6 wines provided by the Trophy Centre

Race 6       Paradise - Owned by 3rd team captain John Friel won a £20 voucher for Ardardan and £20 in cash provided jointly by Ardardan and The Wedding Planner

Race 7       Mitch's Magic - Owned by Grant Mitchell won a 6-hour cleaning service provided by TLC

Race 8       Gay Rider - Owned by a consortium of Gay Black and others scooping a whopping £134 in cash from the bids made on the horses for this final race

Lady luck didn't favour all of us with some buying two horses and getting nothing and others missing out narrowly on the big prizes but thats the nature of betting and racing.  Stand-up bingo, a "cheap-skate" silent auction and a losers raffle as well as a proper raffle put out a few more brilliant prizes.  In the bidding for the horses for race 8 the most expensive "nag" was sold at £42, well outside the price-range of the horde of high-school pupils who did eventually get a horse in spite of teasing bids from Conner.

Huge thanks once again to everyone who helped set up, run and took part in the evening, especially Sue, Barry, Gail and all of the bar staff and of course our bookies in training as well as the man who runs the show David.  The brilliant prizes from the sponsors on the night I'm sure were greatly appreciated by their winners so many thanks to; Ardardan Estate, The Wedding Planner, Helensburgh Trophy Centre, The Upper Crust, Clyde Whiskies, TLC, The Princess Rose, The Commodore Hotel, No.28 Restaurant, Vikingar, Paradise Golf, Laser Quest, The Carrick Spa, Di-Maggios Restaurants and The Buffet Shop.

Friday 1/10/10 - Race Night


The race night returns to the Rugby club with all the classic fun, buy your horse name it something funny/plain strange for owners prizes from meals for 2 to cash!  And even if you don't own a horse bet on the races and win big along with sit-down bingo and a buffet to boot, what more could you want?  Tickets are £5 each and can be bought from Barry, bring friends, family and anyone who wants a good night and a laugh with the hockey club.



Saturday 18/09/10 - 1st Team vs Glasgow Accies Match Report and 2nd/3rd Team Results

 

Helensburgh 1s Triumph In Unexpected Style

The 6-1 score line flattered the Helensburgh 1s mens hockey team this week as they played away to Glasgow Accies first team.

The game started well for Helensburgh, in a sunny Glasgow, as the away team had all the possession, and the pressure was on the Accies goal for the first five minutes, however they couldn’t capitalise on any chances they had. The first clear cut chance fell to the Accies as they hit on the counter attack. A two on one against sweeper, Boyle, left the Accies striker through on goal, and keeper Black, coming out to meet the striker missed and the ball ended up in the net. The possession then fell the other way as Accies moved the ball nicely all over the pitch, however the burgh defence held well and the keeper had little to do. Helensburgh eventually got it back together late on in the half as a nice ball came to Captain Wands, to score a deserved goal. The half time score was even at 1 a piece.

The second half started and Helensburgh seemed a different team, combining well with wingers Millar and MacWilliam creating plenty of chances. Helensburgh took the lead with a sweetly struck shot by Wands again, from a short corner. Not long after, the Captain struck home again, taking the score to 3-1. Accies seemed to be afraid of marking playmaker Wands as he added his fourth with some poor defending on their behalf, however it wasn’t long until Accies eventually got into the Burgh D, but some quick reactions from the keeper kept their striker from scoring. The defence cleared the ball well with an excellent long pass by Boyle, which found striker Moore on the edge the opposition D, sweeping a powerful shot past the Accies 'keeper. Moore had another chance not long after which he converted to make it 6-1. Two more chances fell to Moore, both excellent defensive passes from right back Gooding of which one hit the post and the other was missed completely, meaning the young striker missed out on his first hatrick for the 1s wrapping up the game at 6-1.

Helensburgh 1s – Black, Gooding, Dodds, Boyle, MacGregor, MacWilliam, Millar, Kennedy, D.Rentoul, Wands (MoM), Moore, L.Rentoul, Hall.
Helensburgh's next game is at Home to Stepps on October the 9th, Pushback around 1pm.

The 2nd team made the trip to Motherwell and came up against a strong and skillfull Motherwell side who, in spite of every effort from the 2nd team claimed the full 3 points with a 5-1 victory.

The 3rd team played host to the 2nd Glasgow Accies team as the 1sts played at their home ground, with skillful play and good opportunities taken well all over the pitch the 3rd team managed to secure their first 3 points of the season with an impressive 5-1 victory at the full time whistle.



Thursday 26/08/10 - New Site Construction


The site is being worked on and edited today and hopefully any issues or edits to be made will be complete and functioning by the end of the month if not end of the week. Any ideas or suggestions for edits or additions to the site, please feel free to post these as guestbook comments or e-mail to paul_moore_3@hotmail.com. Thanks, Gingerpaul (webmaster).



Saturday 21/08/10 - Friendly; 1st Team 2-3 Falkirk


Helensburgh lost their first pre-season friendly today (Saturday) to a strong Falkirk side on a sunny afternoon. The home team started well with Hill and Millar linking well up front, but the Falkirk side were well organised and were putting the Burgh defence under plenty of pressure. An early Falkirk chance was well saved by Goalkeeper Black but it wasn’t long til' he was picking the ball out the back of the net. A Falkirk shot across the D was tapped in by none other than Helensburgh centre back Gooding. With not much time until the half time whistle, Millar had Helensburgh's best chance of the half when the ball was passed nicely across the D for a one on one with the Falkirk Goalkeeper, but the keeper made an excellent save to keep Falkirk 1-0 up at half time. The second half started well for the visitors as they received a number of short corners but failed to capitalise after some gritty Burgh defence. Helensburghs first goal came when the ball was crossed from the wing by Rentoul for Hill to dummy setting up Millar for a cool finish. With Burgh keeping the pressure on, a quick free hit was taken by Hill, who set up Millar for his second, the Falkirk defence taking its time to reorganise gave Millar his chance, flicking the ball right between the keeper’s legs. Falkirk then got their second with a well-taken short corner from the top of the D. Sadly that wasn’t all for the game as Boyle was sent off in the last few minutes, Falkirk taking the free hit quickly, with their striker scoring a very nice reverse stick goal. The final score sat at 3-2 to the Away side. Helensburgh team – G.Black, M.Dods, G.MacWilliam, A.Boyle, A.Gooding, J.Osbourne, C.Millar (Man of Match), D.Rentoul, B.Kennedy (C), S.Hill, K.Greggain, A.Richardson, B.Cox, J.Mooney, Lewis

 Helensburghs 1s next game is home against the 2s in a fun friendly, all are welcome along however, even to watch, you may get given a stick and asked to play. Pushback around 1pm.