Tournament end

Hello bloggers.

So the tournament is over for another year and for myself it has left a feeling of 'what if?'

From a good win against the Ukrainians where I finally opened my account for the tournament, and with good performances from the rest of the team, we then struggled to break down the solid defence of Grange, not learning our lessons from the Ukrainian game and gifted too many goals.
Going into the Grange game we could have gone 3rd with a draw and top win a win. The pressure told as too many of the team did not perform.
The loss, on a selfish note, was especially disappointing as a twisted ankle meant I couldn't see the game out and may jeopardise the upcoming GBSL weekends.
The 7/8th play off the match at 8.30 on Monday morning was not a great spectacle from the stands. We won, ending our tournament on a positive note but all were still gutted about the previous day.

Thank you to Naz and Tizer for your hard work and support. Also thank you to the University of Glamorgan and to Slazenger, also for your support.
My biggest thank you is to the the organisers, volunteers, and the supporters that made this event possible. Sorry we weren't able to bring back a trophy.

Mark x

Day 1

Day 1

Before the game

Whitchurch players met for a pre-game lunch of more pasta (can't take much more) followed by a team meeting and video session. We then had half an hour to watch the start of the other Group B game where both teams struggled with the bouncy pitch, but soon got into their rhythm and played some end to end hockey.

The mood in the camp was good and everyone was looking forward to what could be our toughest challenge as Roma are ranked 1 in the tournament.

After the game

Although the result was disappointing I think we can take a lot of positives points into today's match. Whitchurch will look to change the look of the table and get them self right back into the tournament.

Ben

Pre-Tournament

Hello Bloggers and welcome to the first instalment of the Euro Hockey Club Trophy blog 2010.

One more sleep and we open our tournament against a tough and talented HC Roma side. Two of Mark's former Belper HC team mates will be on the opposite side, Australians Phil Marshall and Sam McCambridge.

Whitchurch’ build up has gone well (even though Mark tried to end Ben's tournament before it began with a shin bashing (chin up)) and was finished off with a final run around tonight at training.
As usual we turned up late as time keeping is not one of our strong points, but luckily we arrived before the coach so no laps were required this week :) The boys were looking sharp and all relishing the opportunity of hosting this year’s tournament and hopefully having a bumper home crowd.

After Marks midweek stick crisis, he finally managed to get his hands on one and would like to thank Slazenger for their continued support.

We came home showered and continued carbo loading and hydrating ready for a tough few days of competition. This is key to optimal performance as we know from our sports scholar seminars at the University of Glamorgan.

A good night’s sleep is called for the both of us, so log on again tomorrow for something more interesting from within the squad.

Ben and Mark