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BHYFC Results 2nd March and Fixtures 9th March

Bergholt Heath Youth Football ClubBergholt Heath YFC – Results 2nd March

The Under 9’s game away to Oyster Youth was again postponed to to a water-logged pitch in West Mersea.

Lexden Saints Blues vs BHYFC Under 11s

A tough match was expected as we faced league leaders Lexden.

We started the match not too badly, but after a while a pattern started emerging as, when Saints attacked, our marking was poor, recovery slow and the guys at the back were overwhelmed with yellow attackers. This led to us going in 5 down at the break.

Second half ,as normal was better as the boys shut down the attackers whose shots were hurried and didn’t trouble Harv.

As time went on we eventually got going and there were some passing combos up field which led to a couple of half chances.  Lexden ran out deserved winners and look fitting winners of the league.

Hopefully the boys have got going again after the enforced lay off , we look forward to better things next week.

MOM went to Richard for a much improved second half performance.

BHYFC Under 15s vs Notley Youth

The Under 15’s were also facing their league leaders Notley Youth, at home.  Yet again we were missing injured James Holden and Ollie Sanderson, plus Leo Tiffney, so another depleted squad.

The match started evenly although there were contrasting styles on display with Notley wanting to play the long ball and Bergholt looking to pass through the midfield.  The Notley long ball system meant the Bergholt defence had to be on their toes, but there were not many chances created by the visitors.   With Max playing a deeper role in midfield in place of Ollie, the usual spark was missing up front so when the passage of play swung towards Bergholt, the end product was generally missing in the final third.

The second half continued in much the same way as the majority of the first half, with the visitors having most of the possession but Bergholt looking comfortable and unlikely to concede.  New signing Joe Johnson came on to make his debut and slotted in well at centre back alongside Sam with Jamie moving to left back for the first time.

Final score: Bergholt Heath 0-0 Notley Youth, Bergholt Heath ‘man of the match’: Luke Bloomfield

Next weekends matches – Sunday 9th March:

  • Under 9 No game (unless the Oyster Youth match is rescheduled)
  • Cornard Dynamo Reds vs Under 11
  • FC Clacton Blues vs Under 15 League Cup 1/4 Final

Gardeners February Newsletter

RHS AffiliatedWest Bergholt Gardeners Association – February Newsletter

Some fifty members attended the first meeting in 2014 and enjoyed an informative talk by Eddie Harris upon his search for plants in South Africa.

Eddie appeared to have visited the area around Cape Town several times and was in no doubt of its attractiveness although Cape Town itself is prone to rain.  He covered both the geography of the area as well as illustrating the plants that flourished in the climate, and undercover in one of the largest conservatories in Cape Town itself.

The local population considered the plant collector as mad as they viewed many of the plants as weeds. Exploring further inland and the mountainous regions to the west was always difficult as only dirt tracks existed off the main roads.  Palms and Aloes grow to considerable size while more minute pebble flowers are to be found on the ground.  (Such pebbles plants can be purchased in the UK).  When visiting Worcester he discovered a Reptile Farm and “enjoyed” seeing snakes of all sizes, from a respectable distance.   All in all a wide ranging talk on his subject.

Club News:

Summer Coach Trip to Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury, Bucks.

19th June . Depart Orpen Hall, West Bergholt 8.30am.  Visiting the House, Gardens (Including the Aviary garden, and the water garden) and the wine cellars.  Over 300,000 visitors come to Waddesdon every year to see the house, shops, restaurant café, wine cellars and plant centre.

TICKETS £25  (National Trust Members £12.50) deposit £12.50. phone 01206 241256

Next Months Speaker

Geoff Hodge who will talk to the Club on the subject of  LUSCIOUS LAWNS – LAWN CARE FOR PERFECT LAWNS.

In view of the affect of the last two months wet weather the Association is sure that Geoff’s talk will be well received by members who suffer from moss and mud on their lawns at this time of the year.

17th March 7.00 for 7.30

All are welcome to the Association’s meetings – small charge for non-members.

BHYFC Results 23rd February and Fixtures 2nd March

Bergholt Heath Youth Football ClubBergholt Heath YFC – Results 23rd February

This week saw pitches dry out at long last which gave both the Under 11s and the Under 15s the opportunity to play their postponed Colchester open Cup ties.

BHYFC Under 11s vs Stanway Villa Reds

The Under 11s were at home to B League Stanway Villa Reds.  Despite two goals from Jonah Murray and a man of the match performance from Alexander Hopkins, they went down 5-2.

Heybridge Swifts vs BHYFC Under 15s

The Under 15s were away to fellow A league team Heybridge Swifts. The start of the game was even, however Bergholt went behind in the 6th minute when the ball took a nasty bounce over the defender which let the striker in to score comfortably.  This setback did not deter Bergholt who had plenty of the ball but seemed to be lacking the killer touch when it was needed.  Mid-way through the half Bergholt got back on terms when Luke played a superb high diagonal ball over the top into the area which found Leo at the far post who finished expertly with a first time shot into the roof of the net.  The game remained 1-1 through to half time with neither team looking likely to add to their score.

The second half started as the first half finished, however there was a setback after just a few minutes when influential midfielder Ollie Sanderson had to limp off with a hamstring injury, to be replaced by Luke who himself was suffering from a bruised shoulder having landed heavily in the first half.   The rest of the second half was again very even with only one clear chance that fell to Max just inside the area but his shot under pressure just cleared the bar.

Full time: 1-1.

Into extra time for the second cup tie in a row and yet again the teams cancelled each other out in the first half. The second and final 10 minutes of the game saw Bergholt take the lead when Max hit a wind assisted cross-shot into the far corner of the net with 7 minutes remaining. However this signified one last onslaught from Heybridge who threw away all thoughts of defending by piling players forward. The home team won a succession of corners and from the last of these they equalised with just 2 minutes remaining.

Score after extra time: 2-2.

Another penalty shootout!

  1. Heybridge 1-0
  2. Ben for Bergholt – miss
  3. Heybridge 2-0
  4. Aaron for Bergholt – score 2-1
  5. Heybridge 3-1
  6. Max for Bergholt – score 3-2
  7. Heybridge 4-2
  8. Jamie for Bergholt – score 4-3
  9. Heybridge 5-3.

So Bergholt’s defence of their Open Cup trophy ended with a narrow defeat in round 3.

Bergholt Heath ‘man of the match’ – Max Booth

Next weeks fixtures – Sunday 2nd March

  • Oyster Youth vs Under 9
  • Lexden Saints vs Under 11
  • Under 15 vs Notley Youth, KO 10.30am

BHYFC Results 16th February and Fixtures 23rd February

Bergholt Heath Youth Football ClubBergholt Heath YFC – Results 16th February

As has become the norm in recent weeks, there was just one match that beat the weather last weekend, but this time it was the turn of the Under 15s who took on Stanway Rovers in the twice postponed away league fixture – but due to the continued water logging at both Stanway School and Spring Lane, the match was played at Shrub End.

Stanway Rovers vs BHYFC Under 15s

Having had virtually a full squad available every week but without a match for over a month, the first game for 5 weeks saw Bergholt able to field the bare 11 players due to a combination of injuries and holidays.  Within 30 seconds of the kick off it looked like it was going to be a long and arduous afternoon when a long wind-assisted ball over the top of the Bergholt defence saw the defender clear the ball against the on rushing striker and the ball balloon into the net with Connor helpless.

1-0 to the home team.

Stanway then laid siege to the Bergholt goal but some resolute defending with the Bergholt players all refusing to lay down, saw them weather the storm and come back into the match.

After around 15 minutes a break down the left saw Luke cut into the box, beat his man and finish right footed beyond the Stanway ‘keeper for the equaliser.  It was now Bergholt’s turn to up the tempo and they won a couple of corners in quick succession and from the second they took the lead when from Max’s kick Jamie stabbed towards goal and Sam took no chances by rifling the ball into the net from close range.

Bergholt then held Stanway at arms length for the remainder of the half, although it took a fine one handed save from Connor to see Bergholt through to half time with a 2-1 lead.

With the managers’ words of “keep up this level of performance” ringing in their ears, the Bergholt players continued taking the game to Stanway in the second half. In fact it was a good 15 minutes into the half when Stanway had their first attempt on goal, that was a long range shot that was wide. With about 10 minutes remaining, a shot form Max was only parried by the ‘kepper and Luke was on hand to power the loose ball into the net for his second and Bergholt’s third of the day.  Although Stanway forced a few corners, the Bergholt goal was never in serious danger and the 11 players looked more likely to add a fourth than Stanway were to come back into the game.

The final whistle went to signal a 3-1 win to Bergholt in what is probably their best performance of the season.

Bergholt Heath man of the match: Ciaran Donnellan – an all action non stop midfield display.

Next weeks fixtures Sunday 23rd February:

  • Under 9 – No game
  • Under 11 vs Stanway Villa Reds KO 11am
  • Heybridge Swifts vs Under 15 Open Cup R2

Women’s Institute February 2014 Update

The WI - Inspiring Women

Magic, Desert Islands & London Guides

December – Magic Marvo

December saw the Women’s Institute’s Christmas meeting.  The president, Susan Leng,   presented a voucher to Marie Louise Fuell who was the 2013 winner of our monthly competition, Hillary Nugent and Manya Barrow were runners up.

The evening continued with a supper provided by the members.   Magic Marvo, a magician, entertained with everyone puzzled  by his clever tricks. The grand raffle enabled everyone to receive a prize.

Later in the month member, Manya Barrow, invited the W I to her house for mulled wine and mince pies with entertainment and Christmas carols which everyone joined in. A convivial afternoon to end the W I year.

January  – Desert Island Discs

In January the vice-president,  Bea Girkin,  welcomed several new members and a guest.  There was no speaker so members brought C D’s to play for  ‘Desert Island Discs’ and talked about the reason for their choice. The competition was a luxury item to take to the Desert Island.  The winner was Mary Brent with her suggestion – a pillow.  Social Time was enjoyed by all with a team word game.

February – Blue Badge London Guide

The president was back in the chair and pleased to see so many new members.  Gary Egerton a blue badge London Guide made a welcome return visit with his talk on Strange and Unknown Facts about London.  Our social time was enjoyed by everyone with slides by the president showing all our varied activities during 2013.

We celebrated our 93rd Birthday Lunch at the Cricketers on 19th February.

The monthly coffee morning at the Treble Tile was well supported with 19 members in attendance.  Play reading afternoons are still flourishing.

Upcoming

Our Open Evening on 2nd April sees the return of Brian Carline, speaker, author and broadcaster.  His talk is entitled ‘An Amusing Account of Life in our Schools’.  Posters with more information will be put up around the village.

BHYFC Results 9th February and Fixtures 16th February

Bergholt Heath Youth Football ClubBergholt Heath YFC – Results 9th February

With both away matches again called off due to waterlogged pitches, it left just the one scheduled home game to go ahead on the 7 vs 7 pitch at the top of the Poors Field – the Under 9’s vs Reed Hall Sentinels.  Had the Under 15’s been due to play at home then this too would have fallen foul of the weather as there was standing water in the last third of the pitch (near the Treble Tile).

BHYFC Under 9s vs Reed Hall Sentinels

After an early morning inspection, the pitch was deemed playable and so Bergholt took on Reed Hall Sentinels in very blustery conditions.  The wind was blowing from one end to the other and so advantage was always going to be with the team who had the wind behind their backs.  For the first half this was Reed Hall Sentinels so it was important for Bergholt to hold them and go into half-time at least level.

Despite kicking into the wind it was Bergholt who made the brightest start with the Baker brothers in particular leading the charge, especially Ollie who was keen to add to his goal tally for the season and was shooting on sight.   In fact Bergholt’s other midfielder, Thomas Haworth, scored the first goal,  speeding down the right wing before unleashing a fierce low drive which passed the keeper before he had a chance to react.

This then started Reed Hall’s fight back and the majority of the first half was played out in the Bergholt half.  Some excellent defending from Bergholt repelled attack after attack.  In one of these plays Eddie put in a great tackle but unfortunately came off worse and twisted his knee which ended his game.  This was a shame for Eddie, especially as just previous to that he had gone on a excellent solo run, taking the ball out of defence to attack.  Just before the half-time whistle, Bergholt’s defence was finally breached when a strong shot was saved by Daniel but the combination of the spin of the ball and the strong wind took the ball agonisingly inches over the line before he had chance to reclaim it.  HT 1-1.

At half-time the Bergholt manager used as many footballing clichés as he could “we can win this” and “the next goal is the most important” were two in particular that stick in the memory….. So with these pearls of wisdom still fresh in the memory, Bergholt kicked off the second half looking to get that all important goal.  As with the first half, the majority of the better football was played by the team with the wind and Bergholt started to pass the ball much more fluently which in turn opened the game out.  It also meant that the two full backs, Billy and Thomas L were also able to exploit the wide areas and get forward themselves to support James and Thomas H who too were having success down the wings.  Theo and Ollie were also continuing to push forward and trying to get their names on the score sheet but both were thwarted by the Reed Hall goalkeeper.  Not wishing to miss out on the party, Freddie too came close when his free-kick only just went over the bar.

So, once again it looked like heading for a draw as Reed Hall, when they went on the attack, were stopped by some super, if a little frantic, defending from Bergholt.  However, in the last dying seconds of the match, Freddie picked up the ball in the area between defence and midfield and ran at the Reed Hall defence.  In a similar manner to an Olympic slalom skier at Sochi, he jinxed past one, then another before finding himself just outside the box where he hit a pile driver.  It took a slight deflection off the defender’s knee which in turn meant that when it bounced on the ground in front of the keeper it kicked up off the mud (no turf, just mud…) and bounced over the keeper’s dive.  FT 2-1.

This was Bergholt’s first win of 2014 made even more special by the appearance of the chairman of the club, Les, who turned up to watch the team for the first time since it’s formation at the beginning of last season!!

Bergholt Heath Player of the Match: Freddie Geiger – some excellent clearances and a fantastic match-winning run and goal.

Next week’s matches: Sunday 16th February:

  • Oyster Youth vs. Under 9
  • Under 11 – No game
  • Stanway Rovers vs. Under 15

BHYFC Results 26th January and Fixtures 2nd February

Bergholt Heath Youth Football ClubBergholt Heath YFC – Results 26th January

The weather again took it’s toll on this weekends fixtures with both away matches for the Under 11s and the Under 15s postponed.  This only left the one home match for the Under 9’s on the Poors Field who took on Brooklands who they had lost heavily to earlier in the season:

BHYFC Under 9s vs Brooklands

This week’s match started on what was a sticky pitch following the week’s rain.  This was further added to throughout the match as players, supporters and officials all were on the receiving end of a bucket or two more!

In their first meeting this year a few moments of madness cost Bergholt dear and Brooklands gave them their biggest defeat of the season.  Keen for this not to be repeated the Bergholt manager stressed to the boys not to give Brooklands any time or space on the ball and to ensure their long range efforts were kept to a minimum.

Within five minutes Brooklands tried their luck from distance, but Daniel was more than equal to it and the whole team’s confidence were lifted by this.  Both teams were passing the ball around well despite the heavy pitch, trying to get the opening goal.  It was a very open game and there were attacks aplenty – Bergholt had more shots in this half than ever seen, with James, Theo and Freddie in particular all going close.

Brooklands too had their chances and Bergholt were grateful for Billy’s bum saving a certain goal.  It looked like being goalless at half-time but then Brooklands got through the Bergholt defence.  The initial effort was blocked but the ball fell kindly to another Brooklands striker who reacted first and slotted the ball past Daniel.  HT 0-1.

Brooklands kicked off the second half and within a minute were kicking off again when full-back Thomas L got the ball on the half-way line burst down the wing, skipped past two challenges before hammering the ball past the keeper at the near post for his first ever Sunday league goal.  This gave Bergholt a real shot in the arm and they continued to press to try to get the lead.   They nearly succeeded twice but the post denied both Theo and Thomas L.  The visitors however, were still determined themselves to get the victory and the Bergholt defence and midfield were all called to do some desperate defending and when beaten, Daniel pulled off a great save with his foot.  FT 1-1.

This was the right result as Brooklands shaded the amount of possession whilst Bergholt had more scoring chances.  The match itself was a fantastic game of football played in difficult conditions.

Bergholt Heath player of the match: Thomas L – not only a great individual goal but some great defending in the first half.

Next weeks fixtures Sunday 2nd February:

  • Long Melford vs. Under 9
  • Under 11 vs. Stanway Villa Reds –  Open Cup R2,  KO 10am
  • Heybridge Swifts vs. Under 15

Cinderella with Supper & Show

Cinderella's Ugly SisterCinderella at the Orpen Hall

Peter Cox has once again written and directed this fabulous interpretation of the classic Cinderella. This exciting and wonderful show will have you laughing and cheering right from the start. Our award winning cast return again and we also have some new faces to the Orpen Stage!

Cast

  • Scott Sophos & Ben Maytham as The Ugly Sisters,
  • Anne Sexton as The Fairy Godmother,
  • Holly Snowling as Buttons,
  • Phoebe Stringer & Kim Bennett as Prince Charming & Dandini,
  • Mike Poole as The Baron,
  • Niamh Bennet-Dix & George Dooley as Nip and Tuck,
  • Debs MacMahon as The Wicked Stepmother and
  • congratulations to Sophie Peterson who was a chorus member last year for securing the title role of Cinderella.

Tickets

This fabulous show will sell out so book early to avoid disappointment – as this news update is posted the matinee performances are already sold out!  Remaining performances are:

  • 31st January 8pm;
  • 1st February 8pm;
  • 7th February 8pm;
  • 8th February 8pm.

Tickets for the panto alone are priced £7 adults and £5 children with a 50p booking fee if booking online.  If you prefer you can buy your tickets from Ash’s store or by calling Orpen players on 01206 241048.

Supper & Cinderella

The Treble Tile and the Orpen Players have joined together in an initiative designed to provide a special night out in the village for their patrons. They are offering a special ticket that entitles the bearer to a meal followed by an evening’s entertainment.

The Treble Tile menu will consist of a choice from bangers and mash, fish and chips or a vegetarian option, a glass of house wine or pint of beer and a cup of tea or coffee.  The combination ticket of £20 will get you a meal at 6pm giving you time to take your (included) seats for the show, these tickets must be booked in advance directly with the Treble Tile on 01206 241712.

BHYFC Results 19th January and Fixtures 26th January

Bergholt Heath Youth Football ClubBergholt Heath YFC – Results 19th January

Both the Under 9s and Under 15s away fixtures were postponed this weekend due to water logged pitches, so it left the Under 11s to fly the flag at home to Wivenhoe Town. Under 11s manager Pete Sanderson reports:

BHYFC Under 11s vs Wivenhoe Town

After all the recent rain, the pitch just about held up and we able to fulfil our final home fixture of the season.     I abandoned my traditional conservative approach and changed formation today. The boys were requested to grasp the game by the scruff early on. Initial forays were promising. Nice passing allowed us to move upfield and keep possession.  It was just that final ball missing that would not open the resolute Wivenhoe defence up.

 A few chances came and went; Fred saw a good angle shot just go wide, Jonah had a nice chance but could not make good contact.  Tyler’s firm shot was well blocked by the keeper who then spilled it. Unfortunately for us rather than roll over the line it stuck in the mud.

As time went on Town got back in the game and with us being short at the back they looked to capitalise.  Ben and Dan were rocks at the back though and Harv pulled off a couple of good saves. Then a couple of strange decisions.  An attempted cross by the Wivenhoe winger was blocked by Dan with the ball rolling safely to Harv who rightly picked it up.  The ref saw different and gave a free kick for a back pass six yards out. Luckily we survived.

Lo and and behold 5 minutes later Dan made a tackle which again rolled back, picked up and yet another back pass was judged.  How bizarre.  Although the initial shot was cleared a well hit strike from the second ball found us go in one down at half time.

The second half was much the same with some good attacks, but as time went on it looked like we never going to be able to finish. A turning point came when after having some wayward shots, Richard hit a great one which thundered against the bar and away.

This gave the boys renewed vigour and it wasn’t long before Richard again was on the edge of the area but this time he fired it home GOOOAAALLL!!!

You could tell from the boys celebration that they were not finished yet and 5 minutes later Joe found a gap on the right hand of the goal to slot in GOOOAAALLL!!!

Urged on by their supporters Wivenhoe fought back but some last minute tackles by the guys saw us finish the match ahead.

Well done boys it was a pulsating battle with the 2-1 win consolidating our fight for fourth place. It was great to see such fantastic team unity and spirit, not just today but in practise yesterday as well.   We are not going to win the silverware but we will sure have a lot of fun trying.

MOM went to Dan Thomson for a fantastic performance at the back.

Next weeks fixtures Sunday 26th January:

  • Under 9 vs. Brooklands, KO 11am
  • Lexden Saints vs. Under 11
  • Stanway Rovers vs. Under 15

Winter birds at Hillhouse Wood

Song ThrushWinter bird walk – Saturday 8th February

Weather permitting, Steve Hallam will lead a winter bird walk in and near Hillhouse Wood, offering a chance to see resident woodland and meadow species and some winter visitors.   Stout footwear and warm clothing are advised, as well as a flask of hot drink.

If you want to join Steve then meet him at the Old Church at 09:30.