The badgers completed the first half of the season with a disappointing defeat by a good Yate team.  Our boys started well and went one up when a great attacking run and cross by Neil Bell was finished off by Dan Baker. However, despite the game being even, with chances at both ends, Yate were more clinical with their finishing and were up 3-1 at half time.  The Badgers dominated most of the play in the second half but were unable to turn the pressure into goals and suffered from two break-away goals by the opposition.  Final score 5-1 defeat.

Thanks to Andy Parnell-Hopkinson for umpiring.

-- Mike Woods

Another Friday night training session has been scheduled at Balcarras for the 12th December. Training was due to finish for Christmas on 5th December but Santa had a word with us... Note that this only applies to Balcarras. The last session at the College will still be on the 5th.

The Badgers team produced their best hockey to date which resulted in a convincing 6-0 over Gloucester.  All the team contributed in this victory making it impossible to select a man of the match.  Complimenting an all-round team effort were two hat-tricks; one form Dan Baker and the other from Bruce Wright. The team was solid in defence, with good tackling and distribution from the back four, creative in midfield and direct in attack, scoring all the goals from open play.  A special mention must go the Nathan Baker (normally one of our goal-keepers) who umpired his first game - Well Done Nathan.

-- Mike Woods

The Badgers started the game well and dominated the first half. Two well taken goals (Dan Baker & Michael Hollingshead) meant that we ended the half 2-0 up. The second half was much more even and a tiring Badgers side conceded two late goals and had to settle for a draw. Great games this week from Will Byrd, Rich Owen & Adam Napier ... ... and a Happy Birthday to Tom Gabbott - our Captain for the day.

Thanks go to our two umpires - John Hepworth & Mark Gayler and we really appreciated the help on the day from Pauline Steele & Sara Owen.

- Mike Woods

From Stuart: Although the result card will show a 1-1 draw with Stroud today we know that if it weren't for their keeper who had an amazing game we would have won this game by 3 or 4 goals. We played the better hockey and I was really proud of the older lads for their excellent work ethic and the younger lads who slotted in so well and played with such confidence. It was an excellent game for us, so well done all.

The Badgers played a very good Cirencester side on 8th November. The game was evenly balanced at half time at 1-1. This was due to some excellent team play from Cheltenham, especially across the midfield and a well taken goal (his first for the team) from right wing Tom Gabbott. A number of changes of positions during the second half meant that we lost our shape and we spent most of the half defending against many Cirencester attacks. The final score was 4-1 to Cirencester, however that does not do justice our goalkeeper - Joe Colonna – who had an excellent game, pulling off several great saves. Reported by Mike Woods.

Our AGM will be held on 4th November 2008 upstairs at the Exmouth Arms, 167 Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7LX. The meeting will start at 8:00pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Cheltenham Junior Hockey Association were delighted to welcome back Ben Marsden to our annual Presentation Evening. Ben, a former CJHA member, had recently returned from Chile where he helped Great Britain secure a place at the next Olympics. A list of the Presentation Night major prize winners appears here.

The Annual General Meeting of Cheltenham Junior Hockey Association was held on 30th January 2008. Cherith, our Chairman, prepared a report on behalf of the committee. The report can be accessed on the "Information links" page.

The boys travelled to Lydney on the 2nd February. They earned a very creditable 1-1 draw and could have won the game. Well done to all.