Hockey dokey, let’s help Keech
Leighton Buzzard Hockey Club charity match
It was smiles all round at a charity hockey match where, although it ended in a draw, both sides were hungry for the win as they beat last year’s total raised.
Leighton Buzzard Hockey Club staged its annual match against Ashwell Arms to raise money for Keech Hospice Care in Luton.
The match was held at Van dyke Upper School on Sunday and Eddie Stopford, social secretary for LBHC, said: “The idea came about during the summer of 2011 as a bit of fun among some of the regulars of the Ashwell Arms, of which I’m one.
“My thought process last year was that surely we can help promote hockey in the town, raise money for charity, enjoy some fresh air and exercise for an hour as well as helping the landlady with extra custom, then I feel we’ve pretty much ticked every box.
“Once again this year’s match was played in great spirit and everyone who took part certainly enjoyed the fun and laughter created by numerous on pitch faux pas. The final whistle was blown and a three each score the end result. A big thanks to all that played.”
Post match refreshments were available at the Ashwell Arms, with more fundraising including football cards and pool competitions.
Last year the event raised £340, but the players were delighted to announce yesterday that although they were still calculating some of the post match activies, they were well on their way of reaching their target of £500.
This year’s charity match in aid of Keech Hospice Care was sponsored by 1 Stop Marques and according to Eddie, once again this year’s match was played in great spirit and everyone who took part certainly enjoyed the fun and laughter created by numerous on pitch faux pars.
The Ashwell Arms select XI had made some tactical acquisitions during the summer transfer window and this certainly caused the Leighton Buzzard Hockey Club All-Stars some concern.
First on the score sheet for LBHC was young Lucy with a close range finish that was just out reach of John Berry the senior Ashwell Arms goalkeeper. Leighton couldn’t maintain the lead for long and cometh the hour cometh the Hero, Andy Beauvoisin the 1 Stop Marquees Global Operations Director, slammed in the equaliser and then followed this with the best goal celebration ever seen on a hockey pitch, running to the other end of the field to share the joy with his goalkeeper.
Both teams managed to connect with the posts, but as half time approached the match was deadlocked, 1 each at the break. Half time beverages, the finest isotonic energy drinks and some in depth tactical discussion meant that both teams were hungry for the win as the second half started.
Dave Jackson did what only a skilled centre forward is required to do and promptly put LBHC back in front to make the score 2-1. The Ashwell Arms Select XI responded with the special summer signing, Tom Lakins, drilling in a penalty corner strike which hit the backboard with a resounding thump.
Tired legs began to show and the game stretched with some old fashioned route 1 tactics were used to great effect. Martin Barnard came close on several occasion and narrowly missed connecting with a number of delightful 40 yard passes.
The young star for LBHC, Lucy, tapped in her second from close range to put LBHC in front 3-2 and with the clock ticking the Ashwell Arms All-stars were awarded a penalty corner. Tom Lakins once again shouldered the responsibility and was again able to pick his spot with another tremendous strike. The final whistle was blown and a three each score the end result.
Eddie added: “Once again a big thanks to all that played, an extra special thanks to 1 Stop Marquees & Ruth Beauvoisin for the very generous donation.
“Final thanks must go to the landlady of the Ashwell Arms, Janey, for her support and lovely post match food and drink.
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Weather for Leighton Buzzard
Saturday 18 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 8 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North east
