Page 44 - QARANC Vol 14 No 7 2013

42 QARANC THE GAZETTE
AMS Hockey success
The 2012/13 hockey season saw unprecedented success for the AMS Hockey teams with the Ladies team securing both the inter-corps league and cup trophies.
As with all years the season began slowly for all teams with player availability hampered by on-going Operations and injury as well as a myriad of work commitments. So it was that all teams were undermanned for their opening games of the season. Despite being down a player for their first 2 fixtures of the season, against the Gunners and the Signals, the Ladies came away with narrow wins and set some strong foundations for the fantastic season that was to follow. The league season concluded with the girls having amassed 28 points with only one defeat on their way to claiming the league prize finishing 11 points clear of the next best team.
The men and masters struggled more against some very strong opposition and despite some good performances were unable to turn pressure into goals and paid the price with results. The Men’s team ultimately finished 5th out of 10 team and the masters 7th of 9 come the end of the season, positions that they will hope to improve on next season.
With this in mind, the three teams arrived for the inter-corps cup competition with very different expectations. The ladies, after their league form and having finished 2nd in 8 of the previous 10 seasons, were determined that this year would be different, they would finally be the bride. The Men’s and Masters teams both had their sights set on a first semi final appearance for 4 years.
The men had their largest squad for many years and despite some key players being unavailable there was an air of confidence around the team going into the competition. A spirit that was reinforced in the closing stages of the opening game as they came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with the RAC, Capt Jon Lord scoring with the last touch of the game. Unfortunately this early success did not carry forward and a young, inexperienced team was swept aside by the REME before being narrowly defeated by the Infantry and missing out on the semi finals by 1 goal. It would be another appearance in the plate for the men. The masters had a similarly frustrating time and, despite some solid performances, their inability
The AMS Ladies Team – Inter-Corps Champions
to convert their chances saw them lose all 3 pool matches and miss out on the semi finals for another season.
With both the men’s and masters teams falling at the first hurdle, the girls were again left to carry the AMS hockey flag, and what a job they did of it. In stark contrast to the Men’s team, the ladies started sluggishly and lost their opening game 4-2 to the RLC, a result that left them needing to beat the R Sigs in order to progress into the semi finals. With a humbling defeat behind them the Ladies team took to the pitch determined to make amends. Unlike their previous game the team was on song from the start and a brace each for team Capt, Maj Skye Manton, and LCpl Suzy ‘Massive’ Beavin saw the ladies run out 4-0 winners and secure a semi-final against the RE, the only team to beat them during the league season.
Cpl Laura Bone presses the attack against the AGC
The semi-final saw one of the tightest games of the competition with the girls going in at half time 2-0 down only for goals from; Capt Cheryl Valentine (x2), Capt Anne Vickerstaff and Maj Manton (x2) see the AMS take a 5-2 lead within 10 minutes of the restart. Instead of kicking on, however, the ladies were pegged back to 5-4 and despite a nervy end to the game they held firm to secure a place in the final.
If the semi was tight, the final was anything but and saw the AMS ladies put together their best performance of the season. The team shot out of the proverbial blocks and never let a strong AGC team get a foothold in the game. The chances that did fall the AGC’s way were easily snuffed out by either Lt Col Jo Halford in the heart of the defence or Pte Ami Darbyshire in the goals. The AMS were 3-0 up at half time and, after turning the screw in the second half, ran out 7-0 winners with goals coming from LCpl Beavin, Cpl Laura Bone, Pte ‘Cagi’ Davidson- Hall, Capt Valentine (x2) and the teams leading goal scorer Maj Manton (x2).
Next season will see the ladies attempting to hold both of the trophies gained this season and attempt to claim the elusive indoor crown as well. The men will again attempt to bridge the gap between themselves and the ladies. For 2013/14 the AMS will again enter Men’s, Masters and Ladies teams into all competitions. If you are interested in playing hockey for the AMS contact the Corps Secretary, Capt Rob Wise – 94660 5751 or 01206 81 5751