Cannock Hockey Club and Jeevan's Legacy are pleased to announce a joint venture to raise funds to support young people.

Jeevan's Legacy is a memorial fundraising group which has been established to support children with life limiting illnesses and has already started to deliver on Jeevan's dream of making a difference to children who are less fortunate.

Jeevan as a life long member of CHC wore the number 55 shirt which is the inspiration for the 55 club. Cannock Hockey Club played a huge role in Jeevan's life as well as nurturing and developing his passion for hockey.

This Saturday saw Cannock Hockey spring into life with the First Team beginning their league campaign and five other teams playing friendlies. 

Cannock Firsts started life in the National Northern Conference Division with a 1 – 4 defeat to Durham University. Durham, who are one of the stronger teams in the league, finished third last season. Durham's side included many current internationals and was a difficult test for the new Cannock squad. 

Before the game, which was sponsored by Jeevan's Legacy, the teams gathered with the Dhanda family to honour the occasion. At the end of the game Manveer Dhanda presented the 'Man of the Match' award. 

Cannock started the game very nervously during the early exchanges, as Durham applied the pressure. Despite this, Cannock's Harry Jawanda forced an early attack down the left and fired a cross, which was narrowly missed as the forwards dived in. Durham scored their first after a good initial save by Cannock's keeper Mike Gerrard. Despite further pressure from the visitors, Cannock weathered the storm to keep the deficit to one goal as half time approached. Then, two minutes of mayhem in the Cannock defense saw Durham increase their lead with two further goals. 

The second half saw Cannock turn the tables in terms of pressure, creating several chances. When Durham did get anywhere near the Cannock goal, their keeper Gerrard was again important in keeping the ball out including a fine penalty save. With two yellow cards and Cannock down to 9 men the home side conceded a further goal from a penalty corner. Having to face an impossible rear guard action Cannock made one final push and won a penalty corner. On the final whistle Callum Stacey put the ball home to put Cannock on the score sheet. 

Next Saturday Cannock face Deeside Ramblers. This team, led by ex Cannock coach Andy Mitchel and Parkistan's captain Ali Ghazanfar will be another tough encounter. This is a home game with a 18.00 start. Your support would be greatly appreciated. 

With two weeks to go before the Midlands Leagues begin Cannock's other sides were all successful in their encounters. A young Second Team beat Streetly Firsts 4 – 2 in a tough game. They took the lead through Josh Edwards but a lack of concentration saw Streetly equalise. Two quick goals before half time put Cannock in the driving seat. However they took their foot off the pedal and allowed Streetly to score. With a barage of Streetly attacks Cannock held firm and managed to defend several counter attacks until Cannock sealed the game with a 4th goal in the 60th minute. The Thirds won 2 – 1 against Streetly 2s with goals from Lewis Michael with an impressive reverse strike and Andy Hodgetts from a short corner. The Fourths beat Sutton by the same score with goals from Jordan Warren and Dave Wigg who found the net for the second week. Completing the double against Sutton was the Fifths who won 5 – 3. Despite playing some attractive hockey Cannock found themselves two goals down before Callum McGarry halved the deficit. Cannock took control from this point with two goals from Chris Mayer and one from new member Paul Minall. Goal keeper Captain Rufus Horn then saved a penalty at a critical point in this game. Despite Sutton pulling one back from a short corner Darren Pugh pounced on the end of a cross to volley the ball into the roof of the net. The Badgers also played against a Finchfield side (for more detailed reports see match details in the members area).

It was good to see several new members and some old ones returning to play their hockey with Cannock. If there are people who would like to join this merry band you can make initial contact through the website. There was a hive of activity beyond the playing field as members got involved in umpiring( Bob Pursehouse,Conrad Willars,Lewis Michael, Callum Stacey and Chris Darnley), making and serving teas (Dan Hoare, Andy Hoare, Rufus Horn, Cameron Horn), ball boying, and a host of other necessary jobs. Many thanks to all those who have given up their time for their club. It was also good to see the bar spring back into life as a new season dawns. 

Cannock Men's Firsts 1 v 2 Deeside Ramblers 

Cannock Men's Hockey lost their second game in the National League, to Deeside Ramblers, in cruel circumstances. Despite early pressure from Cannock, it was Deeside who struck first, with Pakistan's penalty corner specialist Ali Ghazanfer finding the back of the net after eight minutes. Cannock continued to exert pressure until they forced a penalty corner but failed to convert. This became a familiar pattern as chances fell to Louie Morris, Chris Darnley, Tom Minall and Richard Parker. The home side went in at the break wondering how they weren't ahead. 

The second half started in much the same vein, with Cannock creating several half chances. Despite Cannock's pressure Deeside continued to look for opportunities to activate their penalty corner routine. Cannock faced two more corners but were equal to both of them. As Cannock piled on the pressure Deeside exploited a gap in the defense and in the 56th minute they presented Andrew Hayforn with a goal scoring opportunity on the counter attack to put them 2 – 0 up. A lesser side might have been demoralised at this point but this young side pushed even harder, creating wave after wave of assaults on the Deeside defenses. Chances fell again to Will Fleet and Richard Parker, but it wasn't until the 67th minute that McKenzie powerfully deflected a strike from Nav Degun into the net. With the clock quickly running down Cannock took the desperate action and swapped their goal keeper for an outfield player, in a last dich attempt to pick up a point. As Cannock longed for more time there was obvious relief by the Deeside players as the final whistle blew. 

Nav Degun who supplied the pass for Cannock's goal.

Cannock's goal scorer Callum McKenzie

Coach Gay Stacey said 'It was hard to take today's defeat, in a fixture where the lads dominated the game.' He went on to say that although there was 'No justice in the result, we will go again.We have a young squad that are slowly getting together and making progress with each game. We just need a bit of luck and the first three points to go from strength to strength'. Next week they travel to Oxton in their first away fixture. 

Man Of The Match Callum McKenzie

A huge thanks go to match day sponsors Golds Universal Heating Ltd for their support of the game. They awarded Callum McKenzie with Man of the Match.

1s Won 3-3 v Belper (won 4-3 on Strokes) 

On a double header weekend Cannock followed their league game with a EH Cup game against Belper. As on the previous day Cannock applied lots of pressure from the start, gaining and squandering four penalty corners, only for Callum Stacey to get a green card and Belper scored from the resultant penalty corner. 

At the restart Callum McKenzie was inches away from converting a cross from Chris Darnley.

Then Cannock's luck changed as Louie Morris pounced to deflect a penalty corner home.

With the scores level both sides traded yellow cards as Stacey picked up his second card of the day. Cannock took advantage of the extra space and McKenzie added to their tally.

As play ebbed and flowed Belper were awarded a penalty stroke and converted to bring the scores level once more. Then up stepped Jamie Park to slot home a cross from Louie Morris for Cannock to regain the lead. As the final whistle was about to blow Belper were awarded a penalty corner from which they scored. This moved the game into penalty strokes. After five penalties on both sides the scores remained level. As the game moved into sudden death Stacey redeemed himself with a second successful stroke followed by Ed Fleet who secured the winner for Cannock. 

The winning flick from Ed Fleet

Ollie Edwards making his First Team Cup debut

2s lost 2-1 to Bridgnorth 
 After controlling the first 20mins and camping out in their half Cannock took the lead through a corner from Chris Gardner. This made Cannock settle and relax too much and in return a scrappy goal was slotted in past Steve Hawthorne making his 2s debut.  
 
Half time saw Cannock renewed with energy and come out hard but Bridgnorth had settled into a grove and 10 minutes of defence from Cannock wasn't enough and a goal was conceded. Cannock's fitness was too much for Bridgnorth in the dying minutes when Cannock where unlucky not to score. Massive thanks to Steve in goal who helped keep the Bridgnorth forwards at bay. 

3s Drew 2-2 Bridgnorth 
 With 3 players turning up 5 mins before the start Cannock started slowly. Bridgnorth pushed hard and were looking to press from the start, they controlled most of the game for the first 15 mins. 
 
Cannock got into their stride and started to take more of the game but soon led to a defensive error and allowed the opposition to score from a PC. They became more confident and shortly after were awarded a PS for a foot on the line after a shot heading towards the bottom corner. The resultant PS was well saved by Ollie Balcombe.  
 
The second half saw Cannock start 1-0 down but they soon dominated the game with possession after some tactical changes. Lewis Round was gifted a goal with a defensive back pass just outside the D, then 10 mins later found the back again to take it to 2-1.  
 
Cannock had plenty of chances to increase their lead but were unable to convert their chances. A breakdown in the attaching circle allowed the opposition to carry the ball to the other end and convert a well struck reverse.  
 
A good competitive friendly game finished 2-2, to take Cannock 3s into the first league game. 
 
 

4s Won 4 – 3 Bridgnorth 

The 4th team finished their preseason preparations with a 4-3 win over Bridgnorth 3s. 
 
Chris Mayer put Cannock ahead but the visitors equalised within two minutes. Cannock then retook the lead when Danny Swinnerton finished off a fine cross from George Collins. Despite several good saves from keeper Steve Hawthorne Cannock conceded again. Then just before half time, Alex Hill finished a good short corner move to give Cannock a 3-2 lead. 
 
In the second half Cannock were pegged back for a third time, but with minutes to go Chris Mayer came up with his second of the game and what proved to be the winner. Cannock came out on the right side a 4-3 result. Next week they start their season by hosting Nottingham University. 

"I know it's a tea towel but what's it for!?"

 
5s Drew 3 – 3 to Bridgnorth 

Cannock 5ths travelled to last seasons league champions, now promoted to the (West Midlands Premier League). With a bare 11 players against the 15 men of Bridgnorth, Cannock found themselves under real pressure from the start. However, they weathered the storm and after 15 mins, an aerial ball from Gary Stacey was nicely picked out of the air by Paul Martin, who drove into the D and crossed for Darren Pugh to find the net for a 1-0 lead. 
Cannock withstood further pressure thanks to fine saves from Rufus Horn and some timely interventions from Karl Owen, to keep the score 1 nil at the break. 
 
In the second half, Bridgnorth managed to equalise early on with a scrappy goal but Cannock soon equalised from a scorching reverse stick strike from Jonny Machin. 
Great approach work from Luke Stacey led to Machin finding the net again with his second reverse stick goal of the match to make it 3-2. Cannock nearly managed to hang on to their lead but in the dying seconds, tiredness led to defensive errors which allowed Bridgnorth to equalise. 
All things considered, a good result for Cannock who begin the league season next week with real confidence. 
 
 

Badgers win 6-0 v Stone 

Our Badgers are kicking off the fundraising activities this year with a car wash. £2.50 a car... Target is a £100 (40 cars) Please come and support the young lads as they do their bit for CHC. Saturday 1st Oct 9.30-14.30.

As the second half progressed Cannock finally made the breakthrough, with Don Clark setting up Alan Craddock to find the bottom corner. Frustratingly for Cannock they gave Bridgnorth a way back into the game five minutes later and the score remained at 1-1. Cannock need to ensure their team cohesion off the pitch also works on the pitch as well. Man of the Match went to Karl ‘The Rock’ Owen (pictured).

Following the 5th’s was Tom Widdowson’s 3rd Team who faced Rugby & East Warwick, Cannock started the game in excellent fashion going two goals ahead inside ten minutes, however, Cannock took their foot off the gas and Rugby brought the game back level at 2-2. The reality check however didn’t stop Cannock earning all three points and Cannock worked their way back into dominating the game running out 6-2 winners thanks to braces from Lewis Round, Chris Mayer and Danny Swinnerton-Ions.

Away from Chase Park Cannock 2nd Team travelled to rivals Stourport and faced an uphill battle from the beginning with only a bare eleven, due to drop outs and injuries. Ben Balcombe stepped up to give Cannock a spare player and performed admirably. Goals from Richard Parker and Hamish McKittrick should have been enough but sometimes other factors can affect the game and Cannock ended up with a second successive score draw finishing 2-2.

New 4th Team leader Raff Antonio Moscatiello took his team in the opposite direction as they faced Rugby on their own pitch. Further unavailability meant there were 4th team debuts for Evan Alcock and Andy Hoare. Cannock fought hard but silly errors saw them two goals down early in the game. Nevertheless Cannock battled hard and some excellent play from Nathan Lofthouse saw Cannock turn the game around and draw level thanks to goals from George Collins and Lofthouse himself. With the game level Cannock legend Dave Wigg took a ball to the forehead which meant Cannock lost their spare player, this had a massive impact on the game as Cannock tired. As the game came to a close Rugby scored two quick goals which saw Cannock lose 4-2 and remain bottom of the early league table.

As Saturday drew to a close our 6th Team travelled to Lilleshall to play Newport with a mixed team including a few double ups and ladies members. Two goals from Bruce Alcock gave Cannock a 2-2 draw in a very enjoyable encounter.

Cannock Badgers had the latest match against Ashby, starting at 4pm. For the first time in a long time Cannock only had 11 players but this did not deter them from a spirited performance. The first half finished even at 0-0 with Cannock controlling the game and creating a number of good chances but only to be denied by the Ashby keeper. During the second half the young Cannock Badgers side started to run out of energy. Ashby took full advantage testing the Cannock Keeper, Joe Thomas, on a number of occasions. The pressure eventually took its toll and Ashby grabbed a goal. The boys responded well, with Alice Runton working hard in midfield and Connor Lloyd-Smith going close with a number of chances. Unfortunately Cannock were unable to grab what would have been a well deserved equaliser with the game finishing 1-0 to Ashby. Thanks to Dave Michael for helping with the umpiring duties and to the parents who made the long trip to Ashby.

Sunday was Cup Day as Cannock 2nd Team travelled to big-hitters Loughborough Students.

With the 1st Team playing and several players missing Cannock travelled with a weakened side and knew they would be in for a hard afternoon. A great battling performance (see pictured) meant Cannock competed hard for the first twenty five minutes but late first goals saw Cannock lose heart and eventually the game with the students running out 8-1 winners, Danny Swinnerton scoring Cannock’s goal assisted by Jordan Joiner. The result was fair but score line was very harsh considering how hard the maroon men had worked. Cannock now got into the plate hoping to have a stronger squad available if they have desires of winning further silverware.

The final game of the weekend saw our 1st Team make the long journey to Doncaster still in search of their first win of the season. The team, missing several players through injury and unavailability, hard a difficult afternoon. Cannock found themselves 1-0 down at halftime to another short corner despite having several good chances with Russell Anderson and Tom Minall both having very good opportunities.

The second half started and Cannock again, just like in their previous games, were competing all over the pitch creating good opportunities but the goals they so desperately need didn’t appear. As the half developed Cannock gave the ball away and their opponents did exactly what Cannock had failed to do and punished their opponents. With the score at 4-0 Chris Beck scored a consolation with four minutes remaining.

Harsh but realistic words were spoken at the end of the game and Cannock now welcome Preston to Chase Park next Sunday afternoon (2pm start) in desperate need for their first three points of the season.  

Any support members can give will be much welcomed.

​Next Social Event at Cannock HC - Halloween Party - Saturday 22nd October