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HoCAKEy Off - match report

HoCAKEy Off - match report

Kristin Cooper3 Nov 2015 - 21:47
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Sonning and Bicester Hockey Clubs team up to raise over £450 for Hockey 4 Heroes using just the power of hockey and cakes.

Expectation was hanging heavy in the air (or was that the fog?) ahead of possibly the most hotly anticipated battle of the season… The inaugural Sonning HC vs Bicester HC Charity HOCaKEY OFF!

This is a Hockey & Bake-off organised to raise money for Hockey 4 Heroes - a charity supporting British servicemen and women. It was hosted at Berkshire County Sports Club on Sonning Lane.

Before the main event (the cakes, obviously), there was the small matter of a Mixed Hockey match between the sides. As well as pride and bragging rights, the triumphant team would take valuable points into the bake-off.

As you might well imagine, the game was well contested from the start with both sides putting together some nice passing moves. However, it proved to be a moment of individual skill from Sonning forward Colm Hanlon which broke the deadlock.

That first goal was to be key and as the half wore on Sonning exerted control on the game stretching their lead to 4-0.

After the break, with the fog really closing in, Bicester came back into the game, but the Sonning defence led by Mai-Po Wan and Ned Squire restricted Bicester to few opportunities and those they did create were well saved by young goalkeeper Mitch Miller.

Sonning continued to be a threat in front of goal through Sammy Petch and Noel Plant and added one more to their tally before the end of that match to round off a comfortable win… the cake would be another matter however…!

Having worked up a suitable appetite, attention turned to the Bake-off. Before the teams could taste for themselves, Sonning HC and Bicester HC welcomed guest judges Lucy Rowe and Tim Preston from England Hockey, as well as Bicester’s Vice Chairman Simon Honey, into the comfortable Berkshire County Sports Clubhouse.

With the crowds looking nervous, the judges - understanding the magnitude of the occasion (this is serious stuff) - meticulously scrutinised ten cakes (one from each of five different bakers from each team).

The cakes were scored on appearance, taste, and texture. After an agonising wait, the teams were set to discover their fate…

Lead judge Lucy announced the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st placed cakes: 2nd and 3rd being taken by Bicester to bring them right back into the competition, but 1st going to Sonning (well done Julie Barclay, winner of the original Sonning HC bake-off showing that she is a true champion baker) to surely keep them in a strong position.

So, what of the overall result? The scores from all five cakes, plus the points gained from Sonning’s victory in the hockey would determine the club which had won overall… Bicester 331… Sonning 350!

As Sonning were crowned champions, all the participants tucked into the cake. As both clubs had agreed to give all proceeds to Hockey 4 Heroes, and Berkshire County Sports Club kindly donated use of the pitch, we were able to raise more than £450.

As the dust (and our stomachs) settled, organisers Colm Hanlon, Becca Clark from Sonning, and Chris Birch from Bicester reflected on a very successful day.

Becca and Colm reflected on their success and Chris was clearly plotting his revenge, because as Thank You’s were exchanged between all the parties, Chris challenged Sonning HC to a rematch… this time it would be in Bicester, and we would be baking pies…!

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