Hawkchurch 0 Millwey Rise 1
Chard Hospital Cup First Round
At: Hawkchurch Playing Field
Attendance: 15 (headcount)
Weather: mild, sunny spells
The Chard Hospital Cup is a prequel to the Perry Street League season and the game at Hawkchurch, located in east Devon between Axminster and Chard, was one of five first round ties due to be played this evening. The added interest in this tie was the fact it was a true local derby as the respective grounds of Hawkchurch and Millwey Rise are less than three miles apart as the crow flies. Both sides appeared to know each other (and the referee as well) so the game was staged a true harmonious atmosphere both on and off the field.
Both sides played in Division 2 last season but Hawkchurch now find themselves in Division 3 following relegation. The year of 2008 is a significant year for the visitors Millwey Rise as their manager told me they are celebrating their 50th anniversary, which photos on their website show was marked with a party back in May.
The Hawkchurch Playing Field is a basic rural venue with views of the hills to the north and of the prominent Stockland Hill transmitter. It is located up the hill from the Old Inn on Hawkchurch Road and next to the Hawkchurch C of E Primary School. The pitch, orientated north-east to south-west, is located at the bottom end of the pitch. At the top about 30 yards from the pitch is the changing room block which has a porch that will provide a sheltered vantage point in wet weather. According to a plaque, the ground was opened by M. V. Spurway Esq on 3rd July 1982. I wonder if he was Michael Vivian Spurway, the 1920s Somerset cricketer (www.cricinfo.com)? No admission was taken nor was a programme issued.
It was visitors Millwey Rise who progressed to an away second round tie against either Forton Rangers or Beaminster thanks to a narrow victory earned by Mark Jenkins’ 35th-minute winner.
The 1-0 defeat could be regarded as progress and encouragement for Hawkchurch as last season they apparently lost league games against Millwey by 7-0 and 6-1 scorelines. That’s what I overheard.
Hawkchurch (white shirts with green centre stripe / black / white): 1. Ashley Raison, 2. Dan Morley, 3, Lee Herrod, 4. Jamie Litton, 12. Martin Bright (capt), 6. Simon Herrod, 7. Rob Harding, 8. Simon Forsey, 9. Ryan Bearpark, 10. Edd Rabbetts, 11. Mark Herrod. Subs: 15. Joe Carter (for Morley, ht), 14. Marcus Bearpark (for Bright, 56), 2. Adrian Stonebridge (for R. Bearpark, 83)
Millwey Rise (navy blue / navy blue / navy blue): 1. Nick Tregale, 2. Peter Hall, 3. Brian Perryman, 4. Matthew Hall, 5. Shane Featerstone (capt), 6. Paul Otreba, 7. Callum Garrett, 8. Oliver Bailache, 9. Gary Venn, 10. Mark Jenkins, 11. Matthew Preece. Subs: 16. Ashley Hall (for Bailache, 59), 12. Keith Forsey (for Otreba, 75), x. Luke Garrett (not used)
Referee: Bob Brunt
Attendance: 15 (headcount)
