Games 4, 5 & 6 - 4 Way High School Challenge - 27/08/14

Wednesday saw Team HGS' battles with local high schools. Having had a few days off since their 3 games in 3 days against tough college sides, all apart from Aaron James were fit & ready for action.

Harvey kicked off Wednesday's one day round robin tournament against the Tigers. 

Starting XI Hancock, Hobbs, Brazier, Davidson, Price, Nunn, Hearmon, Nunn (C), Maffia, Smith, Taylor, Taggart 

As with the New York state rules for pre season games, the game started with a goal kick for our opponents (don't ask why as we were never actually informed, but being the polite Brits we are, we simply accepted it & moved on). This enabled us to force immediate pressure upon them, pinning them inside their own half.

With the games duration only a straight through 40 minute game, it was important that HGS got off to a good start with an early goal, and on 16 minutes they found it through Ronan Taggart when he poked home Maffia's near post low cross. 

It was 2-0 just 5 minutes later when Smith danced through two defenders after Hearmon's pass and finished neatly on his weaker left foot. Taylor was close to extending the lead when he cut in on his left foot and smashed a shot off of the post. HGS were not done just yet - Ethan Maffia all but wrapping up the game with the probable goal of the game. Cutting in on his right foot from the left flank, following skilful footwork he stroked the ball into the far corner for 3-0.

Smith doubled his tally for the game when Taylor's whipped in cross was headed home comfortably beyond the keeper for four. Coaches Walton and Stevenson would have been disappointed to lose their clean sheet in the dying embers, an unmarked forward tapped home for a consolation. 

FT - Harvey GS 4-1 Tigers. 
Scorers - Smith (2), Taggart, Maffia

With no doubt the biggest fixture of the final week, HGS faced some of their host families' boys in highly anticipated encounter following lots of pre-match build up and interaction amongst both teams players. After both teams had won their first match of the competition, these were no doubt the two best teams involved.

The line-ups were read out on the tannoy, accompanied by preparation music which the players warmed up to. Coaches Stevenson and Walton decided to start the game with Hancock, Nelhams, Brazier, Davidson, Price, Nunn, Donald, (C) Maffia, Hearmon, Taylor, Ansell.

Following interviews and pre-match media work done for FOX News, the boys were unaware that the game was being filmed and would be highlights would be further shown in a news clip on the news that night. Great pride was displayed in the sounding of the 'God save the Queen' national anthem as the players folded their hands behind their backs and sung for their country before kick off. 

Harvey took a while to settle into the game but when they did they began to cause the host problems. Substitute Ronan Taggart opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when he controlled exquisitely into his path before firing into the top corner. 

Six minutes from time captain Josh Donald plucked the ball down and crashed a half volley in off the underside of the crossbar. With literally the last kick of the game, Hearmon capped things off in style, showing great agility to keep his balance before passing the ball into the net for 3-0, a fitting finale for a great performance.

FT - Maine Endwell High School 0 - 3 Harvey GS
Scorers - Taggart, Donald, Hearmon

Whilst the remainder of the touring party were playing their scrimmages, Coach Chamberlain was asked if he could umpire a girl's field hockey game. Just to give you an indication of the importance that sport has around here, when we arrived, the Varsity & Junior Varsity football teams were practicing, the girls field hockey had a 3 team round robin competition & the girls tennis team had a 3 way tournament as well as the boys soccer that we were involved in. All this 2 weeks before school starts with the competitors having been in school for practice for at least 3 hours a day for the past fortnight!!

New York City - 26/08/14

Today we travelled to New York City. Travelling meant that it was an early start to the day due to the long journey into the city. It took about 3 hours to get there, we managed to park right in the city. Firstly we made our way to the docks where we would get the boat to the Statue of Liberty. We had a tour of the island and were told many facts about the statue and it's surroundings. 

We then took another boat onto another island where everyone used to have to go to go through immigration to get into the country. We then got the boat back into the city and had to get the subway to Times Square. 

We went into the main part viewing all the screens and going into a few shops. When we was tired of shopping we went to get some food in a BBQ grill. We then headed back to the car after a long day.

Report & PIctures - Harry Nunn

Maine Endwell High School - 24, 25 & 26/08/14

After arriving safely & being welcomed by our friends at Maine Endwell High School on Saturday afternoon, we were treated to a picnic & tour of the school. The original plan was for us to have our food out from the concessions stand around their new turf field baseball stadium (a facility that is so good that the New York Yankees have requested that they use it during the Fall & Winter seasons for their minor league franchises), however the weather took over & we were forced inside. This did give our boys the opportunity to see all the other facilities that are on offer to the students of the school.

A famous alumni of the High School is Tom Tull who is now the owner of Legendary Films who were behind such movies as 300, the Hangover franchises & the recent Batman sagas & with the way funding is available over in America, the school has been lucky in the resources he has purchased/donated to them. All around school were pieces of memorabilia including this helmet worn by Gerard Butler in 300.

The Aquatics centre is something that a professional swimming club would be proud off, the weights room has modern, up to date equipment whilst the media department is full of Apple Macs, a full editing suite as well as their own green screen area.

Once the tour was completed (& after all our boys asked why we didn't have any of the things that they had seen), it was time for them to separate up again & head off with their families for this week. Although the boys were staying with the same partners as last week, a couple of pairs were joined together to make a few groups of 4. Again we are massively grateful to all those families that have taken in our boys, pretty much strangers to them minus a few conversations. This week has the prospect of being a great social week with many of the families organising various trips & activities that the majority of the boys can come together for. We have been spoilt with the accommodation as well.

Sunday started with as many of the squad who were around (some were heading to New York City with their families #Lucky) with a pick up scrimmage with some of the high school boys who our squad are staying with on the high school football field. Captains Price & Hobbs selected their sides with the losing team having the threat of a full field set of shuttles hanging over them. This was the hottest temperature that our boys had experienced since we arrived, so the pace & quality was not up to that that we had played in the previous week. None-the-less it was a good session & was nice for our boys to socialise with their family's kids outside of their homes.

Coaches Walton, Stevenson & Chamberlain were again staying with the co-ordinator of the week who this week happened to be the Principle of the high school. Again, this gave us a few privileges as a group. Having keys to the whole school, to help our boys cool down after the game, he opened up the aquatics centre for us. As well as the usual pool toys available, the boys found great amusement in donning full scuba flippers & snorkels as well as the braver members attempting the diving board with flips, bombs & belly flops.

The rest of their Sunday & all of Monday were their own. Again some families had organised some things to do with their touring guests. More hit the city, whilst others went & ploughed some more money in to the American economy by visiting the Syracuse mall. All involved were pleased to have a totally free day & be able to chill out & spend some time getting to know their families more.

The coaches used this time to head back to the high school to check out some of the football training session. Now before we are accused of spying on our opposition before our game with them on Wednesday, let us make it clear we were watching the American Football team. When we arrived, we did not expect that we would soon be padding up in full kit, kicking field goals & throwing passes to their wide receivers. Not one to blow our own trumpets but a 20yd reception was completed for a first down, whilst the kicks were successful all the way up to 40yds.

Tuesday evening was the next time that the whole squad came together at a local amusement area called Chucksters. Here you can face baseball pitches in the cages, try to putt some golf balls on the mini golf course, climb a rock wall & play some volleyball whilst bouncing on some trampolines (#Standard). This gave the touring party the first opportunity to battle against each other in the HGS USA Mini Golf Open Championships. Captain Hobbs, being a keen golfer & having a low handicap, was rumoured to have scoped out the joint the day before to practice some of the tougher holes & just to read the greens. It is home to the longest mini golf hole in the world.

 

Once all the score cards had been collected & the scores were collated, Mr Walton was crowned as the HGS USA Mini Golf Open Championships winner for 2014.

Niagara Falls - 22/08/14

Buffalo Bills Training Camp 21/08/14

After a late arrival back from the game last night, a rather relaxed meet time was welcome, allowing everyone a few more minutes in bed.

As has now become routine, a strict meet time was met by all & we were soon on the way north to the high school which was acting as a car park for the park & ride scheme that the Bills had set up. All of the touring party were excited by the prospect of being able to experience all the razz-a-mataz of the NFL. Whether this was to see the sheer size of some of the athletes on offer (this anticipation only being increased with the news story that broke the morning before of the 92 man brawl that kicked off due to a late tackle!!) or the hopeful dream that the Buffalo Jills would be in attendance & we all could get a picture with a cheerleader. 

After a rather smooth journey (in hindsight it was too smooth, so something was going to go wrong), we parked up in a rather empty looking parking lot. Having arrived earlier than planned, we thought nothing of it so we all got our lunches out to eat before we headed off, whilst a few practised their QB arms with a throw & a catch. The boys are becoming very clever with their attempts at gaining a scholarship. Now even diversifying their choice of sport. Just as the cookie course of our extensive lunches was being consumed, a local pensioner wandered over to have a chat. As as now become standard, we expected she just wanted to find out where our funny accents were from. Instead she simply stated "the camp has been cancelled. You might as well go home." In some what of a state of shock, no one knew what to say or suggest. Being British we simply thanked the lady & sat in silence for a few moments. Luckily, Kane Nelhams (our resident coffee geek) suggested that we try to find a nearby shopping mall to fill the void left by 92 massively oversized men.

Searching through our satnav, we found East View Mall about 10 miles away. Heading off still in a state of shock & disappointment, we were hopeful that the mall could save the day. Otherwise it would be home by 2. As we pulled in to the mall parking lot, our hopes & spirits were lifted as we saw signs for Macy's, A&F, Hollister & American Eagle. The boys piled out of the cars & headed straight for the entrance. The next time we saw them, they would have ploughed more money in to the American economy & they would all be ladened down with bags.

Messages were sent round on social media between the group about deals & offers & savings as everyone buzzed about the mall picking up goods. The mall was so big & the shopping opportunities were so vast, that the coaches extended the meet time to allow everyone enough time to fill up the trunks. . .

The evening's entertainment was organised by the families. We all met up at a local camp ground. The boys were not too sure on what was in line for them as we drove the dirt tracks flagged by forests with only balloons on road signs as directions. However their mood was lifted when we pulled up & saw an awning set out for a huge picnic, with a basketball court, a football (soccer) field, a volleyball court & as many different types of sports balls & frisbees that they could want. Despite playing 3 games in 3 days, with most suffering from aches & pains, they soon organised themselves in to teams.
























Whilst we waited for all the families to arrive, an impromptu strength challenge was laid down by Mr Chamberlain when we offered an open arm wrestling challenge to the boys. Obviously there were many willing volunteers to try to dent his ego. Despite his extensive gym workout sessions for the past year, his attempt to be crowned HGS' Strongest Man was short lived as he was (comprehensively) beaten by Harry Nunn. 

A lightweight, heavyweight & super heavyweight competition was then set up with some varying & surprising results. Rob Price out muscled Sammy Davison, whilst Aaron James was victorious over Sam "Brock Lesner" Ansell. With some newly found confidence from his early round win, our resident art loving, duck boat captain Jake Hobbs decided he would challenge the Coach's family housing Dad Skip (who is also the President of the local university & a local town hero). Hopefully you can see from the video below that Skip's arms are the size of Jake's body & to say it was a bold challenge is an understatement. Needless to say, despite his best efforts Jake was destroyed!!

By the time Nunn had proved is strength through not only beating all willing competitors with an arm wrestle but also with a pull up challenge, the families had all arrived with the food. As has been the case throughout the week, there was so so much to choose from & all of it was very good. Speaking on behalf of everyone, we have been truly spoilt this week & will head home a few pounds heavier (hopefully all the clothes bought this week will still fit. . .).

Once all the food had been eaten & everything was tidied away, President Skip asked if we wanted to take our boys to the ASU aquatics centre for a quick swim. Being the president of the university, as well as a NY State Police badge he has access to all the university facilities that he wants, whenever he wants. After a unanimous yes vote from the squad, we made our way to the pool to be met by the aquatics centre staff who unlocked the centre & gave us access to the "toys store".

Game 3 - Houghton College 20/08/14

After 2 games in the past 48 hours, the boys appreciated the rest time that was scheduled for Wednesday morning in preparation for their game against Houghton College.

Different plans were organised amongst the group. Some headed on in to town to check out the now busier surroundings (the students started to arrive for the school year yesterday), whilst Brazier & Price took the opportunity to carry on their table tennis championships. For those interested, despite Brazier pulling things back, Price still led 13-11.

The journey to the college was the shortest of the week so far & before anyone could contest Jake Hobbs' questionable playlist we were there.

Harvey travelled to Houghton College on Wednesday evening to become the first visiting team to use the brand new immaculate $22million facilities, funded by the Buffalo Sabres ice hockey team owner - something the team were extremely overwhelmed and grateful for. 

As expected, coaches Stevenson and Walton opted to use the ever effective 4-2-3-1 formation, which the team have pioneered since day one. The team lined up as follows:

Starting XI - Roche, Hobbs, Brazier, Davidson, Price, Donald, Nelhams, Maffia, Nunn, Taylor, Ansell.

It was clear from the outset that Houghton had prepared very well for this game, which along with having the home venue and appropriate physical conditioning (Harvey having two consecutive games Monday and Tuesday) Houghton were the favourites.

It was the home side who as expected, came out the blocks very fast - the games tempo being dictated by College's number four, arguably the best ball player on the field; picking the ball up from the defence and playing it forward the wide midfield players. However HGS defended from the front front, and with an aggressive pressing regime through the front four (Ansell, Taylor, Nunn & Maffia), begun to stop him getting on the ball as much.

Harvey failed to trouble the home keeper, with no notable efforts apart from a speculative strike from long range from Taylor which was easily dealt with. At the other end, Roche protected his goal which a couple of fine reflex saves from Houghton's numerous close efforts from outside the box. One, too corner bound Roche flew trough the air to get a strong right glove on it to parry it over.

Following some changes, including a playing role for both coaches Stevenson and Walton, Harvey were fresh from the advantage of rotation for the second period - which showed immediate results when they entered their best spell of the match between 50-70 minutes. Walton (playing as a centre-forward) turned and shot just wide of the post following a clever ball from Maffia.

Harvey again came close through Donald, who looked to have planted his header beyond the opposition keeper, before a glove pushed  it around the post. Donald later looked to have opened the scoring when his crashing header found the net from Taylor's whipped corner - only for the referee to penalise him for a supposed push on his marker.

Neither side could find a goal, and in the dying embers a long clearance from Brazier found Walton who appeared to be in on goal, before the speeding defender applied pressure, unbalancing him before he fired just wide.

The result and great game of football was celebrated in the fitting spirit with both teams getting in the centre circle to thank God for the game. Overall HGS can take this unbeaten momentum into next weeks fixtures when they move two hours South to Bilmimgton, after departing Alfred on Saturday morning. 

FT - Houghton College 0-0 Harvey Grammar
Man of the Match - Rob Price

Match Report by Ryan Taylor.
Photo Credit - Coach Chamberlain. 
Follow us on Twitter for more updates @HGSSport.

Game 2 Keuka College 19/08/14

Tuesday started off with a tour of the Alfred State University that is located on one side of Alfred town. Obviously some of the touring party had had their own "tours" during their time in town, but this time we were led by an alumni of the college who was able to give us a more personal experience of the school.

As has been the case throughout the tour, the daily schedule details were sent out via different forms of social media. Meet times, required kit, colour of uniform for the day. As we gathered outside the college's admin building, it was all set for the first official team tour photo. See if you can see who did not read the message correctly. . .

The tour included a wander around the campus, lunch with the girl's volleyball & men's football teams as well some time in the campus shop where Rob Price decided all of the items he could buy to remember his time on tour, he choose a pink, glittery beanie hat. Upon paying for their goods, the cashiers asked if they could have a whole tour party photo that they could show their friends & families. I'm not sure who they thought we were, but the boys were all more than willing to pose & act celeb like.

When asked if anybody was interested in finding out any information on any particular subjects or faculties, our resident boat captain Jake Hobbs piped up that he was keen on art & in particular "none of this modern day rubbish, but old school portraits." Cue a 15 minute detour via the art galleries to the whole of the rest of the tour's amusement.

Hobbsy wasn't the only tour member that enjoyed his time massively. Coach Chamberlain made a new friend whilst in the engineering & mechanics sector. Having heard that the school have close links to NASCAR & actually build their own vehicles, Chamberlain attempted to engage in polite conversation with the lead lecturer in motor sport engineering.

Due to an earlier than planned finish on campus, we were invited to head to the campus farm where the university milking system is something of an art form. Unfortunately, as with all farms, the area was quite muddy & dirty. This didn't go well with the mixture of new white & grey sneakers that were being worn by our boys. Whilst some went in to get close to nature (& in some cases, get the obligatory selfie with a cow that will do the rounds on social media), others remained in the relatively safe enclosure & looked through the glass at the animals. They also got a good view from there of the cows!!

Harvey made the 54 mile trip South to face their second successive Division 2 opposition in Keuka College. After a fantastic display and result on Monday night against Rochester Institution of Technology, the team were looking to start where they left off come the 4:30 kick-off. 

Again operating the 4-2-3-1, coaches Stevenson and Walton altered the line-up at the expense of Aaron James who they decided to rest after his physio session this morning on his IT band at Alfred State Collage, an injury sustained the week before the tour started. Smith also came into the line-up in place of Hearmon, who was nursing a toe injury from the game vs RIT. Ansell came in for Taggart as the lone striker.



Starting XI - Roche, Nelhams, Davison, Nunn, Price, Donald, Brazier, Maffia, Smith, Taylor, Ansell

Harvey took a while to get in gear, the 28 degree temperature and extremely humid conditions was always going to ask a lot from the players - especially after playing 90 minutes less than 24 hours ago against another Division 2 side. However HGS took the lead when Maffia gambled on a wayward long pass from Donald which was headed back across goal unintentionally by a defender following some miscommunication, he then brought the ball out of the air and with his second touch calmly slotted it past the advancing goalkeeper. James Roche ensured the team would still not concede, denying the striker with a magnificent save with his right foot.

Coaches Stevenson and Walton were forced into some unplanned changes when Hearmon and James were forced off after initial introduction with recurring injuries. 

Kueka came out of the blocks much faster than Harvey, who failed to retain the high tempo they had been playing at in the closing period of the first-half. The rain was now pouring at this point and the players had to fight through to fatigue to prevent the home side from getting back into the game. 

The HGS defence which seemed almost indestructible at this point was then finally broken on the 82nd minute mark when a superb through ball found the feet of the forward, who classily touched and finished into the net for the equaliser. With the momentum undeniably with the home side now, Harvey really faced a big final eight minutes plus stoppages to dig out a result. The quality of passing ensured Kueka kept the majority of possession, the two central midfielders providing flair and creativity which proved difficult to contend with throughout the game, particularly in the final stages when options from the bench were extremely limited. 

In the 86th minute a sublime cross found the feet of the forward who slotted past Roche to surely win the game for the Americans. Harvey hit the floor in dismay and exhaustion, to only see the linesman holding his flag up for offside. Despite a final push, neither side could find a winner, and a draw was probably a fair result in conclusion of the 90 minutes played. 

At the time of the final whistle, both goalkeepers were on the field for Team HGS with the subs bench being made up of players who had taken knocks or were struggling through exhaustion. This makes the grinding out of the draw even more impressive against a side who had 29 players in their squad as it was still the pre-cutting stage of their pre-season.


FT - Kueka College 1-1 Harvey GS 
Scorer - Maffia. 
Man of the Match - Kane Nelhams/Sammy Davison. 

Although the game may feel like a defeat, the boys can take many positives from a spirited performance, especially as previously mentioned on the back off a 0-1 win yesterday night vs Rochester Institution of Technology. 
Next up, Houghton College tomorrow night, 7:00 kick-off. 

Match Report by Ryan Taylor.
Photo Credit - Coach Chamberlain. 
Follow us on Twitter for more updates @HGSSport.