(Also) Mon 26-Oct-09
Issue 04
Match Reports | Subs | Awards Dinner
"Who is on fire?"
"The Ladies' 4s are on fire!"
They continue their purple patch this week with 3 goals and yet another clean sheet! The unlucky opposition to come away from DC with nought was Richmond 4s. Mmmm... I wonder what magic ingredients they infuse into their cakes and brownies. The other Ladies' sides were not so lucky with the 1s managing a draw, and the 2s, 3s, 5s and 6s all losing at home.
What promised to be Battle Royale between the Saracens and Royals did not disappoint. With their 'higher team' status at stake, the Royals won this match 2-0.
The other Men's teams, unlike the average university student, were very productive in their 'Reading' week. The 2s, 3s and Tornados all faced the blue-shirted army and came away with a draw and two wins. The Diamonds also came out on top, beating Wimbledon 6s in a 10-goal thriller.
Just a reminder that the Club Awards Dinner is next weekend. Make your booking through your social champions now!
May this season bring much playing success and more memorable off-pitch antics!
Ramana Thirumoorthy - Editor
Apologies for the lateness of the last couple of issues - and for the London Bus two-at-once delivery this week. I can't blame the Royal Mail strike action as its email! But if the teams could please submit their reports on time then myself & Ram will do our best to get them out weekly before the weekend. - MJ
Back to top <<<
|
Subs are OVERDUE - they MUST be settled ASAP
anyone with unpaid subs CANNOT play this weekend!
Tulse Hill & Dulwich HC charges a single combined yearly subscription payable by monthly standing order. the subscription covers annual membership, training, match fees (not mixed matches) and hot teas. Payable by standing order, bank transfer or by cheque.
Full details at http://www.thehockeyclub.co.uk/aboutus/fees.shtml
Member |
Cost |
Adult Member
(1st/2nd XI squads) |
£380
or 5 payments of £76 |
Adult Member
(all other teams) |
£325
or 5 payments of £65 |
Students / Unemployed
or Goalkeeper (with own kit) |
£170
or 5 payments of £34 |
Junior* Members
(U16 not Academy) |
£135
or 5 payments of £27 |
Academy* Members |
Single payment of £80 |
* If a player is both a Junior player for the main Club and a member of the Academy then their total fees payable will be equal to the Junior fee. The player concerned should contact the Academy to organise payment of that particular fee and then send the difference (between that and the full junior fee) to the main club Treasurer.
Anyone queries please in contact the Treasurer or your captain.
|
Back to top <<<
|
 |
31-Oct-09
Awards Dinner 2009
7pm - 1am
The Rosendale
Black Tie
Two Course meal plus two glasses of wine
DJ till 12.30am Bar closes at 12.15.
Menu
Meat
Smoked salmon, with horseradish mousse
Roast Shoulder of Lamb
Veg
buffalo mozarella and tomato salad mushroom risotto
Sides - green beans and sautee potatoes
£32.50
£27.50 concessions
Our Awards Dinner is a celebration of the enduring accomplishments of our players, and to recognise the support of our volunteers, captains and club members who continue to build on our success.
There will be a raffle with Concert tickets to be auctioned - this year we are very fortunate to have 2 tickets for Lily Allen (Saturday 28th November) and 2 tickets for Florence and the Machine (Sunday 13th December) at the Brixton Academy - both of these are sold out on the Academy's website! |
Back to top <<<
This weeks match reports from the THD Teams in action.
Reports by: Chris Smith, Stephen Butcher, James Casey, Mark Annear, Michael Silverleaf, Annabel Owen, Sabrina Tunnicliffe, Julia Butler, Emily Cadman, Khalida Ismail
Mens Section
Mens 1s vs. Purley Walcountians: Lost 2-0
Another loss in a game on reflection. In terms of ball retention THD should have got something out of it. However, once agai,n our shot count could be counted on one hand and we never really tested their keeper. That is now 3 games on the trot that THD have failed to score, frustrating times indeed.
However there is sign of hope as we listened to Coach Hoppo this time and at least tried to apply his game plan. In the end actual application and composure was still missing to apply the final touches. A scrappy local derby which THD were still in with a shout with minutes to go, but lost 2 goals, 1 in each half through breakaways when on the attack. (CS)
Squad: W.Pigden, C.Smith, R.Banwell, J.Goldsmith, F.Nurse, J.Nurse, M.Hann, R.Heath, J.Huntley, S.Broadway, T.Alford, J.Brewin, A.Brown, S.Hiley
MOTM: Matt Hann
TFC: Chris Smith
Next match: Away vs. Wimbledon
Mens 2s vs. Reading 2As: Won 4-3
No match report.
Next match: Home vs. Wimbledon 2s, 1400hrs, Dulwich College
Mens 3s vs. Reading 3s: Drew 0-0
We gathered on a chilly Saturday morning and prepared for our 4th match of the season. This week we were a large outfit of 16 and hoped to have our first win of the year. Reading had only eleven players and weren't too impressed at the thought of having to provide an umpire. Luckily, for them, up stepped Billy and Alex who kindly volunteered to regulate the first half.
After a thorough warm up and team talk the pushback was upon us. The game started at pace and the Reading midfield pressed hard with players trying numerous shots. It seems that this year our opposition are determined to score goals on the reverse hit! The first half saw some fantastic keeper work from Steve who kept us in the game. Our rigid defence and sturdy midfield denied Reading the lead on several occasions. Up front there were signs of potential magic but the Reading defence held strong and kept us, on the whole, out of their 25. The end of the half saw Reading concede a penalty corner. Could this be the chance for THD to take the lead? A fine short corner failed to result in a goal.
The half time team talk was of quick passing and remembering our composure on the ball. A determined team set up for the second half knowing that we needed to up our game. The whistle blew and we were off again. Taking these thoughts on board, we started to play with finesse and serenity. The Reading eleven were tiring and THD sought to take full advantage of this. We penetrated the D several times with dashing runs from the midfield and our forwards. It looked as though a goal was coming. Ten minutes to go and THD up the ante with more fluid passing and rabid runs. Alas, Nick Harris, who had been at the heart of our attack, suffered an injury to the eye with a tenacious tackle in their D. Still we pressed on with shots from Ducky and new talent Tej just skewing wide. Unfortunately this was not to be our first victory of the year. Final whistle blows for a goal less draw. However we walk away from this game a better side. A lot can be taken from this game. Watch this space as victory for us looks inevitable in the coming weeks! (SB)
Squad: Steve, John, Rob, Frankie, Tim, Bungle, Foggy, Snowy, Joe, Ducky, Nick Harris, Wes, Sparky, Tej, Alex
MOTM: Tim
Umpires: Billy, Alex (1st Half), Foggy (10 mins 2nd half), Trem
Next match: Away vs. Reading Refills
Tornados vs. Reading Renegades: Won 5-1
After an earful about punctuality the Tornados were noticeably early to the ground at Reading University for their fourth game of the season. Off the back of a pleasing draw against the confrontational Spencer we were raring to go. THD T teed off from the start.
Reading's slightly aging side couldn't resist succumbing to the gliding passing hockey the Tornados put together and Mark Jones (or MJ) opened the scoring with a second bite of the cherry. The away team went into half time content but wary of another capitulation of the kind displayed against the Diamonds.
Unfortunately for Reading no such crumbling occurred and Alex Fishwick added another; the undoubtedly superior pace of the elder Fish paying dividends. Short corners have born fruit on a number of occasions this year and Saturday did not disappoint. The Tornados characteristic 'slip left' gave Pully another for the season and the forwards began a period of encouraged introspection as to why the right back is still very much in the running for top scorer.
The action is never far away from Rob Tuer and sure enough he got in on the scoring as well. Redemption for intra-team criticism was granted to the ever-energetic Tuer as he crashed a top-D shot into the top right of the backboard. Despite his Boy George goalkeeping Si couldn't resist conceding one. However it can hardly be described as consolation for Reading. MJ caused consternation as he poached the fifth; Tom Alexander was audibly annoyed. Changing nicknames did not seem to stop the Tornados gelling on Saturday; some of the hockey was solid and well worked.long may it last. (JC)
Squad: Si Bailey, Fents, Tom, Alex, Pully, Rob, Wilsh, Smaller Fish, Jonesy, James, Big Fish, Zesh
Scorers: Mark Jones (2), Rob Tuer, Mark Pulford, Alex Fishwick
MOTM: Zesh
TFC: Jonesy
Umpires: Coleman plus one (many thanks)
Next match: Away vs. Spencer Titans
Diamonds vs. Wimbledon 6s: Won 6-4
Just like the previous week, we conceded four goals, so it’s glaringly obvious we need to work on our defence – we gave away too many careless shorts with undisciplined tackling & poor positioning.
But this time, with Nick linking midfield and attack, we were deadly up front. Nick scored three of the goals himself (from four shots) and Irfan, released from "defensive duties", had two breakaways, one-on-one with their keeper, and rounded the poor guy both times. Wonderful. Viren slid home our sixth to give us an important buffer, since although we kept going two or even three goals up, we couldn't shake them off completely.
So, our first win of the season, and we’re all hoping to build on this. (BD)
Team: James Fuller, Tom Illingworth, Trem Parvin, Simon Canter, Adam Smith, Marc Antoine, Stephen Ireton, Sam Younger, Nick Allen, Irfan Begg, Joe Del Greco, Viren Walia
Scorers: Nick (3), Irfan (2), Viren
Umpire: Wes Cole
Next match: Away vs. Blackheath Heathens
Royals vs. THD Saracens: Won 2-0
At the end of last season - a season in which the Royals had completed an unenviable hat-trick of bottom-of-the-London-league finishes - it was announced that at least this year we would not have to suffer such ignominy again, as at the very least we would be putting in a seventh team to suffer the slings and arrows that might otherwise have fallen our way.
And so it was that THD's newest team - the Saracens - played "host" to the ageing Royals at Crystal Palace, a stirring chill breeze sharpening the senses and awakening the troops for battle. An interesting battle, as it turned, as both sides tested each other's tactics and systems warily at first, gaining a little confidence as minutes ticked by. Classically, this game was not for You-Tube, and victory would befall the team which adapted earlier and overcame the defensive mindset of their opponents. And for the Royals, experience was the facet that finally told.
First, running from deep, came James Perrott. Then too Ed Taylor Jones from the right, and Adam Bond from the midfield, overcame the white-shirted hordes and carved a route toward goal - where the solid forward partnership of Jon Bayliss and Ben Slater could add their own individual touch on proceedings. But even then, even after Steve Walsh and Jules Floyd finally converted their chances, the match continued to have its cagey moments, and the Saracens never looked beaten, and the Royals could never pull away.
The Royals fortunately do not prop up the depths of Division seven, yet. And yet the Saracens still fill a position or two above us, still at the top of the table, still with three wins from four. The more we manage to achieve, the more there is still left to do. (MA)
Squad: Jon Bayliss (c), Ben Slater, Adam Bond, Steve Walsh, Oli Carruthers, Ed Taylor Jones, Robbie Fleck, Steve Butcher, Rob Patrick, Julian Floyd, Ollie Furlong, Keith Howick, Tim Smith, James Perrott (14), and also appearing for the opposition, Laurie Shotton, Ollie Norris
Scorers: Steve Walsh and Julian Floyd
MOTM: Ed Taylor Jones, for an impressive game going forward, and an honourable mention for Robbie Fleck, for a solid game covering for Ed's wandering. Further honourable mentions for the dynamic Adam Bond, Steve Walsh and Steve "two clean sheets in one day" Butcher
TFC: Shared by Ben Slater, for playing up front and not scoring, and for lack of adherence to secret ballot rules, and Mark Annear, for disallowing a potential goal by Ben Slater. Dishonourable mentions for Jon Bayliss (turning certain goals into near misses) and Julian Floyd (not scoring enough)
Umpires: Aidan Brock and Mark Annear
Next match: Home vs. Southgate Goblets, 1530hrs, Dulwich College
Saracens vs. THD Royals: Lost 2-0
Well, it had to happen. After a stunning start to the season, the Saracens finally ran into a team who gave them a rather harder time. Of course, it was the Royals - we can't have outsiders upsetting our records. We started a little hesitantly, letting the Royals have too much possession. This was probably down to the new boys in the team not linking in as seamlessly as they might. Once we started moving the ball about, though, we gave the opposition something to think about. For a while during the first half we dominated the midfield and exerted considerable pressure on their goal. Ladi and Nick (MoM) were fast and furious at the front, both making excellent scything runs through the opposing defence on occasion. We had a number of chances to score and it began to look as if we might inflict an unexpected defeat on the opposition. Sadly, a brief defensive lapse towards the end of the first half allowed the Royals to pick up a rather fortunate goal and move into the lead which was how things stood at half time.
At the start of the second half we came out fighting. The injection of new boy Laurie Shotton into the midfield had a galvanising effect - he seemed to be everywhere at once despite having had a lump carved out of his left hand during the first half. Maybe this just perked him up. But the Royals were not about to give up. They began to apply pressure at the front and made a series of rapid breaks into our D. A sequence of short corners followed. No conversions, largely down to the excellent runners cutting out opportunities for clear strikes at goal. Oli, Charlie and Ali were particularly impressive during this stage of the game.
The second, and final, goal came out of nowhere during free play, a beautiful strike from the middle of the D, high and hard to the very left hand side of the goal. Joe (sightline probably blocked by yours truly) didn't have a chance. Given the extent to which his superb efforts had prevented any scores in the second half up to then, it seemed unfair that he should be beaten by a shot of a quality unmatched during the rest of the game.
All in all a doughty, fighting performance which deserved a better scoreline than the one achieved. Well done to all. (MS)
Squad: James Fuller (GK), Charlie, James Taylor, Ladi, Ollie C, Nick Weller, Ian T (C), Ben Langford, Rob Hughes, Ali Bulloch, Adrian, Adam Bond, Robert Thomas, Laurie Shotton, Ollie Norris
MOTM: Nick Weller
Next match: Away vs. Spencer Spitfires
Back to top <<<
Womens Section
Womens 1s vs. Oxford University 1s: Drew 1-1
It was a beautiful warm morning, the early sun was bouncing off the sand as they enjoyed a sumptuous breakfast overlooking the golden beach. wait. no that was Alex on holiday!
No seriously it was a lovely morning and a positive start, as a lot of the team turned up early. yes, early!!! Except those who were at weddings and on holiday, which meant people were playing in different positions to usual, but some players from the 2s kindly played for us (thank you), which gave us a good, strong team.
Everyone was really up for the game and this showed throughout with everyone working really hard right to the end. Oxford were a stronger team than last year and we struggled to get to grips with their bouncy pitch, but despite this we still had most of the possession in the first half, without however creating any shots on goal or even any short corners, leaving it 0-0 at half time.
The second half was much more exciting, with both teams creating chances. Oxford sadly converted first but we kept composure and continued to work hard, and were rewarded with a great goal by Claire from a short corner.
There seems to be a pattern emerging with our results - win, draw, win, draw. it's looking good for this weekend! (AO)
Squad: Dulcie Davies, Clare Byrne, Sophie Carter, Angela Sheahen, Annabel Owen, Rachel Wheeler, Bettina Wolff, Rebecca Jacobs, Harriet Warren, Sharon Smith, Rachel Trafford, Cathy Volsteedt
Scorers: Clare Byrne
MOTM: Bettina Wolff & Dulcie Davies
Next match: Home vs. Sunbury 1s, 1130hrs, Dulwich College
Womens 2s vs. Oxted 1s: Lost 5-1
Would you believe me if I said it was actually quite a close game? Probably not and I guess there is not much excuse for a score line like that, but we did actually start the game very strongly. We were playing Oxted, a newly demoted team and unbeaten in three weeks - we certainly went in as the underdogs, so when the whistle went and for ten beautiful minutes we played disciplined, simple and sensible hockey, we didn't just surprise the opposition, we surprised ourselves. This was short lived though, I have chosen to blot out all those goals from my memory, so don't expect me to describe the catalogue of errors that saw a close-fought game turn into a rout. We should probably take three lessons away from this game: a) when in the D, aim for the goal and hit the ball as hard as you can b) when outside their D, pass the ball wide and away from them, not directly to the centre forward c) we have a left side of the pitch, which is probably worth using once in a while!
Still it's not all doom and gloom. Our new centre back, Ellie Coen had a great game and thanks must go to Sarah Buxton and Helen Shackleton (thanks for the goal - and salvaging us some dignity) who step up to help us out. Finally, we may have lost to the top of the league - but we are still determined to bring home the promotion that's well overdue this season. Just a few tweaks here and there and it's going to be WIN WIN WIN BABY!* (ST)
* THD Ladies 2s are already social winners without parallel. Watch out for the all star table of 'Team Fun' at the Awards Dinner.
Squad Olivia, Kato, Ellie, Muldoon, Buxton, Beddoes, Biba, Jeavons, Jo, Tash, Helen Shackleton
Scorers: Helen Shackleton
MOTM: tbc
Next match: 31st October, Away vs. Wimbledon 2s
Womens 3s vs. Wimbledon 2As: Lost 1-2
Following an encouraging team talk (inside!), we braced the cold outdoors on Saturday lunchtime raring to go and desperately wanting to put 3 points to our name for the first time this season. The first 10 minutes were a bit shaky to say the least, and it took a while for everyone to slot into place and work out their positioning as many were playing out of their comfort zone.
We got ourselves back into the rhythm of the game quickly and with some solid defensive work and sweeps out to the left and right we made it increasingly difficult for them to get into the D. Ellie made some cracking saves, but unfortunately they had a late break and scored. 1-0 at half time. Boo.
After a motivating half time talk, we came out battling, determined to make the second half better than the first. Early on however, a flick was given in their favour after a ball unfortunately bounced up on Kat's shin pad in close range of the goal! The score was 2-0.
We were getting hungry for a goal, and our passing was flowing nicely at angles left, right and centre. Lindsey hit the ball up the line to Emma, who nicely passed it through to Julia. She caught it on her stick and with the supporters cheering ran past a few of the (older) opposition, then crossed the ball wide to Kirsty just past their keeper who slotted it home to make the scoreline 2-1. Thank god for that! Time flew by in the 2nd half, and unfortunately we didn't manage to create another goal scoring opportunity before the whistle blew.
Wimbledon were a solid team who had many more chances which they failed to convert into goals, so for us to keep them from only scoring one more goal than we did, was a valiant effort in itself.
A massive thank you to Gemma for standing in the cold and with her incredibly helpful shouting, supporting and coaching from the sideline! We'll win in 2 weeks time.
(JB)
Squad Lindsey, Lucy, Emma B, Emma P, Sunny, Julia, Helen McG, Alice, Kat, Kirsty, Kate, Jena, Ellie (GK)
Scorers: Kirsty
MOTM: Julia and Ellie
Umpires: Thank you to Ferrett and a Men's 1s tag team (Alex, James and Sam)!
Next match: 31st October, Away vs. Reigate Priory 2s
Womens 4s vs. Richmond 4s: Won 2-0
'How was it only two?', one of the opposition muttered as we walked off the pitch.
And it was the question we were asking ourselves, as a penalty flick went astray, balls hit the posts, were stopped online the line, and open goals missed, as we spent the majority of the match camped in their 22. Still, it meant the defence met Gemma's pre-match challenge of not conceding any short corners, for the first time this year!
Two well-taken goals by Alanna gave us some breathing space, and though it wasn't the prettiest of matches, it kept our winning streak firmly intact.
With three wins from the first four matches, and only one goal conceded, the 4s are sitting pretty in third place in the table - and looking to challenge for promotion. (EC)
Squad Lucy, Helen C, Mary, Hattie, Abi, Helen F, Emily C, Hattie, Kath, Susannah, Michelle, Suzi, Catriona, Alanna, Ellie
Scorers: Alanna McIntosh (2)
MOTM: Alanna McIntosh
Next match: 31st October, Away vs. Horley
Womens 5s vs. London Wayfarers 4s: Lost 3-0
It was an early start, the pitch was so near yet so far, and there were more than a few yawns. We soon shed our early morning blues for a game that was fast pace and kept us on the go. We conceded 3 goals in the first half despite some solid defending, especially from our borrowed goalie, Ali and some lovely runs on the wing by Rachael. The forwards had a tough time with opposition's defence running up so high that we forgot we were attackers!
We finally got the message from our leader to hang back in the second half, and with some re-jigging of positions, we seemed to get our confidence back. We didn't concede any more goals and had our fair share of short corners. It was a shame we didn't play the first half as well as we did in the second half but we learnt from it. The small selection of boy spectators (all ages) was well behaved! (KI)
Squad: Ali Cowley, Lucy Heggarty, Khalida Ismail, Rachael Miskin, Sarah Riggs, Katie Stone, Kate Straker, Andrea Vicary, Heidi Hughes, Vicky Stanley, Sarah Newitt, Sarah Wykes, Laura Sears, and Emily Elgood.
Scorers: None
MOTM: Rachael Miskin
Umpires: Ferret and one from Wayfarers
Next match: 31st October, Away vs. Surbiton 6s
Womens 6s vs. UCL Academicals 2s: Lost 2-0
No match report.
Next match: 31st October, Away vs. London Edwardians 4s
Back to top <<<
Mixed Section
Dragons: No match.
Next match: 25th October, Home vs. vs. Wanderers Sinners, 1400hrs, BP
Back to top <<<
|
General News
