Fri 12-Feb-10
Issue 16
Match Reports | Race Night
The week before the "half-term" break for many teams did not bring many points. Only three of the teams in action won their games, and the Men's 3s drew against Southgate to extend their unbeaten run of 4 games.
The Men's 2s beat Southgate 3s; they have won their last 3 games scoring ten goals in the process. The other teams to win were the Women's 6s, who ease their relegation fears, and the Tornados who keep pressure on the teams above them as they go for a place in the knockouts.
The Men's 1s faced tough opposition in the form of Wimbledon who came from Premier 2 last year and now are top of Premier 1. The Women's 1s were unfortunate to lose to Henley, who they had beat in the HA Trophy and drew with in the reverse fixture earlier this year. They also were knocked out of the HA Trophy by Teddington on Sunday, with the 1-0 scoreline showing what a close game it was.
Many of the teams are on a break next week, so come and support the Men's 1s, 3s or Diamonds who are playing at home!
Ramana Thirumoorthy - Editor
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27-Feb-10
Race Night
All the fun and excitement of a day at the races on a giant screen. Even if you have never seen a horse race before you can't fail to understand what's going on! All that you need to do is to pick a number between 1-8 and buy the corresponding ticket from the tote. The tote is then closed and a sealed race is chosen at random and shown. Plus you can become the 'owner' of a horse for a night, 'Sponsor' a race and take part in the final 'auction' race!
Quality fun for everyone as everyone is welcome - including friends, family and any other non-clubmembers
First race at 7pm, Admission £2. |
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This weeks match reports from the THD Teams in action.
Reports by: Rob Heath, Tim Sylvester, John Holmes, James Casey, Bill Dowie, Mark Annear, Ramana Thirumoorthy, Kate Selway, Georgie Phillips, Emily Cadman, someone in the womens 5s, Claire Dees & Tim Sylvester (again)!
Mens Section
Mens 1s vs Wimbledon: Lost 0-5
There is an unwritten rule in the books of THD that we play well against a side at least, and only once a year. We’ve overturned 7 goal deficits into 5-0 wins on the return leg, we’ve taken some top sides to the wire, but rolled over like a poodle in the next game.
So Wimbledon were in for a hiding. They thought a little visit down the south circular would be a walk in the park – yet little did they know that the 5-0 victory on their new Tiger turf was going to be replaced by an embarrassing turnaround on the sloping Dulwich pitch. Thus even though they were topping the league, and had scored a handful more goals than THD, Wimbledon started as second best.
But why would we watch sport if it weren't for upsets and underdogs fighting back. South Africa would not have have won the 1995 World Cup, Liverpool would’ve lost that night in Turkey and Happy Gilmour would’ve lost Grandma’s house to Shooter McGavin.
All credit to Wimbledon for coming out and playing pretty well. The first ten minutes or so were evenly contested. Even a fortuitous penalty stroke was saved by Piggy. However, as the game progressed, Wimbledon started dominating periods of play, and turning over some soft THD errors into shots and short corners. 2-0 nil it stood at half time to Wimbledon, but the crowd was waiting for the class of THD to shine through. (NOTE: this crowd was reduced by the number of one when a certain spectator questioned the umpires ability to make a few 60 yard goal line calls, yet failed to make some crucial ones in his one circle).
Unfortunately as the second half got going, Wimbledon had other ideas, and they continued to punish our mistakes with some decisive counter-attacks. I would like to say these counters were because they were camped with 10 people defending and Teun de Nooijer on the 25, but my neutrality says that we have ourselves to blame for some poor play. Too often were we soft, too often did we give the ball away, and too often were we narrow minded in our decision making.
So Wimbledon tore up the script and went back to SW19 with the history books rewritten. As well as they played, I don’t think Clint Eastwood will be giving them a call anytime soon...
MOM: Piggy
TFC: Joe L
Team: M Pigden, M Hopkins, A Jarratt, A Brown, C Smith, A Mowat, J Wilson, J Lyes, M Hann, R Heath, J Huntley, T Alford, S Broadway, W Nurse
Next match: Home vs. Spencer
Mens 2s vs. Southgate 3s: Won 4-3
The day started promisingly, with both Paul and Fez crippling themselves during our gentle warmup. This good luck was then carried beautifully through to a hurried start thanks to an injury-delayed match before ours, and held true through our excellent first-ten-minutes dominance until we were finally rewarded with a well taken Southgate goal.
Going 1-0 down galvanised us somewhat, and we upped our game to try and regain the advantage against our bottom-of-the-table foe. This added pressure paid off, with a glorious movement up the pitch finished in style by Bungle - 1-1. Shortly afterwards, a preposterous volleyed shot from Tim bounced up off the keeper to be hit first by Fez, and then their defender over the line. 2-1 THD.
Southgate equalised (somehow), before THD took the lead once more through a smooth 1-2 penalty corner. Continuing the end-to-end nature of the match, we entered the final ten minutes 3 apeice after another Southgate goal, but with just 5 minutes left on the clock, a foot on the line from Bungle's close-range shot allowed Tim to step up and convert the duly awarded stroke.
A close-fought affair, which really shouldn't have been. We need to be better next week against mid-table rivals Chelmsford. (TS)
Team: Sheldon, Matt, Guy (c), Rob, Paul, Snowy, Gav, Butty, Mike, Bungle, Darren, Nick J, Fez, Tim
Goals: Bungle, Fez, Tim (2)
MOM: Not sure, but personally I'd say Snowy for an outstanding performance at the back.
TFC: Not sure if we voted but since I'm writing this, I guess it's me.
Next match: Away vs. Chelmsford 2s
Mens 3s vs. Southgate 4s: Drew 2-2
Despite playing a blinder or should that be despite playing like I was blind, I have taken it upon myself to write this week's report. In the presumption that I have managed to secure myself the TFC vote (2 sets of handbags, I maintain that despite my age and bad knees I could have taken them both, and realising only after my post match shower that my clean clothes were in the car - it a horrible thing getting old).
But I am sure you are all more interested to know how we managed to not to secure 3 points against the league leaders. That's right most of us were hugely disappointed not to have taken all the points against the team that is seven points clear at the top of the table.
Following a frenetic opening, THD finally settled, but only after some frantic and scrambling defence that included some sterling work from the midfield (Sam, Sparky and Potty) who helped out with some crunching tackles which helped us to begin to assert our authority
As the half wore on THD began to string some passes together which began to unlock the Southgate defence that struggled to cope with the rampaging, bellowing (Andy), speedy (Ben) and determined (Ducky) forward line who showed what team work could achieve winning us several short corners which we were unlucky to convert.
As the half wore on THD were definitely in the ascendency but once again we failed to convert several golden opportunities and when our shots were goal bound Southgate produce several incredible goal line saves. But the pressure began to tell and it was a magnificent and flowing move started by our relaxed centre back (Frankie) who deftly picked the pocket of the Southgate's centre forward, to drive down the line and square the ball for Ben who deflected into the path of Ducky who lifted it over a prostrate Southgate keeper. Ducky was once again our top scorer.
Sadly, our unexpected lead resulted in a disastrous loss of concentration and Southgate struck back just two minutes after we had taken the lead. A combination of sloppy marking and lacklustre tackling was to blame. Halftime (1-1)
But as the whistle blew to restart the game, surely it was THD that felt more confident and so it proved to be with much of the play taking place in the Southgate half. And it wasn't long before we scored, only for the umpire's cruel and shrill whistle to cancel it out. I am not sure any of us know why, but with THD deflated, this only acted to spur on Southgate who once again found the door closed through some firm tackling from Rob and Wes and the agile shot stopping of Steve.
Which is why it was such a cruel blow for Southgate to go 2-1 up. Pinned back in their own 25 their only out let was the aerial which proved no danger until Rob made his only mistake of the game raising his stick above his shoulder. Southgate's quickly taken free hit saw THD's defence out of position and the centre forward in acres of space to coolly slot under Steve.
However, with 10 minutes left to play there was no panic from THD and we calmly went about our business and once again it was a move started with the defence that was to prove the undoing of Southgate. Wes galloped from the left back position with the ball glued to the end of stick driving at the left hand side of the D before slamming a pass of such beauty and accuracy it brought a tear to the eye, which is possibly why Southgate's defence stood still, allowing Ben steal in and deflect the ball into the back of the net. Ben was once again our top scorer.
But sadly despite our best efforts and there were some good ones, we were not able to add to the score-line. So a very hard fought match (I and several others have the bruises to prove it) ended with things all square and THD 3's maintain their undefeated run since Christmas. (JH)
Squad: Steve, John H, Frankie (says relax) Rob, Wes, Potty, Sam, Sparky, Andy, Ben, Ducky
Scorers: Ducky & Ben P
MOTM: Frankie
TFC: John Holmes
Next match: Home vs Hampstead & Westminster 5s, 1100hrs, DC
Tornados vs. Wimbledon 6s: Won 4-0
The Tornados needed to take three points away from Saturday's game. Having not recorded a win in 2010 it was vital we played Wimbledon out of the game. Our opposition was made up of playmakers and playschoolers. We kept the ball well and played controlled physical hockey to take the score to two zip at half time.
We sat in the goal mouth hoping to continue our form into the second half (and the rest of the season.). Sure enough we didn't capitulate and looked like a solid side. A text book short corner saw Tuer increase his already impressive goal tally in front of the virgin keeper.
Ben P also boosted his numbers as he drove home his hat-trick. After exuberant celebrations we pressed on until the full time whistle without conceding.
The clean sheet is tribute to how well the defence played and one of their number must surely grab the MotM tag. (JC)
Squad: Sheldon (GK), MJ (c), Pully, Aido, Bristles, Rob, Zesh, Tom, Fents, JC, Ben, Snowy
Scorers: Ben (3), Rob Tuer
MOTM: Bristles
Umpire: Tim Sylvester
Next match: Away vs. Richmond Stags
Diamonds vs. Richmond Lions: Lost 2-8
These guys showed us in no uncertain manner why they are the division leaders.
Believe it or not, we actually gave a reasonable account of ourselves, looking composed on the ball and moving it upfield with an urgency and level of control that at times surprised the oppo, if not ourselves. But the Lions were never worried; not only do they exude the confidence and competence of a team that looks as if they train regularly, they also had a couple of players who could dribble and shoot (you know, reverse stick high into the far corner type-shooting) and drag-flick short corners, and we're not used to seeing that level of expertise in Div 5. They are set up to attack; and if they concede a goal, they’ll just take it up the other end and put it right.
Irfan & Nick got our goals from short corners, the second being a particularly fine and imaginative routine, which would bode well for next weekend, were it not for the fact that Irfan will miss it. Back to the drawing board. (BD)
Team: Paul Reid, Tom Illingworth, Rob Patrick, Ben Salsbury, Graeme Evans, Marc Antoine, Adam Smith, Nick Allen, Sam Younger, Irfan Begg, Joe Del Greco, Tim Harris
Scorers: Irfan, Nick
Umpire: Billy Dowie
Next match: Home vs. Surbiton 5s, 1230hrs, JAGS
Royals vs. Spencer Spitfires: Lost 1-5
Perhaps it was a little much to have revealed our tactics in last week's column, in lieu of our iced-off match against Chiswick. No doubt a Spencer turncoat had been busy reading our report in advance of this weekend...
As signposted last week, from the off we charged headlong at our opponents, swiftly winning two shorts which found a defender ready to keep the ball out of goal by any means necessary; Keith dispatching the resulting flick with customary deftness.
Alas, thereafter the plan fell awry. Yes, Spencer were afraid to concede fouls in their D, instead scything down the ball-friendly Steve metres from the area. One has to wonder, given the obvious disadvantage that a hit outside the D offers, what the FIH will next do to tinker with the rules. Yes, we bolstered our defence - but, by so doing, so crowded our own half that it became that much harder to make the ball do the work when players were in the way. And when our opponents worked out what they had to do, a ten minute period of headless play saw them score three, despite our beloved skipper's committed debut in goal.
We improved a little in the second half, welcoming, among others, Kim Keats back to hockey after two years away. But all in all, you could see that Spencer were the better side. Dispiriting perhaps, but we do not come up against sides like this every week. We showed that we can surprise a side like this with our forthright adventure from the off. We showed that - when we think about what we need to do - we can force such sides to panic. If we can combine the two - the doing, and the thinking on our feet - there is no reason why we cannot improve on this performance, and battle our way back up into the play offs.
(MA)
Team: Jon Bayliss (c), Ben Slater, Steve Walsh, Robbie Fleck, Adrian Leung, Keith Howick, Tim Smith, Oli Carruthers, Ollie Furlong, Charlie Davenport, Ben Langford, Doug Smith, Kim Keats, Mark Annear (14)
Scorer: Keith Howick, with a very well-taken flick
MOTM: Despite the scoreline, a few won plaudits for tenacity in adversity: Ben Slater, for solidity personified; Ollie Furlong for the miles he covered; Steve for requiring three men to chop his stick away; and your correspondent for some undisclosed reason. The honourable mention though was had by Keith for his expertly-taken penalty flick before turning to expert defence. But the winner was our beloved skipper Jon, commanding in his first ever appearance in goal.
Special Moment of The Day: Special moments littered the deck as well: the Turncoat Iain Leverett; Slater for hitting the ball "especially hard" at his teammates; Oli Carruthers for not committing wide enough; Charlie for tackling his own teammate; Westlife was culpable for leaving Robbie to fend for himself, and finally Steve for (a) revealing his vote, and (b) railing against the system, although mitigation was given for graciously stepping down for Keith to send home the expertly-taken flick. The winner though was Robbie - for missing Westlife a little too much...
Umpires: Mike McKinnon, returning from two years out, and one of theirs.
Next match: 20 February, Home vs Tulse Hill & Dulwich Saracens, 1230hrs, JAGS
Saracens vs. H&W Thirsts: Lost 0-11
It is not the best of starts when your goalkeeper falls ill on the morning of the game, and there are only 10 men at the pitch. Oli being the brave skipper took the mantle/helmet and agreed to go in goal.
Hampstead clearly had trained and played together for a while. We had a few players turn up to the club for the first time in months! No surprise that they were more organised, and hit us quickly with 2 goals in the first 5 minutes. It was almost one-way traffic towards our goal for the first half. Despite even our best efforts, they had their sixth (??) at the stroke of half-time with a short corner.
In the second half, Hampstead started to tire, and we had more attacking possession resulting in some opportunities in the D. Unfortunately, Hampstead caught us on the break often, resulting in even more goals! There was a penalty flick given against us, and thankfully Oli did enough to intimidate the taker to pull it wide! The game finished with a goal for them from a short corner in the last minute.
I don't think anyone in the team was disappointed with the result. We were going for every ball with 110% effort and everyone did their best. At the end of the game, in the huddle, I saw fatigued faces but we knew we had tried our best for each other.
A big Welcome Back to Bill Crawford, who last played for Tulse Hill HC more than 9 years ago! Another big Welcome Back to Deryck Breinburg who hasn't played for Tulse Hill HC since the 1970's! He remembers playing with Gordon Nurse back then. It is always inspiring to experience the history and tradition of this great hockey club. Let it continue forever. (RT)
Squad: Oliver Clark, Colin Leeman, Michael Silverleaf, Tim Walters, Mark Shaw, Ramana Thirumoorthy, Miguel Ledo, Alastair Bulloch, Duncan Carmichael, Deryck Breinburg, Nick Weller, Bill Crawford
Umpires: Mark Pulford, Alex Bristow
Next match: Away vs. Richmond Redoubtables
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Womens Section
Womens 1s vs. Henley 1s: Lost 0-2
No match report.
Next match: HA Trophy, Home vs Teddington 1s, 1230hrs
HA Trophy
Womens 1s vs. Teddington 1s: Lost 0-1
No match report.
Next match: Away vs Trojans 2s
Womens 2s vs. Wimbledon 2s: Lost 2-3
Look back into the mists of time, and you will find it written with quill pen and faded ink that we have rarely played our best against this team. Today was to be no exception, although it is fair to say we didn't recognise most members of this "2nd" XI, at least not the one we remembered playing before Christmas. We welcomed back Muldoon this week from her Big Brother/Red Card exile and after a rousing battle cry we set forth to conquer. Alas, if only we could blame the bouncy JAGS pitch for the horror that ensued. Will was rendered temporarily speechless (a first?) by the carnage as we at the back struggled to demonstrate any competence at all. He was roused from his trance, however, by the slightly bizarre sight of several of the opposition clustering around Biba (was there to be ritual sacrifice and bloodletting in centre midfield?).
"Biba don't hit the ball" seemed a strange piece of advice in the circumstances until you realised it was shorthand for "Biba, you are being surrounded by the opposition, their sticks are very near to the ball; it would therefore be a good idea to keep your stick on the ball before you pass it so they cannot steal it from you". With obvious disgust for most of the rest of us (difficult to say it wasn't entirely deserved) Will left us to our own devices as we sought to claw our way back from the hellish pit of 2-0 down and totally rubbish hockey. Jo, who still hadn't even touched the ball at this stage, led the swim back to the surface but gave herself a bad case of the bends in the process and had to leave the pitch with a nose bleed, leaving the remaining ten contemplating various unhappy epitaphs. Some of us even thought about the Bee Gees: "How could we let it slip away-ay?". Actually, it was probably only me that was thinking of the Bee Gees (as Biba knows, I have a constant soundtrack running in my head for moments of personal glory that never seem to arrive) which probably accounts for my sideline ball, self pass, slight trickle straight off the side of the pitch. ("With a hey nonny hey, how crap thou didst play", 16th cent. anon.)
Things did actually improve eventually, although I'm not convinced Will believes this. Beddoes and Tash executed a slick combo on our third short corner to enable Sarah to put the ball away very nicely thank you. And not long later, with the goalie being pulled wide left, Tash drove to the right and banged home our second goal. Jules was a joy to behold running up the left with determination, speed and left handed skill, and Livy came to the game with another shopping trolley full of marvellous saves. It was an exciting last 20 minutes. Wimbledon were awarded a flick and scored it, only to have it disallowed by Lou (but rumour has it that it's now ok to take more than one step Lou). An outraged Wimbledon promptly dumped the ball in the back of our net again a few short minutes later. And so it ended 3-2 and the pathway to perfect hockey is still a steep climb away.(KS)
Squad Livy, Muldoon, Ellie, Rach, Kato, Beddoes, Biba, Alice (Happy Birthday; now I'm only 29 years older), Julia, Tash, Jo
Scorers: Sarah Beddoes, Tash Barnes
MOTM: Julia
TFC: Alice's Mum, Sarah, for bringing delicious brownies and taking Jacob for a wee
Umpires: Lou Campbell
Next match: 20 February, Away vs. Old Kingstonian 1s
Womens 3s vs. Reigate Priory: Lost 1-5
Not the result we were looking for, it's got to be said!
After an inspiring warm up ( I thought so anyway), serious team talk and only 2 players with hangovers I was sure this was going to be our week... oh how wrong could I be.
Although everyone worked their socks off and the defence worked incredibly hard to keep Reigate at bay we just seemed too disjointed as a team. Being 2-0 down at half time I was sure we could pull back but they just kept running rings around us and sneaking into the D.
A cheeky breakaway goal from Kate was a fantastic boost that we needed and some incredible saves by Ellie, including a penalty flick ensured our embarrassment was kept to minimum. Well done guys.
With a fantastic influx of new players up from the 4s and some serious team bonding we'll be back with a vengeance next week. (GP)
Squad Ellie, Linds, Snellers, Kat, Emma P, Emma B, Michelle, Lynne, Helen M, Kate, Alanna and Georgie (c)
Scorers: Kate
MOTM: Ellie
Next match: 20 February, Away vs. Wimbledon 2As
Womens 4s vs. Horley: Won 4-2
Another good win for the 4s this week as the Christmas rebound continues!
For three-quarters of the match it was all THD, with some very pretty hockey being played, and lots of switching wings and direction of play. The only problem was that last week's clinical finish seemed to have deserted us - with the forwards seemingly determined to run the ball through the opposition sweeper's stick!
Still, the goals flowed.
All was well until halfway through the second half when a classic case of 'your player' let Horley's forwards through to have a chance at the match. Some fitness work maybe needed by some of the defence (notably me). But, we recovered to score another goal and put the match beyond doubt.
Whilst talk of promotion might still be a little far fetched, we are closing in on third place in the table and in a position to benefit if the top two start dropping points. The next match is likely to decide whether we hang onto third or not, as we take on our nearest rival Surbiton.(EC)
Squad Emily, Hattie, Rachel, Abi, Kath, Ash, Helen F, Helen B, Suzanna, Mary, Vicky, Suzi
Scorers: Kath, Mary, Suzanna, Ash
MOTM: Mary
Next match: Away vs. Surbiton 5s
Womens 5s vs. Surbiton 6s: Lost 2-4
After a rather extended Christmas break of 8 weeks the ladies should have been feeling rusty but came flying out of the blocks from the first whistle. We dominate the first half and settled in well passing fluidly. Some particularly nifty movement and linking play by the halves set up Heidi to smash home the first goal with a cracking strike that surprised us all. Surbiton responded with a lucky goal but then THD started to show what they are made of – pure steel.
A strong tackle from Flo against a (supposedly hard to mark) Surbiton number 17 enabled her to open up the game by slotting a beautiful pass though to Wicks who sent it straight forward to The Dictator herself who had no concerns about persecuting the keeper with a classic ‘nutmeg’ move.
There were very few highlights after this bar a sterling performance from newcomer Emily who surpassed herself in goal prompting very positive comments from the Umpire. A lack of fitness let ultimately to a 4:2 defeat but a bit of work over the coming few weeks will leave us saying “Vicky Stanley” who…
Team: Emily N, Clare, Lucy, Flo, Kate, Sarah N, Heidi, Sarah W, Khal, Izzy, Audrey, Erica, Andrea, Katie
Umpire: Lucy Snell
Scorer: Heidi and Katie
MOTM:Heidi
Next match: 27 February, Away vs. Woking 2As
Womens 6s vs. London Edwardians 4s: Won 3-1
On chilly Saturday afternoon we met at Crystal Palace knowing we had to win today's match - no pressure! The sun was shining and we took this as a good sign. Also Mags our dedicated captain, promised to do a little dance for us if we were 3-0 up.
With that bit of added motivation, we started off really strong with some great play up the wings. Our passing is getting so much better as we were trying to keep the width instead of bunching in the middle. Sinead scored off a short corner about 15 minutes into the first half. Alison promptly did a 'Montague' which added to the drama of the match.
With help from Olivia (who was man of the match) the forwards had some great runs with Jenna scoring a goal., followed shortly by Gemma who scored our third goal 5 minutes later. More goals from you both next match please! There are no excuses now.
True to her word Mags 'shook her tail feathers' and we finished on a high at half time.
London Edwardians came back fighting in the second half but we managed to hold them off. They did manage to score but only one! What a fantastic match. Also thanks to the supporters, Jess, Rachel and Sarah. It obviously helps that you were there cheering us on!(CD)
Squad: Charlotte (GK), Sinead, Jocelyn, Katie, Olivia, Mags, Ellie, Hayley, Bridgette, Claire, Jenna, Gemma, Alison
Scorers: Sinead, Jenna and Gemma.
Umpires: Alanna + 1
Next match: 27 February, Home vs. Cranleigh 2s, 1230hrs, JAGS
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Mixed Section
Dragons vs. Horsham Mixed: Lost 1-4.
First things first - a massive thank you to all the girls who made this their third (or in some cases fourth) game of the weekend. Not an easy match to play, especially after suffering an agonising last-minute defeat just half an hour earlier. Secondly, thanks to Wes for stepping out on a cold Sunday to umpire what turned into a fairly physical encounter.
We knocked Horsham out of the cup last year and I think a few of us stepped out on Sunday expecting more of the same, which sadly, turned out not to be the case. Whilst no more skilled than us they certainly seemed fresher, and this no doubt affected the outcome.
We dominated large patches of the game and were it not for their match-saving keeper, should have scored in double figures; they maybe had 6 or 7 attempts on goal and scored 4, we had upwards of 20 and had all but one saved by the flailing limbs of their keeper or cleared off the line, as well as a handful of shots off the metalwork.
At the end of the day, we simply didn't have the legs to keep up with them for 70 minutes and despite our continued onslaught on their goal, just couldn't find the net. Whether the better side won or not is debatable but it's numbers that count, and that's that. (TS)
Team: M Pigden, W Nurse, K Sowter, C Byrne, J Thomas, S Carter, J Drury, F Nurse, T Alford, E Barry, J Huntley, T Sylvester, R Trafford, A MacIntosh
Scorer: Bino
MOTM: Will Nurse
TFC: Piggy (self-nominated)
Next match: Home vs. UCL Academicals Mixed, 1230hrs, BP
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