Fri 26-Feb-10
Issue 18
Match Reports | Race Night
A slight improvement overall for THD this weekend. More points and goals for the club on the whole. There was reason to celebrate for many of the teams in action.
The Women's 1s broke a losing streak by drawing 3-3 with Oxford University! The Men's 2s and 3s maintain their unbeaten streak. The Tornados notch another win in their quest for a playoff place.
The Men's 1s played Oxford University too but unfortunately could not take any points away with them. The Diamonds faced tough opposition in the form of local rivals Spencer 6s who are their league leaders.
As ever, intra-club games are hotly-contested. The Royals and Saracens wouldn't let each other win! They finished "even stevens" in a game with a lot of action, penalty corners but not that many goals unfortunately!
Have a look at the notices below! There are two major social events, our very own Race Night and a Poker Night organised by the Squash section of Dulwich Sports Club.
Ramana Thirumoorthy - Editor
Back to top <<<
|
 |
26-Feb-10
Poker Night
The squash club are having a Poker Night on Friday, 26 February 2010, at the clubhouse in aid of the "Court Five Appeal". This is a fundraiser to assist in building another squash court at Dulwich Sports Club.
Game: Texas Hold Em (as seen on TV)
Start time 7.30 (strictly adhered to - blinds will be automatically posted for those arriving late).
-
£12.50 buy in for 3000 chips.
-
£10 for 3000 chips re buys (provided your chips are less than 3000) until 9pm.
-
£10 for 3000 chips top at 9pm (available to all).
-
25% of prize money will go toward Court Five.
-
Number of prize winners will depend on the number of participants.
-
Guests of members, and beginners, are welcome.
Organised by Razi Mireskandari, 07973-832580, razi@smab.co.uk. If you are interested in coming please make sure you contact Razi so he has a definite idea of numbers.
|
Back to top <<<
|
 |
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. |
Back to top <<<
This weeks match reports from the THD Teams in action.
Reports by: Alex Brown, Nick Jacob, Charles Krasun, Bill Dowie, Mark Annear, Ramana Thirumoorthy, Annabel Owen, Jo Walford, Emma Billsdon, Tim Sylvester.
Mens Section
Mens 1s vs. Oxford University: Lost 1-4
The Ifley Rd sportsground in Oxford has been the scene of many great sporting events: Roger Bannister running sub 4 min mile, Oxford 33 Cambridge 29 in University Varsity match in 2004. More often than not it has inspired sportsmen and women to go above and beyond.
Oxford University also have a proud tradition at hockey. They have a great pitch and are coached by Olympian/one of GB's best ever hockey players John Shaw (2 olympics) . Tulse Hill and Dulwich have played some cracking matching with Oxford over the years.
Unfortunately neither Ifley Rd nor the pitch could inspire the mens 1s on Saturday.
4-1 in the end flattered the away team.
They were stuffed by a younger team who had more hunger to stay in South Prem
It was a tale of two halves in many respects. THD took the lead through Matt Hann after good work from Simon on the right touchline.
On numerous occasions the midfield of Freshy and Joe sliced through the Oxford defence. Oxford did level after a strong aerial caught out THD's defence, but at 1-1 the game was evenly poised.
Second half was completely different. From the first minute THD conceded at short corner. After 2-3 it was inevitable that Oxford would take the lead and from that the floodgates oF THD's defence opened. There was little assistance from the midfield or forwards though.
Hoppo frustrations at the end of the game would have made Alex Ferguson shirk. However it was no less than the team deserved. Good practice sessions are never followed up by consistent performance in the match situation.
The last rites are being prepared. Its whether THD can pull the phoenix from the flames and win the next 6 games.
Let's hope so - the team have obvious talent,are a good bunch of lads. For all the talk of tactics doing the right thing, it boils down to: do they want to stay up, to fight for every minute? We will find out on Saturday.
Team: Rob, Piggy, Matt, Joe, Simon, Tom, Alex, Smudge, Banners, Gav, Hoppo, Freshy
MOM: Simon
TFC: Alex (despite Joe expletives to John Shaw 'who the f*** is he?')
Next match: Home vs. Brighton and Hove
Mens 2s vs. Hampstead & Westminster 3s: Won 4-3
After a string of good results TH & D 2's were keen to head on next week's notorious away trip to Oxford unbeaten in 5. The match started with some good flowing moves as we managed to keep possession and looked confident in transferring the ball from one flank to the other. Finding ourselves 2-0 up following a tap-in from Darren and a precise flick from Andy J we were playing some of the best hockey we have done this season. As always though we endeavour to make life slightly difficult for ourselves and let H&W back into the game with a fairly soft goal against the run of play.
Having taken a 2-1 lead into half-time we then lost our composure to find ourselves trailing with 15 minutes to go. Cometh the hour, cometh the man as Timmy dragged a flick into the side netting to level the scoring and then after further pressure from TH & D forwards popped up with the ball on his reverse in front of the keeper, which he somehow managed to deflect off the keeper and into the goal. An overall good performance with Felix winning man of the match as a result of some great game-controlling play. (NJ)
Squad: Sheldon, Robby, Matt, Felix, Coleman, Guy, Andy J, Mike, Paul, Fez, Potty, Butty, Nick, Timmy, Darren
Scorers: Darren, Andy J, Tim x 2
MOTM: Felix Nurse
Umpires: Aido & Jonesy
Next match: Away vs. Oxford University 2s
Mens 3s vs. Hampstead & Westminster 4s: Postponed
No match report.
Next match: Home vs. Teddington Saplings, Dulwich College,1600hrs
Tornados vs. Blackheath Heathens: Won 3-1
We came out of the blocks with something to prove and instantly had Blackheath on the back foot. We looked like we really wanted to win on a quick, hard (frozen) JAGS pitch. Inevitably, ten minutes in, we rather lost our way, but then, fortunately, an inspired substitution brought Ben on. A good short corner routine, time for Tom to pick his spot in the far corner and Ben's powerful aura. 1-0.
Remembering our demolition of Blackheath away, we felt confident. So confident that Aido decided to roll out the red carpet, lay on the marching band and encourage their centre forward through on his inside, and their fella willingly beat Bailey at the near post. Moments of comedy lit up the first half otherwise notable for its 'nearly good' status (Tom being accused of being fat by Jabba the Hutt's big brother; their substitute centre forward having to introduce himself to his new team mates half way through the first half - although Bristles, clearly used to a more Corinthian match environment, happily greeted him with a cheery 'hello'; some petulant squealing from the hobbit trio of Fish, JC and Aido), but it was only the tap in from MotM-designate Ben that put our noses in front.
A second half that was far more open kept us unpleasantly close to throwing away a lead again. But a free hit on the right on the 25 saw a quick ball to Wilsh, who played a lovely cross for MJ, wandering past, to get a touch in. There was uproar, with Wilsh saying he hadn't meant it, MJ saying he hadn't meant it. and them whining about god knows what. Fortunately, the umpires made the right call and we led 3-1.
Time for more controversy, with their striker and Aido going for a 50-50, Aido taking the ball then the man, and, in the 25, getting a strange yellow - and then, stranger still, not a short corner. So hard to know what the umpire thought he was about, but not for the first time.
A slight improvement on last week, if only in closing out the result, but a trip to Chigwell will be a more realistic test of where we are. Big games all the way to the end of the season... (CK)
Squad: Bailey, Pully, Charlie, Tom, Aido, Wilsh, Rob (Ashley Cole), Bristles, MJ, Fish (Big), Zesh, Ben, JC
Scorers: Tom, Ben, MJ (oddly)
MOTM: In the absence of a good individual performance, (C)ashley - if only for his phone work
Next match: Away vs. Old Loughtonians Gunners
Diamonds vs. Spencer 6s: Lost 1-6
A very tough game against the top-of-the-table side who have not lost all season. Spencer were technically strong across the pitch and put us under constant pressure when we had the ball. Despite periods of solid play, we let them into our area on too many occasions and found ourselves 0-2 down at half time. When we held onto the ball for any period of time, we did work for the balls down the flanks well. Nick and Irfan also ran tirelessly all day to give the team an outlet further up the field.
The second half saw a steady flow of goals, including one incredibly good shot (from Spencer) from the edge of our area, that clipped the cross bar on the way into the net. Everyone worked hard all game. The central defensive pair (Rob and Ben) looked good and prevented many a Spencer attack, and James made several good saves. Yet we conceded six. Spencer deserve their position at the top and we learnt a lot from a classy side. (SI)
Team: James Fuller, Wes Cole, Ben Salsbury, Rob Patrick, Graeme Evans, Simon Canter, Olly Walton, Adam Smith, Stephen Ireton, Marc Antoine, Nick Allen, Irfan Begg
Scorer: Nick
Umpires: Both theirs
Next match: Away vs. Richmond Stags
Royals vs. Tulse Hill & Dulwich Saracens: Drew 1-1
No secret about what happened here. We were below par - pretty much asleep in the first half - and the Saracens played excellently and took advantage. Barely able to launch out of our own 25 for much of the first fifteen minutes, we struggled to pass the half-way line and the Saracens finally took the lead when an unmarked ex-Royal in Colin Leeman played in to the equally unmarked Nick Weller, the latter finishing with all the assurance of one who has the entire goal to aim for and places it right in the very middle, where goalie Joe Boylan's head would otherwise have been.
We had not had the best of starts, as James Perrott fell ill on the eve of the match and two others struggled to prioritise on the morning of (see below). Instead, continuing the trend of welcoming back long-lost Royals, Doug Heard was kind enough to turn out at barely an hour's notice, becoming, with Ashley Woods, the 48th and 49th to appear for the team this season.
But perhaps the greatest contribution was made by another ex-Royal who had spent three years and more away from the fold. Gavin Lawson produced a string of excellent saves to deny from Oli Carruthers, Jon Bayliss, Doug, Ollie Furlong and Ollie Norris strikes that might on other days have reaped better reward. The only problem was, he was playing for the Saracens.
It is a result that smacks of no little frustration. Not that we failed to beat a team theoretically below us in the club's pecking order, but more that we had failed to rouse ourselves to want to win the match more. A poor performance, on so many levels. (MA)
Scorers: Doug Heard, with a finely placed bottom corner finish
MOTM: Votes for: Gavin Lawson, once of the Royals in years gone by; Ashley Woods and Ollie Furlong favoured each other's contribution; one vote also for your correspondent, and one for Ben Slater, for withdrawing on the morning of the match and thereby "giving us a chance". The award though was tied between Joe Boylan, for pulling off some good saves; Oli Carruthers, who almost secured victory; "Westlife" Taylor Jones with some sound work at left back; and Doug Heard, who performed a grand role in midfield and scored our only goal.
Special Moment of the Day: Unfortunate initial votes for Charles Norris and Adrian Leung; mentions also for Ashley (lack of anonymity in voting - voting for the chap who hit the ball into his ankle - and nepotistic voting) and your correspondent (for hitting Ashley in the ankle), and Ollie Furlong (slightly more nepotistic voting). The winner though would have been Tim Harris (who managed to hit the ball off the pitch on our own push back), had it not been for the early morning dropouts of Ben "Liability" Slater (still out raving at 11am) and Steve "Liability" Walsh (just heading home at 10.15am).
Umpires: Charles Norris and Zesh Sadique
Next match: Away vs. Richmond Stags
Saracens vs. Tulse Hill & Dulwich Royals: Drew 1-1
With Ian and Oli away, Rob Hues took up the mantle as captain for the week. We started the game after a protracted warm up and Huesy-style pre-game talk. We were all ready to go as we knew we could get some points from this game, having lost the last four.
It has to be said. We DOMINATED the first ten minutes. Some good play from the central players Ben, Charles and Ram kept the ball firmly in the Royals' half. We played some solid hockey that Peter Berman would have been proud of! We moved the ball up the wings and back around using the "Pivot". They couldn't even get into our 25! Our goal came when James and James couldn't find a way up the left channel. Ram moved the ball along their 25 yard line, and Colin made a darting run into the D from the right wing. The pass found Colin and he hit it with some force. The ball deflected into the air for Nick, who reacted lightning-quick, to "Weller" it into the back of the net. (All that cricket chat in the bar afterwards was not just a story then!)
The second half was not as good. We forgot about passing playing safe hockey and Peter would have been shaking his head at some of our decision-making. The Royals were making good attacking moves through wingers, Jon their skipper, Adrian, Ed and Ollie Norris. They won quite a few short corners but luckily none were converted.
Gavin our keeper had an excellent game. He made many good saves, getting low and reacting quickly. He single-handly earned us a point when his "Hand of God" came out of nowhere; a goalmouth scrambled led to a goal-bound shot by a Royal, but Gavin's left arm was at fullllll stretchhhhh to save the day. Hence he earns the MOTM. Well played Saracens and I hope we can keep this up for the rest of the season! (RT)
Squad: Gavin Lawson (GK), Rob Hues, Ramana Thirumoorthy, Niteen Sharma, Tim Walters, James Smith, James Taylor, Charles Davenport, Miguel Ledo, Ben Langford, Nick Weller, Duncan Carmichael, Colin Leeman, Neil H
Scorers: Nick Weller
MOTM: Gavin Lawson
TFC: Joe Boylan - Saracens 'keeper last week, Royals 'keeper this week!
Umpires: Charles Norris and Zesh Sadique
Next match: Away vs. Spencer Spitfires
Back to top <<<
Womens Section
Womens 1s vs. Oxford University 1s: Drew 3-3
Well, it wasn't the easiest game to get started, thanks to freezing temperatures the night before and a stubborn patch of the pitch which refused to thaw despite Steve Carter's best attempts to hurry it along (Thank you so much Steve for all you determined sweeping!), but we were all keen for the game to go ahead, particularly Oxford after their early morning drive to get to us, so after pushing the game back 30mins we just got on with it.
Despite our rather lackadaisical warm up, we came out strong at the start of the game, and our efforts were quickly rewarded with a short corner, which Alex slotted home with alacrity. I'm not entirely sure what happened in the next 20mins of the game, but we obviously didn't want to make life easy for ourselves and although we had the majority of possession, we let Oxford score twice, leaving us 1-2 down at the end of the first half.
Sophie was obviously tired and decided she wanted a rest before half-time, so accidentally-on-purpose kicked the ball and got rewarded with a yellow card!
Down to 10 men, or more accurately women, for the first few minutes of the second half, we worked hard to win ourselves another penalty corner which Alex again beautifully converted into a goal (2-2).
Throughout the match it seemed as though the umpires were playing a bad game of good cop/bad cop, with bad cop generously presenting us with 3 cards. The 3rd of which was another yellow, to Julia this time, for not really doing much wrong! Despite this, Julia still earned herself man of the match for her brilliant play at left wing.
By the last quarter of the game the umpires seemed to be making up their own rules, which riled up the Oxford coach so much he gave Will a proper beating in the 'whose coach is the loudest and complains the most' competition (this competition has many other names, however most of these should not be used here for fear of causing offence). Will didn't give up his title too easily though.
Oxford scored again, then we scored 3 minutes later and that was that. a 3-3 draw. Another game we should have won, but at least we earned ourselves one point this time and hopefully learnt a thing or two, so we can make it 3 next week! (AO)
Squad: Dulcie, Alex, Kath, Clare, Jen, Sophie, Annabel, Alice, Cathy, Julia, Rebecca
Scorers: Alex Crawford (3), Rosie Macpherson (2), Jo and EJ Barry
MOTM: Alex(2), Rebecca
DOTD: Sophie - for obvious reasons (mentioned above)
Special Mention: Will, for neglecting his husband/fatherly duties as Gemma was technically in labour during our game!
Huge congrats to you both on the arrival of little Harry Nurse!
Next match: Away vs. Sunbury
Womens 2s vs. Old Kingstonians 1s: Lost 1-2
There is a time and place for defeat. Saturday 20 February 2010 should not have been it. Set against a backdrop of clear blue skies, this tale is scarcely to be believed.
It may have been our 15 minute opening display of non-committal hockey that encouraged Old Kingstonians to dare to hope that a victory was attainable. With possession tossed back and forth and rather more of the game concentrated in our defensive half than intended during this opening assault, our gear-stick remained firmly wedged in 2nd. Gaining confidence from our failing gearbox, Old Kingstonians seized an opportunity to muddle through our defence and slot an unremarkable goal past our keeper. One fat slap in the face.
Feeling both stung and insulted, THD reacted to this gross imbalance of power with an awakened sense purpose. An offensive, initiated from Lucy at right back, saw a perfectly weighted through-ball slipped to Jo on the right-wing and a thundering assault on the opposition ensued. Jo threaded a beautiful ball to Helen on the penalty spot, who finished sublimely to level the tables at one a-piece ahead of the half-time whistle.
A rousing half-time talk from our commander-in-chief focused our collective mind on injecting more energy, more spirit and more venom into the second-half . . . lest we should suffer another ruthless slap. Inspired by this plea, Rach, Lou and Ellie worked tirelessly in defence to spread the ball wide and out of danger. Jeavs and Beddoes, well supported by Biba, fought hard on opposite flanks to drive the play forward often slotting creative passes through to Tash and Helen, the whippets of attack.
Yet, the second soul-destroying slap came from a defensive short-corner which saw Old Kingstonians smack a decisive shot inside the right post. Reeling from the pain, THD dug deep to harness composure and resolve the renewed imbalance of power with some slick spates of crisp, intelligent hockey. Alas, despite winning a couple of short-corners from these endeavours and launching the occasional opportunistic attacking dart, there were no further goals to be had.
There is a time and a place for defeat. Our next match on 27 February 2010 will not be it. (JW)
Squad Olivia, Rach, Lou, Lucy, Ellie, Biba, Jeavs, Beddoes, Tash, Helen, Jo
Scorers: Sarah Beddoes (2), Tash Barnes, Jo Walford
MOTM: Jo Walford
Umpires: Lou Campbell
Next match: Away vs. Woking 2s
Womens 3s vs. Wimbledon 3s: Lost 1-8
A sunny early morning start in Wombletown brought hope and determination. We broke the deadlock with the first goal, skillfully lobbed into the back of the goal by superstar Suzi. The play on the fresh Tiger Turf was bouncy and pacey. There was some skilful play particularly from Emily even when she had a hairband failure moment. We fought hard through a couple of body checks and elbows to keep a respectful 2-1 score at half time.
Second half slightly different, 6 goals happened, included within that a couple of slick short corners. A quote from Mrs Spencer summed it up with a giggle," Was that 5 goals conceded in 5 minutes?!" (EB)
Squad Ellie J, Lindsey Mc , Emily, Lucy Snellers, Anna S, Cath O, Emma P, Georgie P, Alanna Mac, Emma B, Suzi
Scorers: Suzi
MOTM: Emily
Next match: Away vs. Spencer 3s
Womens 4s: No match
Next match: Away vs. Surbiton 5s
Womens 5s: No match
Next match: Away vs. Woking 2As
Womens 6s: No match
Next match: Home vs. Cranleigh 2s, 1230hrs, JAGS
Back to top <<<
Mixed Section
Dragons vs. Wanderers Daquiris: Won 5-4
In a fun-filled and very friendly affair on a dull Sunday afternoon and after 70 minutes of the lead changing hands, THD managed to beat the Daiquiris by the odd goal in 9. It should be noted that this victory was made all the sweeter by the fact that Annabel Owen and Pig "Piggy the Piglet" Pigden were playing for the oppo. Just goes to show kids, traitors never prosper.
In all honesty, I was very hungover and can't really remember what happened. However, that night I watched something on the Discovery channel about mud volcanoes in Indonesia and it was much more interesting anyway.
Until next time, you lovely lovely people...
Mud volcano floods Java
Disaster-plagued Indonesian island faces new threat
What has happened?
For 3 months a sea of hot mud has been gushing from the ground in Sidoarjo, East Java, 35 kilometres south of Indonesia's second largest city, Surabaya. The steaming mud pool is growing at an estimated 50,000 cubic metres a day, accompanied by hydrogen sulphide gas, and now reportedly covers more than 25 square kilometres. The flow has not yet been stopped; thousands of people have lost their homes.
For the full story, please click here: http://www.bioedonline.org/news/news.cfm?art=2755
Squad Ellie (GK), Alanna, Catriona, Julia, Susannah, Furlong, Ellie (defector), MJ, Tim, Guy, Gaz, Jacobs & Fez.
Scorers: Julia (2), Tim, Jacobs & OG (them with a hint of a touch from us!)
MOTM: Fez
TFC: Piggy and Annabel
Umpires:Mark Annear (1st half), Timmy & MJ (2nd Half) + none of theirs!
Next match: Home vs. Spencer Mixed, 1230hrs, BP
Back to top <<<
|
General News
