Womens 5s Match Reports
Not so long ago, in a hockey galaxy, far, far away
This was a match made in heaven for all the BFBs (Big Female Bears) in the world-Kenley's home grown psychopath met the umpire of her dreams- she smelled the novice in Kal's breathe -more of that later. The first half was fast and furious with light sabers scoring early goals by both teams. The first couple of goals by Kenley left THD standing but we regrouped in defence and the forwards were pounding. Zoe always seemed to be in the right place to make the most of some great opportunities shot into the D by Sarah W. But as half time approached, tensions started mounting and the troubles began. A very mouthy Kenley defence- frightening enough to make Darth Vader shudder-started heckling the novice umpire about this and that and pounding her confidence. Half time was more of a relief for me than anyone else and I was already having an eye opener for that mulled wine in Clare's flasks.
Back into the second half THD 5s were at their finest despite some more opposition goals. There was some excellent passing and running into space with Mags and Kate McP doing a cha-cha-cha in the midfield a few times. Our Wendy hurricaned some fancy stick work dodging various Kenley clouds on the way. Harriet, time and time again, collected and fed the ball back into the D with increasing reliability.
And then it was the Attack of the Clones-the opposition practically stopped play to complain endlessly at my decision to award a short corner to THD while on the other end of the pitch, BFB and THD (uh well Len was now the new target) got into a right argy-bargy. For a while it seemed the match was about to shattered into pieces just like the Death Star but the Umpires fought back to reclaim dignity and authority and the last 10 minutes was how hockey should be between nice people! There was a moment when BFB fell and groaned- I wont repeat the 5s chant.
I would like to thank everyone in the 5s who played that day for supporting me in my sado-masochistic intergalactic battle with the opposition-that support, together with the mulled wine and (more of the same later that night) made the experience forgettable.
Not sure where it leaves my umpiring journey but don't ask for a Sequel titled Return of the Jedi Umpire
Team GK - Vicky
Defence - Len, Clare Montagu, Lucy, Harriet
Midfield - Wendy, Mags, Katie McP,
Forward - Zoe, Sarah, Erica
A crisp early morning in Barnes, on a rather water logged pitch, against a tough opposition and 15 minutes before push back we only had 4 players ready to go - this did not bode well! We managed to get 11 on the pitch on time but probably not that surprisingly we started rather slowly and by half time we were 4-0 down. A half time talk of basically we need to do better spurred us on and we came out raring to go in the second half. We had some good breaks and a fantastic one on one with the goalie by Sarah put us ahead (in this half!). The second half definitely looked better and we had a few opportunities however unfortunately none of these were converted. The opposition were quick on the break and with one player tough to stop, in spite of some great saves by Vicky, another 3 had gone in by the time the final whistle went. I think we can safely say that for next week, the only way is up!
Vicky, Clare, Harriet, Nic Y, Heidi, Rachel, Mags, Carlia, Erica, Emily, Zoe, Sarah
On a very sandy pitch in Kingston we met our match with London Academicals. The opposition, who are currently second in the league, played well in the first half and although we played strongly they unfortunately managed to get two goals passed us.
At half time, we decided to up the pace and not let them beat us. We went out strongly and retained 80% of the possession in the second half. After numerous attempts on goal, we finally managed to get a short corner. After a great save by the goalie the ball was up in the air and we tapped it in to score our first goal..or so we thoughtunfortunately after a discussion between the umpires the goal was disallowed!! We carried on determined to not let that get us down. We continued to maintain the majority of the possession and keep the pressure on but unfortunately we ran out of time and before we knew it the whistle for full time was blown.
Although we lost, the score line definitely doesn't reflect the match, the whole team played well both in defence and attack with some excellent play by Wendy, Mags, Katie and Carlia.
Charlotte, Lucy, Harriet, Nic Y, Nic W, Harriet, Wendy, Mags, Katie, Carlia, Emma, Zoe, Emily, Khal
Reigate showed a distinctly slack attitude to the start of the match: by 3.30, scheduled push-back time, there were only four players with the others apparently "in the changing rooms." Over the course of an extended 20 min warm up various Reigate players sloped onto the pitch, not showing the kind of urgency you expect from people running demonstrably late for a league match. More than one of us muttered darkly about forcing them to forfeit the game for such tardiness while the rest of us sharpened our hockey sticks in anticipation of the game ahead.
An initial nervousness about the youth and speed of some of their players was dispelled quickly by our immediate and continued domination of the game. The ball rarely left the Reigate half as for the first time this season we pressed properly, aided by Nic shouting directions from the back. Persistence was rewarded in the first half by a goal from Zoe and we came back in the second half hungry for more. All of us were lifted by our success, by Nic's shouting, by the training manoeuvres actually working, by switching round the back and by doing all the things you're supposed to do when playing hockey. At some point after several attacking short corners, Carlia scored another goal. But we didn't give Reigate a chance and kept pressuring them - a third from Sarah's flick would have been the icing on the cake, but sadly it lifted just shy of the goal. Reigate did defend well and they had a couple of breaks but Vicky in goal was never really bothered much. This was hockey as it should be played: confident, aggressive and completely and utterly dominating.
At training, Gordon had said the best games were 2-0 victories where you'd retained possession for 70mins. That about sums it up.
With as close to a full squad as possible we began with taking a team picture, full faces of make up, blow dried hair, short skirts, low cut tops and stiletto heels...! We were all very positive.
At some point during the first half Spartans scored and left us disgruntled. It took us a while to regain our confidence and amidst a few scuffles and some aggressive stick swinging, their nifty forwards got in there first and put another 3 past us in the second half.
After all the action, a few beers at the clubhouse and the X Factor sweepstake, our determination became apparent. This Saturday is ours, in training to get our win back against Spartans in the New Year! (LP)
Fines: Mags x2 for falling on her finger, and Sarah W for revealing her MOTM vote.
Katie S (C) Ali (GK) Nic Y, Nic W, Lucy, Clare M, Len, Harriet, Carlia, Katie McP, Khalida, Zoe, Sarah W, Heidi, Mags.
'I had a dream - we won, and I scored..it was beautiful' Katie Mcphilimy.
Meanwhile back in Ranch reality, we didnt win, and Katie, you didnt score. But we did manage to get a point on what was one of the hottest days we have ever played hockey. (Heidi, I'll get to your goal later!)We all laughed at the thought of a pre match warm up,we were passing out just looking at the match on before us. OUr plan was to let the ball to the work...Unfortunately London Eds had other plans and actually wanted to run around?? Thankfully we were allowed a water break at some randomly appointed time of 17.5 minutes.
Captain: where did they pluck that number from?!
Towards the end of the first half we were one goal down despite Kamikaze Ali (MOTM) scaring the bejaysis out of the opposition running at them from all angles.
Now some of the team may think our come back was due to the inspirational 'Eye of the Tiger' pre match email, and especially when the downloaded song was blasted out to terrify the opposition. But Ill tell you the real song that inspired Heidi to convert the only shot we had on goal to secure a well fought point. On the drive over with Heidi, as always with JLS CD on repeat - I could tell she was inspired. As the cross came towards her she was heard to whisper, 'you only get one - so make it count' and cracked it of every side of the backboard. London Eds were powerless and the points stolen from them.
Well done T5!
MOTM - Ali,
Real MOTM - JLS
Fines: Katie Stone: Division skills, Heidi for being too hungover, katie mcphilimy for not being hungover enough, Me - mags (AKA you) for falling? I Was PUSHED!
ali, Clare,len, harriet, francesca, Nicole , Katie, Katie, Katie, Mags, Sarah, Heidi, Zoe
Umpire ; RIchard Meade
Delayed Reaction, such was the shock of our first win in about 18 months, that I couldnt get a match report out. I will happily accept the fines that will be dealt to me (mine is a gin and tonic not jager bomb thanks..). What can I say, all kinds of records were broken, finally some points on the board. A forward getting MOTM? Well done sarah Wykes! And our goal tally? We managed to score more goals in the first match than our entire season last year. Things are looking up (after going down).
As I reflect on the result I look to charlie sheen for inspiration (and not just because our next match is beside the priory). 'Born Ready. Winning.'