Match Reports 2003/04

Since 2003/04 the club has produced a weekly newsletter, during the season, containing match reports from each of the games played that weekend.

Mon 20-Oct-03

Issue 02 & 03

Apologies for the THD blackout over the last couple of weeks. I hope this bumper edition will make up for it - though late, it's large and full of incident. A bit like your average Saturday night really. There's all sorts of action to savour, including an excellent start to the season for the Men's 1s and Women's Vets and some particularly spectacular defeats - who wants to read about 0-0 draws after all?

Week 2 reports by: Justin Collins, Mark Pulford, James Terrett, Vishal Phakey, Simon Riley, Graeme Evans, Richard Taylor, Charley Williams, Kate Blumer, Karen Dodds, Marie Smith, Katherine Dixon, Julie Ferrett, Joanna Reynolds, EJ Barry

Men's 1s vs. Staines: won 4-3 THD picked up their first win of the season in their first game, in stark contrast to years past. In truth THD were always on top, but made hard work of seeing off a committed Staines challenge. A new back 4 played well throughout, limiting a potentially potent attack, whilst up front the midfield and attack worked hard to carve out chances. THD went ahead in the first half with a reverse stick shot from player coach Andy Balchin. Although Staines had equalised by half time, THD remained confident, and this was justified as Dave Casement stepped off the bench to restore the lead. Again this was short-lived as Staines scored a controversial equaliser (deflection off a midriff - THD's or Staines', we don't know). After that THD pulled away as Andy Balchin scored from consecutive short corners. Although Staines pulled back to within a goal with 5 minutes to play, THD kept the ball well down the field to run down the clock and ensure victory.

Team: Justin Collins, Chris Coleman, Clive Colloff, Andy Eames, Ed Stevenson, Tom Cross, Joel Burrows, Richard Banwell, Matt Groom, Andy Balchin, Bill Pellett, Dave Casement, Matt Fletcher, Felix Nurse, Tom Matthews, Gregg McAllister.

Scorers: Andy Balchin 3, Dave Casement

Men's 2s vs. Indian Gym: lost 1-7

An interesting start to the season - in many ways positive but with obvious concern at shipping seven goals. A storming performance from Wiggy meant that at half time we were still in the game and unlucky to be 1-3 down. Our lack of fitness combined with excellent individuals skills from Indian Gym really showed in the second half. A big thanks to both Toby and Anna for umpiring.

Team: Wiggy, Alex McDonald, Neil Happs, Fletch, Hugo, Wes Cole, Alex Kew, Ferg Jagger, Mark Pulford, Nick Jacob, Nick Harris, Andy Potapa, Dave Casement.

Umpires: Toby Wheadon and Anna Barrett

Scorer: Dave Casement

Men's 3s vs. Old Loughtonians: match conceded 0-5

Due to an unforeseen number of commitments outside hockey, the 3's had to call off their game against Old Loughts. This aversion to Essex is something we are looking into on the training pitch, with all players now being required to play with sovereign rings and arrive to matches in Ford Capris. Toby is taking the coaching.

Men's 4As vs. Richmond Stags: lost 1-3

Not the best game to kick the season off, as Richmond were relegated from the division above and had a point to prove. As soon as the game started we were under considerable pressure. They were quick on the break and their passing carved up our midfield and defence fairly easily. Never the less we battled on, though we were very disorganised in the first half and paid the price. All though we defended well, we gave away far too many short corners from which they scored two goals and just before the end of the first half they scored again. The second half was very encouraging as we sorted ourselves out and started playing hockey. We had some good chances and if Clifford hadn't got his legs in a tangle the score would have been a lot closer. He made amends by finishing well just before the final whistle went. If only we played as well in the first half.

Team: Peter Adams, Tim Parker, Stuart Craig, Vishal Phakey, Grant Spencer, Richard Taylor, Gareth Norris, Clifford Brown, Jake Cole, Arian Meredith, David Eacott.

Umpire: Mike Clyne

Scorer: Clifford Brown

Tornados (Men's 4Bs) vs. PHC Chiswick: lost 0-2

Possession. Nine tenths of the law, or a few months at Her Majesty's pleasure. Doesn't always win you hockey matches though - 80% of the play in the Chiswick's half but the 4Bs could not capitalise and the 2 goals from Chiswick's 3 major attacks gave them the spoils of this war. And war it was - almost a siege of their goal from the first whistle. An absolute exocet from Nick Thomson at a short corner was unseen by everyone and if the goals posts were made of anything other than metal, the ball would have broken them. As it was, a long corner was the result and this was as close to scoring as we came. As the game progressed, the oppo got more physical and we tried to match them. Only when the lads composed themselves and let the hockey do the talking did we stamp our authority on the game. Flowing passing moves across the pitch had their midfield doing their best impressions of headless chickens. The final touch was our missing link though - you can't win games if you don't score goals... ah the old clichés are the best. The performance was worthy of at least a point and considering only 6 of the side had played together for any reasonable length of time before, it bodes well for the rest of the season. A quick word of thanks must go to Tim Smith and Steve Ireton for helping us out in our time of need and welcome to THD to Neil Gallagher who made a solid debut in the middle of the park. And so to Teddington this weekend - a great chance for the lads to bounce back onto the winning trail and for you to watch some sexy hockey!

Team: Lee Tearle, Nick Thomson, Simon Wilshire, Tim Smith, Dougal Davis, Neil Gallagher, Lee Snowden, Conor Macklin, Mark Beaney, Geoff Pritchard, Stephen Ireton

Men's 5s vs. Old Loughtonians: lost 3-4

The usual outcome from a trip to Essex - but at least OL's knew they'd been in a game this time. In contrast to last season's drubbing, there was little between the two teams as THD turned on the style with some entertaining hockey. Unfortunately, that included Rich Fenton's fish-out-of-water impression after finding himself with just the keeper to beat. OL's favoured long-ball tactics did put them into a 2-0 lead but THD fought back with a strike from Ian Cooper and a stunning reverse effort by Gareth. All looked good until Billy Dowie hobbled off and OL exposed holes in an otherwise well-marshalled defence to go 4-2 up. Still, THD were not finished and could have nicked an equaliser in the wake of Ian Cooper's stunning second - a topped shot with just enough bounce to outfox the keeper.

Team: Paul Reid, Rich Batty, Stuart Craig, Billy Dowie, Graeme Evans, Stephen Ireton, Rich Fenton, Tim Smith, Dave Eacott, Ian Cooper, Rupert Grass, Gareth Norris.

Umpire: Si Riley

Scorers: Ian Cooper (2), Gareth Norris

Men's 6s vs. St Albans: lost 1-6

Having sent the advance party to St Albans, Peter and I raced to join the team in time for push back. As we crossed central London we got a call that a captain never wants to receive - Will and James were stranded on the M25 after breaking down. So Peter and I diverted to collect Will leaving James to nurse his car home on the back of an AA lorry. This cost us an extra 20 minutes so Peter, Will and myself arrived to find the match 10 minutes old and we're 2-0 down. Despite the team battling well under constant pressure and Richard Mead producing the save of the season, it's 3-0 as Will and I get onto the pitch, with Peter still putting his pads on. Once we had a full complement of players, we were in a position to stop the rot and our game took shape. Things looked up as we began to attack St Albans "D" more and more. Our break came with Mehraab scoring from an excellent move which started from our D. The second half saw us have more of the play and better possession but the final shot missing. Colin came particularly close to scoring but the ball just ran away from his stick. With the second half warring on our fitness (or lack off) began to show. The numbers were there in attack but when attacked had to be turned to defence we were slow to react. On one occasion the St Albans forward got away from his marker and put another goal away. For the final 10 min we held out with few attacks reaching the "D". In a last gasp effort from St Albans they got a short corner on the final whistle and after two attempts they put there final goal away. So a 1-6 loss for our first match of the season. We are now back to square one on points difference and middle of the table. Things could be worse!!

Team: Peter Adams, Richard Mead, Will Pendrill, Andy Bond, Mike Wright, Richard Taylor, Jake Downing, Al Fraser, Adam Greaves, Mehraab Nazir and Colin Leeman.

Scorer: Mehraab

Women's 1s vs. Hounslow & Ealing: lost 1-3

Better to gloss over this loss and fortunately I now can't remember much of what happened. Suffice to say H&E were rather good and we weren't. We never really recovered from sharing a changing room with a gaggle of leotard clad teenagers - certainly that would have been the best part of Will's day had we let him in. As it was he had to make do with a dogged first half that saw us into half time at nil all and somehow still in the game despite some bewildering moments. They scored from a short soon after the resumption and within minutes got a sloppy second as we repeatedly gave away the ball and waved them generously through into our D. Under intense pressure, Kath helped to keep us in the game with a determined display in defence and Jacqs and EJ started to make inroads in attack. With 15 minutes to go, it looked like we might grab a point as we pulled a goal back with an opportunistic deflection off a wayward strike. But true to form - or a collective lack of it - they almost immediately restored their 2 goal lead to finish deserved winners.

Team: Jo Malkin, Rachel Lander, Kath Sowter, Hilary Collins, Clare Spencer, Lucy Partington, Charley Williams, Ali Rendu, Lou Morgan, EJ Barry, Jacqs Broers, Bettina Wolff, Amy Gardiner

Scorer: Charley Williams

Women's 2s vs. Reigate Priory 1s: drew 1-1

With the lovely Strings organising us so completely, the 2s arrived happily and almost in convoy at Reigate. As we stepped on to the pitch it started to rain, but that didn't dampen our spirits though we started slowly and in slight disarray as Reigate attacked our half. But, with Holty fresh off the plane, George back where she belongs and Catherine the Great in defence, we didn't have much to worry about. Once settled, we began to penetrate their half and in the last 10 minutes Kate Selway showed her attacking skills and spirit with a Monica Seles style grunt nearly claiming our first goal. Grunt louder next time, Kate - it may put the goalie off! After halftime we regrouped, but so did they, scoring from a short corner half way through the second half. Heads didn't drop though and some fine balls through to Kate from Charley nearly saw her score. But it was a move set up by Alex C that suddenly found the end of Kate's stick - in it went, looping over the goalie and straight into the back of the net. Stupendous. A well earned draw, but we could have won. Onwards and upwards, Wanderers next (lets have 'em - do it for George, and me)

Team: George Sykes, Emma Matebalavu, Holty, Jo de Silva, Catherine Gillard, Sarah Longair, Alex Crawford, Kate Blumer, Strings, Liz Young, Kate Selway, Josie Sanders, Charley Williams Scorer: Kate Selway

Women's 3s vs. Epsom 2s: lost 0-4

Apart from a small lapse in the first ten minutes when Epsom scored we maintained a dogged determination in defence with Joanna again dominating as sweeper and Charlotte excelling in her new left back position. This frustrated our opposition and we also gave them a few scares up front. We had been surprised to see Jenny, our first team goalkeeper for many years, playing for Epsom 2s. Why she wanted to play 5 divisions below where she had been playing was one question. The other was why she couldn't let a few of our shots in! Rosie in particular had a glorious shot saved and we were unlucky not to finish the first half on even terms. More of the same for most of the second half until the last 15 minutes when Epsom managed 3 goals as our fitness ran out. Epsom probably deserved the win but the final scoreline didn't reflect the balance of play. Many thanks to Rachel and Amy for umpiring.

Team: Ruth Pratt, Anna Barrett, Joanna Reynolds, Charlotte Rayner, Karen Dodds, Harriet Gallagher Powell, Lizzie Gillett; Lou; Lucy, Rosanna Carter, Erica Goldsmith.

Umpires: Amy Gardiner & Rachel Lander

Women's 4s vs. Purley Walcountians 3s: lost 1-2

A hard fought good game which we didn't deserve to lose. We started off quite well and, though it was hard work, went into half time at 0-0. It was a pretty even match - with 11 players (which we WILL have when we play them again) we would have been all over them. Unfortunately, we had our usual start of 2nd half slump - despite the half time talk mostly being about how were weren't going to do it - and within 2 minutes were 1-0 down. We carried on battling and finally Marie put us level following good work on the right between Amy and Claire. The whole team played their hearts out and worked really hard and the oppo were getting rather shirty and rough. So we were gutted to have lost in the dying minutes when they managed to slip one past our solid defence including Janine who has been hiding her amazing goalkeeping skills under a bushel. No you can't have her, she's ours! We still had a few more attacking chances with Emily and Catherine combining well on the left but it wasn't to be. Pretty much everyone got at least one vote for Man of the Match but in the end it went to the very deserving Janine who volunteered to play in goal and made some fantastic saves

Team: Janine Nicholls (GK), Mel Rees, Catherine Garvey, Anna Stuttard, Lindsey McLaren, Emily Halliday, Emma Billsdon, Amy Auton, Marie Smith, Claire Whitehead.

Women's 5s vs. Wanderers: lost 0-5

With no own goals, the match was a significant improvement on the previous week's performance. And with no goals in the second half, stunning performances could be seen from the forwards Steph and Mel who played admirably with one man down. Melissa was kept busy in goal and made some excellent saves, preventing the score line from reaching half a dozen. Thanks to Bettina for her excellent umpiring. We enthusiastically await next week to exhibit the full strength 5s prowess.

Team: Melissa Bastin, Jean Sutton, Nicole Yost, Katherine Dixon, Rosie Le Voir, Ashley Mcdonald, Sarah Smith, Andrea Beattie, Steph Kee and Mel Clarke.

Umpire: Bettina Wolff

Women's 5s vs. Berrylands: lost 0-3

Considering this was the first game the 6th team played together they did an exceptional job. It was all new to quite a few players but everyone managed very well to adjust to an 11 aside game and a full pitch. Berrylands scored a scrappy and lucky goal in the first half but THD never gave up and went into half time only 1 nil down. Second half was virtually all THD and we had quite a few chances but the ball just wouldn't go in the net. Berrylands scored two other goals in the second half from quick breaks. Danni played very well in goal and the whole team should be mentioned for such a fantastic effort, I am sure they will do well this year in the league.

Team: Danni (gk), Lucy May, Laura Mathews, Claudine, Jo Hillier, Gigi Ho, Quai Gayadeen, Sam Soquar, Sharon Bisset, Vicky Bentley, Karen Rogers, Jocelyn Maxime.

Women's Vets vs. Maori Vamps: won 5-3

The first vets game of the season - and what a lovely day it was in a game against that excellently named team, Maori Vamps. Welcome to Anna Barrett for her first THD vets game - and huge thank you to George, who is far from being a vet in age but very welcome. In the first half, we played beautifully - a bit like Liverpool only we managed to go in at half time 2-0 up (but it could have been 6). Maori Vamps started the second half strongly and pulled a goal back. We then went 3-1 up but the defence thought they'd give another goal away to make it more exciting. But class - and fitness - will out, and we ran out worthy winners at 5-2. Player of the match? Difficult to say. Karen put in some excellent crosses inviting the forwards to score (which they all declined), Fran was her usual energetic and excellent self, Joanna C is such a joy to play with - amongst other things, she does all the basic things so well - and Claire and Louise slipped back into their usual grooves. But a hat trick is a hat trick so Charlotte takes the day. I wonder if that makes her the club's top scorer after one match? And finally we were delighted to welcome Charles and Ben

Team: George Sykes, Joanna Reynolds, Claire Patterson, Mel Rees, Anna Barrett, Karen Dodds, Joanna Close, Louise Sutton, Erica Goldsmith, Fran Hodge, Charlotte Rayner

Scorers: Charlotte Rayner 3, Fran Hodge 2

Women's EH Cup Round 2 vs. Horsham: lost 0-6

Hockey match or theatrical tragedy? Difficult to decide. With most of the regulars unable to play, the cast had some new faces. Ash was persuaded to blow the dust of her goalkeeping pads, while Martha was collected straight off a 16-hour flight and an injured Zoey press-ganged out of her pyjamas. We eventually got 11 players to the right pitch, borrowed some socks from the opposition and even managed to warm up safe in the knowledge that the game was starting half an hour later than expected. We started well, passing the ball nicely and looked like scoring just before they did. Then the drama began. A goalmouth scuffle saw us down to 10 and a further goal down, as Rach had her hand split open - though the umpire left her on the floor and waited for them to score before letting Spence in to administer some expert medical attention. From then on we were under cosh, literally, absorbing waves of pressure, sticks in the ribs and some heavy knocks, but we held fast and worked incredibly hard. Ash pulled off some awesome saves including a flick and EJ was mown down only to rise again (much to the opposition's dismay). The score remained at 2-0 well into the second half before we - and the umpire - gave way under the Horsham assault. 4 goals in 5 minutes before the final curtain was bruisingly spectacular. But it was a lovely day and the scenery was beautiful. Well done to all who played and get well soon Rachel.

Team: Ash McDonald, Rachel Lander, Clare Spencer, EJ Barry, Lucy Partington, Amy Gardiner, Charley Williams, Martha Harvey-Jones, Zoey Handforth, Jacqs Broers, Liz Young.

Week 3

reports by: Justin Collins, Mark Pulford, James Terrett, Vishal Phakey, Simon Riley, Graeme Evans, Richard Taylor, Charley Williams, Kate Blumer, Karen Dodds, Lindsey McLaren & Marie Smith, Ash McDonald and Gigi Ho.

Men's 1s vs. PHC Chiswick: lost 4-2

After last week's encouraging victory, we were brought back down to earth with a 4 -2 defeat away to newly promoted Chiswick. Although we started reasonably well, Chiswick soon took the upper hand, creating chances both in open play and through short corners, which lead to two goals in quick succession. Shortly before the break we pulled one back with Andy Balchin converting a penalty flick. This should have encouraged us to better things in the second half, but in truth it was a disaster. We created nothing until the final few minutes when, with the game out of reach, Gregg McAlister bundled the ball home from close range. So with our bubble well and truly burst, better things are required next week.

Team: Justin Collins, Chris Coleman, Clive Colloff, Andy Eames, Ed Stevenson, Tom Cross, Joel Burrows, Richard Banwell, Matt Groom, Andy Balchin, Dave Casement, Felix Nurse, Tom Matthews, Gregg McAlister.

Scorers: Andy Balchin, Gregg McAlister

Men's 2s vs. Bromley: lost 7-2

Not really a fair result, but one we have to accept and build on. A much improved performance from the week before with excellent performances from Fletch, Neil Happs and Andy Potapa. A strong Bromley side was held for the first 20 minutes before a slack pass was intercepted and clinically finished. Chances were made at the other end but we lacked the craft to make the most of them. Fitness told in the last 15 minutes as Bromley finished the game off before we scored a couple of consolation goals. Much to work on but certainly we're going the right way.

Team: Aidan Brock, Alex McDonald, Neil Happs, Fletch, Hugo, Wes Cole, Alex Kew, Mark Pulford, Billy Pellett, Nick Harris, Andy Potapa

Scorers: Hugo, Nick Harris

Men's 2s vs. University of London: won 2-0

Best described as interesting! THD took on 9 students and made hard work of it. The lack of shape played havoc with our own formation and we often found ourselves piled on top of each other and failing to utilise the acres of space on the pitch. However, a result's a result and the season starts.

Team: Aidan, Alex McDonald, Neil Happs, Fletch, Wes Cole, James Terrett, Mark Pulford, Ferg Jagger, Nick Harris, Andy Potapa, Nick Jacob

Scorers: Andy Potapa, Nick Jacob

Men's 3s vs. Bromley: drew 1-1

With help from the 4s, the 3's managed to get a decent side in what proved to be a close, fraught and stern examination of the team's fitness levels. As we took to the field, it was clear none of us had spent the summer dieting. I was relieved to see a Bromley team with a similar outlook on match preparation and we soon enjoyed the better of the first half. Jules scored a brilliant individual goal and then unfortunately missed a flick. "I think the new Astro isn't quite flat on the flick-spot" was heard in the bar afterwards. There seemed to be only one team in it but we only had one goal to show for our hard work at half time. My team-talk at half time was mainly about keeping our discipline, as we couldn't afford a yellow card with things being so tight. 15 minutes later we had two people sent off. Thank you, guys. The last 15 minutes was sheer hell. Everybody apart from Lee Snowden had forgotten how to run. Lee Tearle saved at least 5 certain goals, but eventually they scored from a short corner. It was great to see we kept fighting right till the end, although everybody's summer of pie eating took their toll and we left the field unable to speak. The watching ladies were suitably impressed.

Team: Lee Tearle (GK), Ryan Hubbard, JT, Simon Wilshire, Nick Thomson, Graeme Fotheringham, Lee Snowden, Warren Holme, Julian Taylor, Phil Hines, Duncan McCulloch, Mark Beaney.

Umpire: Simon Riley Scorer: Julian Taylor.

Men of the Match: Lee T and Lee S

Men's 4as vs. Bromley: lost 0-1

Unfortunately things are taking a bit longer than we wanted for the 4a's to gel as a team. The first half was poor and our marking was bad thereby allowing Bromley to break and dominate the midfield in the first half . Apart from this we lacked width and spent too long hanging on to the ball which resulted in us losing possession. Sloppy defending allowed Bromley to break and score. The second half was better on our part. We reorganised and dominated possession however we were unable to create many scoring opportunities.

Team: Peter Adams, Tim Parker, Stuart Craig, Vishal Phakey, Jake Cole, Grant Spencer, David Eacott, Adrian Meredith, Justin Lawson, Clifford Brown, James Norman.

Umpire: Toby Wheadon

Tornados (Men's 4Bs) vs. Teddington: lost 1-4

The sun was shining, the team was in fine spirits and a tough game was on the cards. Teddington were the visitors to fortress DC and the 4Bs were up for it. Sadly, it seemed we'd left our fitness behind in the pub on Friday night. Best to gloss over the first half as Teddington attacked throughout the game at pace and with skill. But only 2-0 down at half time, we were still in with a shout. The now-usual fighting spirit took hold and we staged a minor comeback, with Geoff slotting home from a short corner, and we were all over them like bad case of sunburn - I know that feeling rather too well! That took us to 3-1 and we had them on the rack. Much like the Chiswick game the week before, we had the possession but could not convert the opportunities. So here endeth the trial with a 3-man front line for TH&D 4Bs... it works against weaker opposition where our skills and passing game can dictate the play, but against well-drilled outfits like the chocolate and pink brigade, we are set to pay too high a price. I'm all for the Keeganesque approach of "I don't care how many we concede, we'll score more than them!" but that doesn't tend to work when we only score 1 in 2 games. Back to shoring up the defence and midfield from now on I think. Not that we won't get a hatful past the 4As on the 18th! Have it!

Team: Lee Tearle, Nick Thomson, Tom Alexander, Angus Barnard, Fat Northern Monkey, Dougal Davis, Neil Gallagher, Conor Macklin, Paul Burrows, Mark Beaney, Geoff Pritchard.

Umpire: Si Wilshire

Scorer: Geoff Pritchard

Men's 5s vs. Hampstead & Westminster 6s: won 4-3

Another seven goal thriller - this time with four of them at the right end got THD 5ths season up and running at the third attempt on Saturday. As usual, THD gave the impression of being asleep for the first 20 minutes, conceding two soft goals and then another later in the first half to stand 3-1 down at one point. But spurred on by Ian Cooper's "rant" at half-time, the forward quartet of Riley, Grass, Mockery and Cooper did enough to unnerve Hampstead's rookie goalkeeper, although it's fair to say none of the goals will go down in 5th team folklore. There were still 15 minutes left on the clock when THD took the lead, but Paul Reid pulled off some fine saves to keep Hampstead's useful forward line at bay.

Team: Paul Reid, Rich Batty, Tom Alexander, Stuart Craig, Tom Ruane, Graeme Evans, Stephen Ireton, Rich Fenton, Dave Eacott, Rupert Grass, Lawrence Mockery, Ian Cooper, Si Riley.

Scorers: Lawrence Mockery 2, Rupert Grass, Ian Cooper

Men's 6s vs. Old Loughtonians: lost 1-3

Once again we played a gutsy match only to lose. Our second half performance was much improved and we were unlucky not to have equalised and regained the initiative. In the first half we played well but gave away far too much possession giving their fast young forwards the chance to break and attack our goal. Their pressure resulted in a number of short corners and they eventually put one away. Heads went down slightly after the goal but we kept attacking from deep and, like last week, Colin was unlucky not to get on the score sheet. The second half saw us up the pace and attack the OL goal, but, as one shot hit the post, it became clear it wasn't going to be our day. Soon after, OL's had a penalty flick when some desperate defence saw the ball stopped by a foot on the line. So 2-0 down, we went on the attack and it paid off with Gin receiving the ball just outside the D, going past 3 defenders and scoring superbly. But although we pushed forward again, fitness told and chances slipped past as the minutes did. One final attack from OL's saw score from a short corner, via Paul's pads, in the dying minutes of the game (for the second week running). My thanks to Richard Mead and Keith Howick for umpiring.

Team: Paul Reid, Andy Bond, Will Pendrill, Derek Rogers, Keith Howick, Al Fraser, Mike Wright, Nick Phipps, Adam Greaves, Gin Lee, Colin Leeman, Mehraab Nazir and Richard Taylor.

Scorer: Gin Lee

Women's 1s vs. Reading 1As: drew 3-3

Our dreamy start to the season remains a hazy memory, though this was definitely an improvement on last week The mistakes resurfaced but less regularly and we showed determination and flashes of flair to come back twice from behind, after we had taken the lead early on through Bettina's clinical strike from a short. I'd paint my stick gold if I could hit it that hard - and keep it under the bar. After they scored twice, B demonstrated the softer side of our short corner routine, gliding the ball back to Ali on the left hand post who swept it in. Textbook stuff, but frustratingly we conceded a third, again to a deceptive move from a short corner, before we equalised again for a deserved draw. In between goals, Spence put down an early contender for move of the season testing Pipes with a thunderingly accurate shot at her head from the 25. We shall never again underestimate the striking prowess of our defence, at either end. Surprises weren't just limited to the match though. Jacqs proved it was possible to eat jaffa cakes with a gumshield in while EJ responded with her own gumshield and skirt tricks. Revealing.

Team: Jo Malkin, Emma Ward, Kath Sowter, Hils Collins, Clare Spencer, Lucy Partington, Amy Gardiner, Ali Rendu, Charley Williams, Martha Harvey-Jones, EJ Barry, Bettina Wolff, Jacqs Broers

Scorers: Bettina Wolff, Ali Rendu, Charley Williams

Women's 2s vs. Wanderers 1s: lost 1-5

They came to conquer, and ultimately did, but we put up a decent fight. The first 10 minutes saw us play as we always should, with fluid moves, quick effective passing and lots of talking. We scored when Zoey did what she does best, guiding the ball home from a cracking Alex H strike. But this kickstarted them into action and by half time we were 2-1 down, (following a penalty flick and a short corner which crossed the line at such pace that even George had no chance). But we still had all to play for and we had defended well - Alex C had a cracking game and Alex H was calm as ever. The second half saw us tiring, whereas Wanderers did not. Their goals kept coming, despite George getting in positions she didn't know existed and drawing whoops of admiration from us all including the umpire! Their goalie was kept busy too by balls bouncing off posts. Anna appeared from nowhere to steer a ball across the goal mouth which was somehow scrambled away. And in the final seconds when we watched a Kate Selway touch float agonisingly over the crossbar. To be positive, we all played well and are beginning to work well as a team. Improve the fitness and the sky's the limit, even without a broomstick.

Team: George Sykes, Kate Blumer, Alex Crawford, Catherine Gillard, Emma Matebalavu, Sarah Longair, Alex Hardy, Karen Milburn, Zoey Handforth, Liz Young, Kate Selway, Anna Barrett

Scorer: Alex Hardy

Women's 3s vs. Camberley: drew 1-1

This was a fantastic performance, full of grit and determination, with the whole team maintaining 100% effort throughout the game. At the end the feeling of achievement was one akin to a storming win rather than a draw! We are a new team with new positions (literally for some in places they have hitherto not thought of going) and it takes time to gel. A first half penalty flick for us, which Ruth calmly strode forward to take and converted while I dithered about who our penalty taker was, saw the 3s take the lead. Camberley equalised in the first half as their wily old forwards made some space. We continued with some end to end stuff, George made some great saves and I could go on about the fab things every individual did but I haven't got time to type it and you probably haven't got the time to read it. Exciting stuff!

Team: Anna Barrett; Chantel Kleingild; Charlotte Rayner; Harriet Gallagher Powell; Karen Dodds; Lou Curry; Rosanna Carter; Ruth Pratt; Susie Drubs; George Sykes; Janine Nicholls Scorer: Ruth Pratt

Women's 4s vs. Mid Surrey 1s: lost 1-6

Our goal was text book - Left Post Stuttard strikes again (worth at least six of theirs). Apart from that we don't want to talk about it. But we had a great time at Emily and Lee's engagement party that night. We had more ladies 4s at the party than we did on the pitch - perhaps we should enter a Belgian Purple Beer drinking league instead.

Team: Natalie (GK, age 14, Man of the Match for volunteering when she had never played before and giving it a damn good go), Mel Rees, Anna Stuttard, Lindsey McLaren, Yorkie Soquar, Emma Billsden, Emily Halliday, Kate Fuller, Emma Gilchrist, Andrea Vicari, Claire Whitehead and Marie Smith

Scorer: Anna Stuttard

Women's 5s vs. Richmond: won 4-2

It was a crisp and sunny day and the 5s marched purposely onto the pitch determined to turn the tide of recent losses. Two nil down at half time, things weren't going our way. However, after taking a couple of the opposition out and some inspirational play up front, we finished convincing winners.

Team: Mel Bastin, Jean Sutton, Nicole Yost, Katherine Dixon, Kathryn Farthing, Sarah Smith, Ashley McDonald, Frances Baker, Steph Kee, Rachel Fallows, Tash Riordan-Eva, Andrea Beattie

Scorers: Steph Kee, Sarah Smith 2, Rachel Fallows

Women's 6s vs. Camberley: lost 0-1

Our first early and away game started with a trek down the M3. The weather was perfect and we started well but tentatively, finding our feet with new players and still waking up. The first half was well matched.. We made some great passes with good work down the left by Nicola and Karen, and equally had some close shaves, but, thanks to Danni in goal (a job well done) and staunch defending by Louise and Jo, they never had a chance. The second half was frustrating to say the least. Camberley scrabbled a goal somehow (so crap it's not really worth mentioning) but we never gave up. Good marking by Hazel eliminated their main midfielder and the ball stayed in our attacking half for much of the rest of the game. We used the pitch well and tackled everything that was not in THD colours but despite at least 4 shorts and being within a foot of the goal several times, we just could not convert (screams of frustration could be heard all over!) Good running by all, and particularly Susannah and Nicola on the wings. We deserved to win by at least 3-0 and certainly not lose. Well done and thank you to everyone who played. Thanks also to Ferrett for support and wisdom at half time and Marilyn for umpiring. Surely a win is in sight soon.

Team: Daniella Griffiths (GK), Laura, Claudine Ratnayake, Jo Hillier, Hazel Dawson, Gigi Ho, Nicola Cook, Samra Soquar, Louise Gloster, Susannah H-Jones, Karen Abbott.

Umpire: Marilyn Walker

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