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.

Sun 09-Nov-03

Issue 06

As London resounds in early November, so too THD. Well, with a mixture of bangs and whimpers to be precise. There was sweet revenge for the Women's 4s as they blew up the Bank, while hat-tricks for Lou Morgan and Andy Balchin led our first teams to red hot wins. And though the Men's 3s failed to sparkle on the pitch in Oxford, I hear rumours of some success the night before. Plaudits of the week though go to Clive Colloff who played his 250th competitive game in TH(D) colours. Remember, remember....

reports by: Justin Collins, Aidan Brock, James Terrett, Will Morgan, Simon Riley, Richard Taylor, Kath Sowter, Kate Blumer, Karen Dodds, Marie Smith and Nicole Yost.

Men's 1s vs. Gore Court: won 4-2

There is something of a history between these sides and this game lived up to expectations with the second half being particularly bad tempered. Fortunately THD kept cool heads while GC received a series of yellow cards, at one stage reducing their numbers to 9. By then though THD were well in control. In the first half we went 2 goals up, Andy Balchin scoring from the flick spot and with a short corner. Although GC pulled one back before the break, Gareth Weir opened his account for THD mid way through the second half. THD again allowed GC back into the game at 3-2, but Andy put the game beyond reach with his hat trick, again from a short corner. THD were enjoying their best phase of the game, and playing some of their best hockey of the season, coming close on a number of occasions. All the team played well, but particular mention must go to Andy Eames and Ed Stevenson for their sterling work at the back.

Scorers: Andy Balchin 3, Gareth Weir

Men's 2s vs. Oxford University: won 5-0

Question: If a minibus full of students departs Oxford at 10:30 (yeah, right) and travels to DC at an average speed of 30mph due to "bad traffic", at what point do you call the match off? Answer: Around Clapham Junction. They are supposed to be the most intelligent people in the land, but it seems our egg-headed friends do not have the sense they were born with and forfeited the match because of their inability to get to DC for 12:30 (or even 13.00). Needless to say we played total hockey and dominated the whole match. The 5 goals go to Aido's whiteboard which made a stunning debut and now becomes the team's top goalscorer.

Men's 2s vs. Beckenham: lost 1-5

If you think think this was a return to "business as usual" for the 2's, you'd be sorely mistaken. After a Rooney-esque debut on Saturday, Aido's whiteboard was relegated to the keepers bag (eurgh!) - an inspired tactical decision as we proceeded to take the game to the oppo finally realising that the way to play is by passing the ball around and not trying to dribble through opposition sticks. In the first half Beckenham, who are second in the league, took offence at TH&D's attempts to spoil what they were expecting to be a Sunday morning walk in the park and began to "get Dirty" (though not in the Christina Aguilera sense of the word). After conceding two goals from open play we managed to win a short corner. The Women's 2's may have a swan in their ranks, but we have a Rhino. Stomping up from the back, snorting and looking in no mood to take prisoners, our out of practice short corner striker proceeded to score with an uncharacteristically deft shot, executing a (dare I say 'swanlike') adjustment of his hands in mid swing to send the keeper the wrong way. The half-time scoreline was not a fair reflection of our possessional dominance and although we continued to press in the first 20 minutes of the second half we couldn't not convert this into goals. Fatigue took over in the final 15 and, aided by some inexperienced goalkeeping, (he will be writing 100 lines of "I must defend my near post" when he finishes this report) they slotted three break-away goals. The final score flattered Beckenham and did not reflect the balance of play (or quality of sledging) during the match. If we keep performing at this level and can do it for the full 70 we will beat most teams in the league - bring 'em on.....

Team: Aidan Brock, Mark Pulford, JT, Chris Coleman, Alex McDonald, Wes, Nick Harris, Andy Potapa, Fez, Lee Snowden.

Scorer: Mark Pulford

Men's 3s vs. Oxford University 3s: lost 1-3

As usual, half the squad went up to Oxford the night before to acclimatise to the student-paced lifestyle that we need to get the most of this fixture. Such meticulous preparation was undone with a performance of little substance and no real penetration the next day. An emotional return for last year's captain, Ben Lewis, seemed to be too much for him: such was the accuracy of his passing, he appeared to have tears in his eyes. The match was even, but they took their few opportunities and we missed ours. We had ten short corners, but only scored from one - a poor conversion rate whatever your activity. We conceded a late goal to put us out of the game, but battled hard and had managed to sweat out the evening's excesses by the end of the match. Despite the loss, at least we could relax in the bar afterwards and feel superior to our opponents, who played dice drinking games and made one of their players walk around in a dress whilst drinking beer through a sock. Oh to be a student again.

Team: Gavin, JT, Ben Lewis, Guy Hodgson, Graeme Fotheringham, Lee Snowden, Warren Holme, Phil Hines, Duncan McCulloch, Richard Fenton, Jim Riddiford, Paul Kirkland.

Umpire: Toby Wheadon

Scorer: Guy Hodgson

Men's 4As vs. Guildford 4s: drew 2-2

Finally, a point! All of a sudden I reckon we can play hockey and score more than one goal! It was an enormous difference compared with the fortnight before. Perhaps due to the extra weekend's rest? Either way, the game started with Guildford putting us under some pressure for 10 minutes while we slowly started linking up and playing together. After that it was largely TH&D for the rest of the first half and all but 5 minutes of the 2nd. A well taken short corner resulted in Adrian's first goal for the club and some intelligent attacking play gave Graeme Evans his first goal for the 4As (I guess!). It wasn't pretty but it put us in a good position going into the 2nd half. Sadly, they exploited a 5 minute period of weakness and managed to get 2 back. We did re-group and went at them with all we had only to be thwarted a number of times after we stretched their defence and found good scoring opportunities in the D. Ah well, it's a start...

Team: Aidan Brock (GK), Stuart Craig, Vadim Jean, Tim Parker, Adrian Meredith, Graeme Evans, The Camel, Dave Eacott, Ian Cooper, Gareth Norris, Will Morgan, Ben Lones, Nick Harris, Harry Dunlop

Scorers: Adrian Meredith, Graeme Evans

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

It happened in groups of 4. The number of goals we conceded. The number of times Si Wilshire got hit in the leg by the oppo. The number of positive things to come out of the game (Lee Tearle's excellent goalkeeping, Loz Mockery's superb man-of-the-match performance, Mark Pulford's umpiring and Si Newell coming along to support). We were taught a lesson in commitment, passing, passion, finishing, tackling and general basic skills, all of which we lacked. Two five minute spells in each half, where we looked like our usual selves, flattered to deceive - the rest of the time we were, quite frankly, a mess. Without Loz's efforts, we wouldn't have scored - he earned the p-stroke after another piece of tenacious tackling and harrassment of their defenders. If our other 9 outfield players had had half the game he did, we might have come away with a point. No game next week, so hopefully 2 weeks of attendance at training will return some of the sharpness to our game. It can't get any worse - I think I can safely say it was the worst team performance in TH&D 4B's history.

Team: Lee Tearle, Nick Thomson, Tom Alexander, Simon Wilshire, Simon Riley, Mark Smith, Neil Gallagher, Conor Macklin, Paul Burrows, Geoff Pritchard, Laurence Mockery.

Umpire: Mark Pulford

Scorer: Simon Riley

Men's 5s vs. Southgate Goblets: match conceded

Next match: Saturday 8 November vs St Albans - 14.30 @ Alleyn's

Men's 6s vs. Indian Gym: lost 1-2

A late push back at Indian Gym didn't sound appealing but we got out a squad of 13 players, tempted by the curry on offer after the match. The plan was to replicate the way we played last week and we went about it positively. With Indian Gym on a scoring run of about 4 goals a game, we opted to play four at the back and push up wide from there. And though they have some very skilful players, fortunately they're on the wrong side of 40, so we played at pace and with some targetted man-marking. The first half saw us have the majority of the play and territory though we looked vulnerable to the counter attack. But we finally split their defence with a fast break down the left, and Al got the ball in the D and drove it to Gin on the far post who p ut it home. We continued to press, but a fortunate umpiring decision saw Indian Gym take a quick free hit from just outside their D, break and score before anybody could react. Our halves were still in the wrong one! The second half started badly as Indian Gym scored again in the first few minutes though they had no real possession. But we had lots of time to get back into the game, and did, outplaying them in all areas of the pitch. We drove well down the middle, played the ball wide down the wings and had numerous chances. Only their keeper kept them in it. Colin had a brilliant shot saved on the line, while Gin, Jake and Al all had shots that either went wide or were saved. This was our best performance to date and we were unlucky to lose. What's more the curry was off because they had a event on. A great team effort, the defence and attacking play was good with encouraging signs coming from all. Roll on next week. Thanks to Roger and Richard for umpiring.

Team: Peter Adam, Richard Mead, Andy Bond, Will Pendrill, Keith Howick, Mike McKinnon, Derek Rogers, Al Fraser, Richard Taylor, Matt Crane, Jake Downing, Gin Lee, Colin Leeman

Scorer: Gin Lee

Women's 1s vs. Woking 1As: won 3-1

It will be difficult to condense this one into a short paragraph, so apologies in advance for the length! Will was absent, but had spent much of his Friday afternoon penning a 3 page email to compensate. Amongst other things, he warned us of the "old ginger woman" from the opposition - and he was wise to. The "old ginger bird", well known to the ex Dulwich girls as the lovely Ali Alcock (still a TH&D Vet), was the thorn in our side in the first 15 minutes, using her speed to carve through our defence on several occasions. Despite this, we held firm and were inspirational in midfield and up front. Lou Morgan swept in a corner for her first, and was to add two more superb goals in a first half that we dominated. Good job, as all was to change in the second half. With nothing to lose, Woking stepped up their game and the "old ginger bird" scored, to take it to 3-1. We panicked and demonstrated how not to play hockey, putting ourselves under pressure with, at times, some awful passing. Not to be left out, Pipes (our famously level-headed keeper) mistimed a challenge on the "old ginger bird" as she raced into the D. The umpire awarded a yellow card and a penalty flick - not great at the best of times, but even worse when your keeper is on the sidelines. The author stepped up, put the helmet on, and obviously looked such a twat that their player was put off and put the ball wide. Hard work by all, during the remaining time we had without Pipes, meant there was only 1 shot on target during that spell, which was weak enough for the make-shift keeper to keep out. When I took the helmet off to resume my normal role, I felt rather naked, which was quite nice in a strange kind of way! Don't ask me how, but we held on for a 3-1 victory. Lou Morgan thoroughly deserved her bird-of-the-match award and the whole team can be proud of an awesome first half and a gutsy display in the second.

Team: Jo Malkin, Clare Spencer, Kath Sowter, Hilary Collins, Emma Ward, Clare Holt, Lou Morgan, Martha Harvey-Jones, Rachel Lander, Jacqs Broers, Amy Gardener, EJ Barry, Kate Selway.

Scorer: Louise Morgan 3

Women's 2s vs. Wimbledon 2s: lost 2-5

Alex Hardy's team talk was proper captain's stuff, inspiring us to start with aggression and spirit as we should every week. Despite conceding early from a 4th short corner on the trot, we replied with a galloping attack which ended with Zoey accosting the goalie who blatantly held the ball and gave away a flick. It was put away with consummate ease by Mrs Crawford (later voted MOTM for showing us how to play to consistent effect for the whole 70 minutes). We continued to attack, with good work up the left by Lucy P (what a pleasure to have her back), and our forward line were as fluid as I have seen them to date, making some deft moves and great passes. We were unlucky to concede again from another short corner, just before half time, and went into the break confident we could bounce back. I'm not sure exactly what happened in the first 20 minutes, but 3 more goals went in quickly as they attacked with venom. We did re-group and were all over them again - a shot from Alex H off a short corner saw the D more akin to a pinball machine, but somehow it did not go in. Near the end, one of Zoey's sweeping crosses resulted in a short corner and Alex C scored with a cream of a shot. I don't think the final scoreline reflected our efforts or Kate Selway's/Penelope Pitstop's passion and butter fingers (even Josh could not understand why Mummy was standing behind the opposition goal). And I know a win is just round the corner - let's hope it's our next one.

Team: George Sykes, Alex Crawford, Emma Matebalavu, Catherine Gillard, Kate Blumer, Sarah Longair, Alex Hardy, Lucy Partington, Karen Milburn, Zoey Handforth, Kate Selway, Liz Young, Josie Sanders.

Scorer: Alex Crawford 2

Women's 3s vs. London Edwardians 1s: drew 2-2

I signed off the last match report saying that we needed to do better. So we did. No idea why but we all turned up with our hockey heads on. The game was one of contrasting styles, Eds have been coached as a team and they played as a team with quick sweeping moves up the pitch. THD 3rds are a collective of individuals with some very good skills and our moves were much more about flair and moments of brilliance, especially from Sonya at right mid. I've been much taken with the 2nds match report last week and the description of the very lovely Martha gliding swan-like into the "D" . I wanted to do something similar - mine was a trudge, probably more grouse-like, to the top of the "D" on a long corner. The ball came to me in one of those rare moments of luck and Eds had given me so much space they were inviting me to score, so I did, taking us into the lead. Eds levelled from a penalty flick. We couldn't really dispute it as Anna had made a great save with her feet on the line from a short corner. I checked the rules but apparently there is nothing in the sweeper JD that allows the use of feet. We took the lead again in the second half through Rosie being in the right place on the post following a move down the right. She was the most determined in a crowded goal mouth, sweeping the ball forcefully into the backboard. In spite of Eds continuing pace in attack, we looked comfortable in defence and a win looked on the cards, until a short corner and an extremely good strike which found a gap between George and myself on the right hand post. You can tell that their set pieces are well drilled too. Over beer and chips in the local pub we discussed the merits of training and felt that it could definately help on set pieces and give us some advantage. It just remains for us to actually get there on Thursdays.

Team: George Sykes; Anna Barrett; Chantel Kleingild; Charlotte Raynor; Erica Goldsmith; Karen Dodds; Lizzie Gillett; Lou Curry; Rosanna Carter; Ruth Pratt; Sonya; Jo de Silva

Scorers: Karen Dodds, Rosanna Carter

Women's 4s vs. Bank of England: won 5-2

Ah, the grudge match. We'd been looking forward to it since the lights went out at Dulwich College that fateful day last December. Unfortunately their umpire hadn't improved, possible lacking the puff to blow his whistle, but we soldiered on despite being asleep for the first five minutes and gifting them a goal. It was rough and tumble - they were rough so we were too and they tumbled over. Lots of time outs for them to get back up meant we could regroup. Marie managed to pull a goal back to see us into half time at 1 all, though in shock. I mean, we couldn't possibly lose, could we? Not with a full side AND a goalie for only the second time this season! We weren't going to risk losing either, no thanks. So we came back out to show what we really can do. Isabelle bagged a backboard screamer from a seemingly impossible angle. Claire took one casually round their keeper. Marie squeezed another through the goalie's legs and LPS struck again with our brilliant short corner routine. Oh, and they scored one in there somewhere but I suspect it was rubbish. We could have had the 13 that we set out to get, but they were a bit slow in returning the ball to the centre spot for us to continue our barrage and there simply wasn't time.

Team: Mel Bastin, Mel Rees, Lindsey McLaren, Anna Stuttard, Catherine Garvey, Emily Halliday, Emma Billsdon, Isabel Drewe, Yorkie Soquar, Amy Auton, Claire Whitehead (MOTM), Jo Rossiter, Marie Smith

Scorers: Claire Whitehead, Marie Smith 2, Isabelle Drewe, Anna Stuttard

Women's 5s vs. Croydon MO 2s: lost 0-1

We started with ten but the surprise and welcome arrival of Sarah brought us up to a full team and we dominated for much of the first half. Nil all at half time and we were on for a win. We had several good chances but failed to capitalise on our short corners, although we came close when Andrea's shot went just wide. Tash played well up front with some great crosses into the D and we defended strongly too. Then came a poor decision from their umpire, offering them a short corner instead of a hit out when it was a Croydon foot that made contact with the ball in our D. My appeal was in vain and you guessed it - they scored. Or rather we did, in spectacular style with the ball smacked high past Anna's head from Holly's stick. Shame. Thanks to Simon R for umpiring and to Lindsay and Marie for supporting.

Team: Anna Stuttard (GK) Kathryn Farthing, Jean Sutton, Nicole Yost, Holly Sardeson, Andrea Beattie, Rosie LeVoir, Sarah Smith, Rachel Fallows, Michelle Morgan, Natasha Riordan-Eva (MOTM).

Umpire: Simon Riley

Scorer: Hols (for them)

Women's 6s vs Thames Valley: match conceded

THD Dragons vs Real Battersea: lost 2-6

It was a game of two halves - although they spent most of the time in ours. In the first half the game had a certain Sunday pace to it - in fact, EJ was spotted running a couple of times, which certainly took the umpire by surprise.......Despite a disciplined performance from the back 4, we were unable to link up with our midfield, and passes went awry. The three fantastic goal scoring opportunities created in the first half were all unfortunately spurned. The second half saw better organisation and communication, but hangovers were still getting in the way of those beautiful goal scoring opportunities. While at the other end (and lets face it, George had quite a busy day) hangovers did not seem to be getting the better of the goal scoring ability of Real Battersea. Or their tendency to make smart arse comments (it was a Wanderers team - say no more) to the umpire, which while politely received, were mostly ignored. But on the bright side the rain mostly held off, and the food and company afterwards in the pub were excellent as always!

Team: George Sykes, Si Wilshire, Will Morgan, Camel, Gareth, Sam, Mrs Morgan, Marie Smith, Sarah Longair, Zoey Handforth, EJ Barry, Yorkie Soquar.

Umpire: Lucy Partington

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