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.

Fri 28-Nov-03

Issue 09

There's an irresistible theme to this week's reports - think oval ball and rain and you've got it. All in all, THD did its fair share of rucking, fumbling, scoring, getting on top, conceding the points, winning and losing. While England provided the crowning glory, the Men's 1s, 2s, 4As, Tornados and 5s all flew the flag with success, and Andre Watson was nothing in comparison to what the Women's 3s had to put up with.

Meanwhile as Christmas nears, It's time to get some dates in your diaries. I hear rumours of beers in the clubhouse over the next couple of weekends, but the big one's three months later. End of season dinner is booked for 13th March provisionally. If it's anything like last year......

reports by: Justin Collins, Aidan Brock, Guy Hodgson, Will Morgan, Graeme Evans, Matthew Crane, Charley Williams, Kate Blumer, Karen Dodds, Kathryn Farthing and Gigi Ho.

Men's 1s vs. London Wayfarers: won 3-2

A rather strange pre-match routine saw both teams, and umpires, in the pub watching the RWC final. Extra time led to agreement from both camps that we could watch it, and still be ready for the 11.30 push back. Obviously the correct decision, but it only left us with a 5 minute warm up. That may explain the rather sluggish first half in which we went 2 down, without showing much against a team near the bottom of the table. It was a must win game for us, and we came out of the blocks in the second period with renewed vigour. Lee Snowden, having played in the 3's the week before, capped a solid display with our opening goal shortly after the restart. Andy Balchin got the equaliser a minute later, and from then on we dominated the game. Wayfarers didn't have a chance worth speaking of, whilst we had many, Andy scoring again from a short corner. We ran the clock down with the ball in their half, for an ultimately well-deserved victory.

Team: Justin Collins, Clive Colloff, Tom Cross, Felix Nurse, James Goldsmith, Alex Kew, Gareth Weir, Andy Balchin, Joel Burrows, Bill Pellett, Lee Snowden.

Scorer: Lee Snowden, Andy Balchin (2)

Next match: Saturday 29 November vs. Maidenhead - 14.00 @ DC

Men's 2s vs. Maidenhead: won 4-0

To quote from the best film ever made: "Build it and they will come". We built on the good hockey played in previous weeks and the rain and Maidenhead came, although the latter really shouldn't have bothered. On a pitch more like a paddling pool than an Astroturf, a disparate group of wet red-shirted men finally played the kind of team hockey that an even wetter and colder goalkeeper had always known they could. Solid in defence and dynamic in attack, we passed the ball around with all the freedom the conditions allowed, scoring all our goals from open play. Everyone played well, but special mention must go to the central 'spine' of the team, who all had blinders. Ferg was authoritative and rock steady at the back (now that he's finally stopped playing in his squash shoes) and we have found our most effective central midfield pairing in Bungle & Potty. They may be blonde and ginger (sorry, auburn) respectively with names not out of place in children's television, nevertheless this new pairing slotted together beautifully and always offered the attack a back door when things got a little sticky up front. A special thanks to Clifford and Will Morgan for doubling up from the 4a's to help us out. Far from just making up the numbers both played brilliantly, Clifford leading the line with aplomb and scoring a hat-trick - all the more impressive given he had only stopped boozing at 5 o'clock that morning. A new training regime beckons methinks. Let's hope we can play as well when we get back on dry land next week.

Team: Aido, Neil Happs, JT, Will Morgan, Ferg, Will Atkinson, Graeme Fotheringham (Bungle), Potty, Nick Harris, Nick Jacobs, Clifford Brown.

Scorers: Clifford 3, Bungle 1.

Next match: Saturday 29th November vs. Wimbledon - 12.00 away

Men's 3s vs. Maidenhead Mystics: lost 1-5

The euphoria of the rugby; the fact that every other men's side had won. Was this to be our day? Err....unfortunately not. Same old story really. We were good in parts but still insist on giving the ball away at key points of the game. Maidenhead played well but are the sort of side we need to be beating on a regular basis. The match did see the return of the feisty Rich Candy - some things never change - as well as guest appearances from a number of others. Thanks to all who turned up in the rain to ensure that we had a full side out. No match next week, so a chance to rest before (hopefully) a string of victories to take us to Christmas.

Team: Gavin, Mark Pulford, Guy Hodgson, Rob Levine, Simon Wilshire, Paul Harvey, Wes Cole, Neil, Lee Snowdon, Duncan McCulloch, Dougal Davis, Rich Candy, Julian Taylor.

Scorer: Rich Candy

Next match: Saturday 6th December vs. London Wayfarers 3s - away

Men's 4As vs. Maidenhead 2As: won 2-1

This was a crunch match at the bottom of the league where it was a miracle both sides had a team given the weather and the small matter of a World Cup final. However, buoyed by watching the English braves avenge '91, we waded onto the pitch to avoid the threat of relegation. It was an unusual game given the speed of the pitch and the fact it had to be shortened due to World Cup extra time, but at half time we had outplayed our opponents on every part of the pitch and were deservedly 2 goals to the good with a few more chances to boot that sadly went begging. The first was a fluky reverse stick that did justice to excellent build up play and the second went straight through the keeper from a clean shot by Bruce. Feeling confident, we kept up the pace during the second half and won a penalty flick after some desperate opposition tackling. Sadly the captain failed to convert and Maidenhead took advantage to edge back into the game with a scrappy goal during one of their rare moments in our half. Thankfully, we didn't do a Guildford and the lads have finally tasted victory on what was an all round momentous day!

Team: Aidan Brock (GK), Vishal Phakey, Bruce Haines, Stuart Craig, Adrian Meredith, Grant Spencer, Dave Eacott, Will Morgan, Harry Dunlop, Nick ?, Clifford Brown.

Scorers: Will & Bruce

Next match: Saturday 29th November vs. Wimbledon - away

Tornados (Men's 4bs) vs. Bromley: won 4-3

No funny lines to start this week, no literary quotes. Nothing needed. If you read last week's report (and surely you all did) I suggested you all pop along to DC to watch the real match of the day after England brought the Rugby World Cup home. And do I lie? Certainly not. A superb battling performance from the boys . We went behind 3 times, fought back 3 times and just as the upstarts from Bromley thought they'd scraped a point, we taught them a valuable lesson in finishing to take the win. I can't remember too much about their goals, and frankly, who cares? Each time we fell behind, team spirit came to the fore and we piled forward, taking the game to them at every opportunity. Conor was first on the score sheet - a flowing move down the left flank, great composure in the D from Paul Burrows who drew 2 defenders to him before slipping the ball to Conor who with a deft flick put it in. Have it! Number 2 came from a free hit outside the D, Tom lamps it in, Mark Beaney flicks it up goalwards and the fat northerner is on hand to tap it under the floundering keeper. After a brief "discussion" of tactics at an injury break the third quickly followed for MOTM (again!) Loz Mockery, just reward for his incessant harassment of their defence and one in the eye for the Muppet who thought it smart to try to slow him down by hooking his stick into Loz's wedding tackle. A short corner, Tom lamps it goalwards and Loz, sweeping the pads, shoots and scores! And to the winner. Another short corner, I heard a little murmur from Tom- "take the shot" and I don't need telling twice. He shoots, he hits the piggin' post but Conor is there like a flash, slaps it in and Bromley are crestfallen. 3 points in the bag. A miserable day weather wise, a glorious day results-wise. Special thanks go to Thom, Reidy and Wilsh for doubling up, Richard Mead for braving the elements to umpire and Wilko and the boys for stuffing the Aussies. Next week, Maidenhead will be on the receiving end, 12:30 at DC. I told you last week to come and watch - I'll tell you again!

Team: Paul Reid, Thom Ruane, Tom Alexander, Simon Wilshire, Angus Barnard, Neil Gallagher, Mark Beaney, Dougal Davis, Conor Macklin, yours truly, Paul Burrows, Loz Mockery.

Umpire: Richard Mead

Scorers: Conor Macklin (2), Simon Riley, Loz Mockery

Next match: Saturday 29th November vs. Maidenhead - 12.30 @ DC

Men's 5s vs. Reading 4s: won 2-1

Three points in the bag, but one of the great sporting moments missed! Somehow an 11am start at rain-swept Dulwich College still managed to take precedence over extra-time in the rugby, although regulars in the pub where the two teams met beforehand looked bewildered as half the bar emptied at the end of normal time. It was left to umpire Si Riley to announce the crowning of the new champions - immediately inspiring rugby-mad Ian Cooper to bundle the ball over the line in the style of Jason Leonard. A strong Reading team hit back from a short corner but that only spurred THD to greater heights as Stephen Ireton opened his account for the season with a cool finish from the tightest of angles. The second half was a far different story as Reading dominated possession yet failed to get past a tight defence, well marshalled by Thom Ruane.

Team: Paul Reid, Billy Dowie, Thom Ruane, Rich Batty, Graeme Evans, Matt Ruane, Jake Downing, Rich Fenton, Ian Cooper, Stephen Ireton, Sam Parkhouse.

Umpire: Si Riley.

Scorers: Coops, Stephen

Next match: Saturday 29th November vs. Wimbledon - 15.00 @ CPB.

Men's 6s vs. St Albans Citizens: lost 0-8

An 8-0 defeat is normally an indication of a pretty one-sided match, but this was not the case last Saturday. A very damp surface and a continual down pour during the match made for a slick playing surface which caused problems for both sets of defenders. Somehow St. Albans managed to score with virtually every attack they mounted. We put them under a lot of pressure in the second half and forced a penalty flick which we could not put away. Considering the conditions everyone played well, especially Mike Wright who seemed to be everywhere. I should also mention the debut performance of Norman playing centre forward - we look forward to seeing him play for us on a regular basis. Thanks to Coops for umpiring in such horrendous conditions.

Team: Peter Adams, Nick Phipps, Mehraab Nazir, Jake Downing, Matt Crane, Mike Wright, Mike Clyne, Colin Leeman, Al Fraser, Keith Howick, Norman Doyle, Graeme Evans.

Umpire: Ian Cooper

Next match: Saturday 29th November vs. HAC Sutlers - away

Women's 1s vs. Wimbledon: lost 0-2

"Where were you Mummy when Jonny dropped that goal? ". So it's not quite the JFK question, but just as momentous in our celebrity sporting age. My Mum had it right in 1963 - driving down to Devon for a long weekend in a MGB with a 'dashing' young man. I know where I'd rather have been - and that's not standing one legged in a suburban car park beside an Astroturf craning my ears towards the radio in the pouring rain. It was that kind of day really (and certainly no sign of the man - dashing or otherwise). We started well - in the warmth of the Wimbledon clubhouse for normal time/moving through the Wimbledon defence in the first twenty minutes with surprising ease. Then we tailed off somewhat disparately - arguing over whether we really had to leave when things were hotting up/letting their rather large and skilful players score two soft goals either side of the break. Wimbledon are top of the league so going down two nil wasn't a bad result (and what did it matter next to a World Cup), but we need to start winning, and perhaps more importantly scoring, again and soon.

Team: Jo Malkin, Emma Ward, Kath Sowter/Gerry Edwards, Alex Crawford, Clare Spencer, Dani Every, Rachel Lander, Louise Morgan, EJ Barry, Charley Williams, Amy Gardiner.

Next match: Saturday 22nd November vs. Horsham - 11.00 @ DC(?)

Women's 2s vs. Woking: lost 0-3

Before the match started, George suitably received a small rugby ball of her very own - on her knee from a cracking warm up strike from Susie. Alex and Jules ran on to the pitch just in time to help her up, having seen England raise the cup. We started slowly with George limping in goal and the defence struggling to keep the wet and slippery (where is Janine when you need her?) Woking forwards out. They scored a sneaky first and a well executed strike from a short for the second, before we'd even settled down. But we began to dominate in the second half of the first (frustrating two of the Woking defence who were both carded) and played some nice hockey. Sarah worked hard on the right with Jules, Harriet and Lucy on the left, alongside Alex who was looking smooth. Kate S (well deserved WOTM) did not throw a stick this week and built a new friendship with the card mad umpire using him to her advantage to create short corners (which we frustratingly could not capitalize on) and so nearly making the ball pay a well deserved visit into that other world, their goal. We continued to look good in the second half even though shirt water retention caused considerable weight gain! Alex provided the highlight dipping left from the 25 yards, then right, past 3 defenders to put a clean strike on target only to be denied by a large Woking glove. Caught cooing at the forwards, Woking found us on the back foot forcing Holty to put in a wonderful tackle, pushing the Woking attacker back to the 25yd line. Inexplicably this warranted a card and off poor Holty went. The midfield rallied but a last ditch tackle gave them a flick. George dived (rugby ball and all) the right way, but somehow it scraped past her. The team never dropped their heads and everyone played until the final whistle. Just like England then apart from the result. We all agreed we enjoyed the game and played well, just need a bit more luck and more hard work to get some wins.

Team: George Sykes, Susie Dyrbus, Harriet Gallagher-Powell, Kate Selway, Alex Hardy, Lucy Partington, Sarah Longair, Clare Holt, Kate Blumer, Jo De Silva, Jules Ingham.

Next match: Saturday 29 November vs. Barnes - 14.15 @ Alleyn's

Women's 3s vs. Phoenix: lost 0-2

Extra time at the rugby didn't help the 12 o'clock start and it is fair to say that we were late. That was all that could be described as fair in this match. The Phoenix umpire (PU) made some fairly dodgy decisions during the first half and allowed their players to be discourteous and disrespectful (mouth off). My half-time talk went along the lines of "we can win in spite of the umpire", but the doubts surface when a flick given after a THD foot made contact with the ball off a cross with the keeper on her line. Our relief when Phoenix put the ball wide was tempered when PU awarded a goal, because Ruth had supposedly moved prior to the striker taking the flick. The other umpire tried to suggest that that isn't usually the rule and also had the temerity to suggest that Ruth hadn't actually moved. What was clear was that PU (who was fairly puce through the pleasure of exerting power) was determined to award a goal and was also itching to send one of us off - he gave Lou a green for merely encouraging us at the push back (yes we accepted the "decision" and carried on). However, we were in some disarray which Phoenix exploited to get a second - actually a really well taken strike - but up to that point we had dealt well with their attack. At the final whistle, Joanna, as club captain most fantastic, politely told PU we intended to complain and his bellow of "you are still under my jurisdiction" echoed around the pitch. A player from Guildford offered his name as an independent witness to this farce, and yes, we do intend to complain. It quite took the pleasure away from that exquisite drop goal moment, and so dominating is it that I haven't had time to tell you about having to play with a broken toe, Chantel returning to South Africa to plan her wedding, Claire and Kate's debut for the 3rds, Rosie hitting the post and other normal hockey moments.

Team: Anna Barrett; Chantel Kleingild; Erica Goldsmith; Joanna Reynolds; Karen Dodds; Lizzie Gillett; Lou Curry; Rosanna Carter; Ruth Pratt (GK); Claire Whitehead; Kate Fuller

Next match: Surrey Committee Meeting to complain then Saturday 29 November vs. Thames Valley - 13.30 in Woking

Women's 4s: no game

Next match: Saturday 29 November vs. Byfleet Ramblers - 13.30 @ CPB

Women's 5s vs. Thames Valley 2s: lost 0-1

With rosy-hazed memories of the glorious sunshine that warmed the start of the season, we trooped out to Woking to play in the cold, wet and dark of late Saturday afternoon. Despite good efforts by all - especially Yorkie (on limited sleep) and Rachael (overcoming the disappointment of the rugby) - they managed to edge the ball into the goal, and we didn't. I could use this opportunity to tell you about the match the previous week, when the sun shone and we thrashed Woking 7-2 at Alleyn's, but failed to give a report to the newsletter - but no, we're just too modest. Thanks to Alex for umpiring.

Team: Vicki O, Jean Sutton, Nicole Yost, Kathryn Farthing, Sarah Flach, Mel C, Rachael Fallows, Yorkie S, Michelle Morgan, Vicki Wright, Steph Fee, Tash Riordan-Eva.

Umpire: Alex Hardy Next match: Saturday 29 November vs. Kenley - 15.30 @ DC

Women's 6s vs. Old Georgians: lost 1-3

After last week's triumph and England's victory in the rugby that morning, we were geared up for another success. But the weather left us drenched by the time we had warmed up, we had no goalie and we were 0-1 down within 2 minutes and 2 down within 15. Everyone played well individually and we had some moments when we could have done justice to determined and inspired play by the forwards, but we just could not gel as a team on pitch. We played better in the second half with wonderful runs by Claire on the left wing and Jocelyn scored her first of the season raising our spirits momentarily. We managed to hold on and had several good chances, but for some reason we were content to stand mesmerised watching the opponents rather than tackling them. Poor marking and positioning allowed the opposition to have free runs at our goal and although Emma and Quai put in gallant efforts as kicking backs we ended the game with a loss. We'll blame this on one on the weather, but we need to train as a team to regain our previous standards.

Team: Quailyn Gayadeen, Emma Gilchrist, Gigi Ho, Jo Hillyer, Samra Soquar, Laura Matthews, Nicola Cook, Fee Mullinder, Claire Francis, Wendy Tang, Jocelyn Maximé, Martina van de Leij, Claudine Ratnayake, Susannah Harvey-Jones, Hilary Fielding.

Scorer: Jocelyn Maximé

Next match: Saturday 29 November tba

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