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.

Tue 09-Dec-03

Issue 10

Phew. I've finally managed to edit out the Mancunian dialect and find a route past Big Brother's firewall to get the latest THD instalment to you. It's worth the wait. The Tornados and Women's 5s continue to gain momentum and the mixed crew came out on top after tantalising Spencer with some typically hung-over, and occasionally quite sexy, hockey. But most importantly - and you can shout it from the hilltops - the Women's 2s won. Yup, this week sees everyone's favourite team soar up the THD interclub table with a convincing victory over Barnes, masterminded by THD favourite, Alex Hardy, undoubtedly player of the week. Sit up and take notice, the season is on the turn.....

And while you're at it, please note the NEW DATE for the spectacular End of Season Dinner: Saturday 20 March 2004

match reports by: Justin Collins, Aidan Brock, Will Morgan, Simon Riley, Graeme Evans, Richard Taylor, Kath Sowter, Kate Selway, Karen Dodds, Lindsey McLaren, Ashley MacDonald and Lucy Partington.

Men's 1s vs. Maidenhead (Saturday 1 December): drew 2-2

A double header for the 1's this weekend led to a draw in the league on Sunday and loss in the HA trophy on Sunday. There were slightly different teams in each game, but rather similar performances in each game. Against Maidenhead we started well and dominated the game for the first 20 minutes creating a number of chances. Bill Pellet scored well from a chance carved out by Joel Burrows. U n fortunately we then stopped playing and started arguing with the umpires, allowing Maidenhead to level before the break, in what was becoming an increasingly fractious encounter. The second half began just like the first. Andy scored from a short corner, but as before we lost our composure and allowed them back onto level terms and had to defend well for the last 10 minutes to maintain parity.

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

Scorers: Bill Pellett, Andy Balchin

Men's 1s vs. Redbridge & Ilford (Sunday 2 December): lost 1-3

In the trophy we were up against a team from the East, probably a league or two below us, but their desire and commitment made a nonsense of the relative league positions. Again we started well, scoring through Lee Snowden ( 2 games, 2 goals -much to Simon Riley's chagrin). But after that we created only 1 or 2 other chances and had to soak up pressure all game eventually succumbing to three second half goals.

Team: Justin Collins, Matt Groom, Ed Stevenson, James Goldsmith, Andy Eames, Lee Snowden, Joel Burrows, Alex Kew, Gareth Weir, Bill Pellett, Dave Casement, Tom Matthews, Felix Nurse.

Scorer: Lee Snowden

Men's 2s vs. Wimbledon: lost 0-4

The score says it all, in more ways than one. Faced with the (now all too familiar) scratch team due to absences the boys applied themselves with customary vigour and determination. We were resolute in defence, reflected by the fact that only 1 of their 5 (yes 5) goals was caused by a defensive lapse in concentration, 3 coming from short corners and the other from a lucky deflection. Unfortunately we put ourselves under unnecessary pressure by conceding possession too cheaply in the midfield and failed to get a single shot on goal from open play. On a positive note we stuck with it to the very end and kept our heads even though we were faced with some (to put it kindly) inconsistent whistle blowing from one of the two Wimbledon "umpires". I can empathise with the Women's 3's from last week...This is not sour grapes as we didn't deserve to win on the day, nevertheless the minimum I expect from an umpire at this level is that he is qualified (no), shows a modicum of impartiality (no), has a whistle (yes), something to write the score down on (patently not) AND a time keeping piece of any description (no - especially important if you send someone off, as he found when he gave Chris C a yellow!). Last game before Christmas this Saturday and a gettable 3 points so let's enjoy it and go into the break with a smile on our faces.

Team: Aido, Chris C, Pully, Neil Happs, JT, Graeme Fotheringham, Nick Harris, Nick Jacobs, Fez, Wes, Alex McDonald, Lee Snowden.

Scorers: yes, please ...

Men's 3s: no game

Men's 4As vs. Wimbledon: lost 1-6

We really let ourselves down here having played reasonably well during the first half. Where we may have rode our luck a bit we took our chances well and in particular an outstanding finish from Clifford put us level at 1-1 after good build up play down the right, sadly they converted a short corner and we were behind by a goal at half time. Clearly something went wrong during the break, or at the start of the second half because after that all we could do was chase the ball and give away too many short corners. It didn't help losing Gavin (our keeper) at half time and then Tim within a few minutes of the re-start, however, it wasn't just confusion that led to conceding four goals. It was notable to me that we didn't have a single short corner yet we gave them about 10 shorts in the 2nd half and sure enough 3 of their 4 2nd half goals came that way. Better discipline and more commitment in defence is required from everyone together with more control in possession if we're to start beating the likes of these lads.

Team: Gavin/Aidan (GK), Vishal Phakey, Stuart Craig, Tim Parker, Neil Happs, Dave Eacott, Grant Spencer, Steve Rivers, Bruce Haines, Will Morgan, Clifford Brown, Harry Dunlop, Norman Doyle.

Scorer: Clifford

Tornados (Men's 4Bs) vs. Maidenhead: won 3-2

Another home game, another storming performance from the mighty 4Bs. Desperate to gift the opposition 2 goals to make the match more interesting, we did just that. 2-0 down with a quarter of the game gone. Right, that's Maidenhead lulled into a false sense of security then. We engaged first gear and we were off, storming runs down the flanks from Dougal and Conor, harassment of their defence from Mark, Loz and Paul and solid defending by the slimmest, fastest back line in town (Reidy, Wilsh, Tom, Nick, Neil and yours truly). I told you all last week to pop along to DC to watch some stunning hockey and with the men's 1s watching and learning valuable lessons, we proceeded to tear the oppo to shreds. Our first coming shortly before half time, a cracking strike across the keeper by Paul Burrows to notch his first of the season. As half time approached it was at this point Lady Luck decided to test our mettle. Tom pulled a muscle in his leg, so went up front and stood on the top of their D. A stunning tactical move by the skipper, even if I do say so myself. Not content with this, Mrs Luck then decided to remove another of our defensive stalwarts - Neil bravely taking a short-corner strike on the side of the knee, the dimples tattoo looking very artistic. At this point, we were down to 10, but lo, on the horizon (i.e. sidelines) is our saviour. Fresh from a trip to the Gambia, the bronzed God of Goalkeeping, Lee Tearle steps out, resplendent in shocking pink for his first outfield foray of the season. And what a game he had, striking fear into the heart of the Maidenhead side, charging across the pitch, a streak of pink worrying away at the sticks of Maidenhead. Within 5 of the restart we were on level terms. A short-corner strike from Tom, thundering goalwards and deflected into the roof of the net by their defender. Onwards we pushed for the winner and it duly arrived, another short-corner strike from Tom, the keeper parries only for Mockery the poacher to sweep the pads and its there. Game, set and match to the men in red, despair for the men in white. MOTM - Tom. Solid in defence. Solid in attack. Even with the use of only one leg, he scores one and sets up another. Back in defence next week though, tough game away to the league leaders. Thanks go to Bill Dowie for umpiring and Basic-skills Banners for the support.

Team: Paul Reid, Nick Thomson, Neil Gallagher, Si Wilshire, Tom Alexander, Fatty, Conor Macklin, Dougal Davis, Mark Beaney, Paul Burrows, Laurence Mockery, Lee 'supersub' Tearle.

Umpire: Bill Dowie

Scorers: Paul Burrows, Tom Alexander, Loz Mockery

Men's 5s vs. Wimbledon 6s. lost 1-3

Sporting excellence at Crystal Palace hit new heights on Saturday. On one pitch THD5s - on the other a bunch of twenty something's throwing a Frisbee-type thing around a muddy field in the name of team sport. It must have been hard for the punters to know which event to follow. If it had been a Frisbee match we'd have thrashed Wimbledon, but as it was our eager opponents (they started with one of those pre-match huddles) wore us down physically and mentally. Not that we didn't put up a fight after Geoff's subtle finish gave us a hard-fought interval lead. Silly mistakes led to three goals in the second half but that should take nothing away from a superb defensive performance, with Thom Ruane and keeper Paul Reid outstanding.

Team: Paul Reid, Billy Dowie, Thom Ruane, Rob Thomas, Graeme Evans, Matt Ruane, Mark Smith, Phil Hines, Ian Cooper, Stephen Ireton, Rich Fenton, Geoff Pritchard.

Umpire: Si Riley

Scorer: Geoff Pritchard

Men's 6s vs. HAC Sutlers: lost 1-3

Same old story - we played very well throughout the match, had the superior midfield but once again failed to put our chances away. The opening ten minutes saw two fairly even sides battle it out. Our attacks came mainly down the right wing with Al doing all the hard work. He put in some great crosses only for the ball to be missed by our diving players, though Matt came extremely close. After 10 minutes of jousting, we did take the lead with some great interplay between halves and forwards. Al again fired in a cross which Jake flicked over the keeper for Gin to seal it. We continued to have the majority of play but HAC hung in there and equalised through some lucky play in the D. The second half saw us have to defend our D for the first 10 minutes as HAC continually applied the pressure, before we got back into the game and started to get shots on goal as they tired. RT came close and Jake and Gin both had shots saved. Once again though HAC managed to capitalise on their few breaks and scored two goals that were as much about poor defending as good attacking. We took the fight back to them and pressurised their goal continuously for the last 5 minutes winning a number of short corners from which Mike and Paul had good shots saved. They held on with some rather desperate defending to see out the match. Comments after the game from HAC were very encouraging: they said that we were the best side that they had played against, little consolation however when we lost! They did remark that we weren't very physical - i.e. in attack we did not get stuck in their D and in defence we didn't make our presence know to the attackers. Something to get right next time. Our thanks to Paul Harvey and Tim Smith. Also thanks to Mike and Richard M for umpiring.

Team: Peter Adams, Andy Bond, Richard Mead, Will Pendrill, Tim Smith, Matt Crane, Al Fraser, Paul Harvey, Richard T, Mike Wright, Gin Lee, Jake Downing

Scorer: Gin Lee

Women's 1s vs. Horsham: lost 1-2

Another week, another game, another defeat due to two soft goals and the inability to convert our possession into scoring chances and goals. Sounds depressing, but anyone watching our games would believe that we were the winning side. We took the lead through a short corner strike by Alex and during the majority of the first half we played some superb hockey through the midfield and our forwards. Having camped in their 25 for much of the half, Horsham levelled with a break away goal. The second half was much the same, and our frustration at not being able to score despite so much possession was heightened when again Horsham scored just when we seemed to be in control. Despite desperate efforts, we could not muster up an equaliser and yet again came away disappointed. This match report would not be complete without special mention to Lou Morgan who pulled off one of the most spectacular diving saves off the line - the score line could have been worse....!

Team: Jo Malkin, Emma Ward, Kath Sowter, Alex Crawford, Kate Selway, Rachel Lander, Louise Morgan, EJ Barry, Charley Williams, Amy Gardiner, Martha Harvey-Jones, Jacqs Broers, Ali Rendu

Scorer: Alex Crawford

Women's 2s vs. Barnes 1s: won 2-0

So, as Van The Man sings it: "When everything falls into place, Like the flick of a switch, [We] just have to remember, There'll be days like this" (cue uplifting trumpet solo). We came, we saw, we conquered. It was more perfect than Agincourt, except that the opposition weren't French and it wasn't muddy. If you could bottle all the gritty determination and inspired teamwork from us in this game, it wouldn't smell very nice, but there'd be enough to last a whole season. Starting from the back, George had a blinder. A superb early save set the tone for the whole game and some stalwart defending whenever Barnes threatened. Emma didn't put a foot wrong throughout, Lucy pretty much marked her player out of the game, Jo was as solid as the proverbial rock and El Capitano, sweeping in front, was poetry in motion. The big difference this week was the hugely improved transition of the ball though the midfield - seamless at times from all three of them: Longbeard continuing to hack out her Viking longboat on the right to excellent effect, Strings neutralising her right forward, as well as delivering a wonderful through ball which led directly to the 2nd goal (nice one Zoey), and Charley, fresh(!) from the morning's game, wondering why she hadn't left her bad foot in a hot bath somewhere, but cracking a great one in during the first half from one of our many shorts, and making some great distributions. The forwards should perhaps have put in a few more (and might have done on the occasion Charley should have passed it!), but worked really well together to create many dangerous moments. Liz had her best game so far this season. And as for me, I've found a new sports drink with caffeine in it, so life is sweet! Thanks to Will for managing and 1st XI fans for yelling (except Rachel who, when the oxygen deficit was really beginning to tell on some of us not long before the final whistle, yelled "C'mon THD only 20 minutes to go!")

Los Magnificos: George Sykes, Alex Hardy (MOTM), Emma Matebalavu, Lucy Partington, Jo de Silva, Sarah Longair, Charley Williams, Karen Milburn, Zoey Handforth, Kate Selway, Liz Young

Scorers: Charley, Zoey.

Women's 3s vs. Thames Valley 1s: lost 1-2

Wet in Woking with virtually identical kit as the home team. One shopping trip later, Anna emerged with spangly white t-shirts. I am as yet uncertain how long it will take for me to live this one down. More introductions at the start of the game - a settled side by this stage of the season would be nice, but many thanks anyway to those who braved the trip and the weather to take part and to Ruth for again volunteering(?) to play in goal. Thames scored twice in the first half and I confess to having no recollection of either goal. We did play better in the second half, with some positive running up front and more organisation in defence. Lou got a goal from a short corner, which we played out after the final whistle, with a nicely executed shot at the near post. At least the final moment was all ours! We did better on the dance floor later at Anna's party to celebrate a number of happy events.

Team: Ruth Pratt; Anna Barrett; Erica Goldsmith; Joanna Reynolds; Karen Dodds; Lou Curry; Janine Nicholls; Jules Ingham; Josie; Wendy Tang; Sonya Kwok.

Umpire: Steve Powell

Scorer: Lou Curry

Next match: 17 January 2004 - an astonishingly long gap and bearing in mind the Alzheimer's intros will be necessary again....

Women's 4s vs. Byfleet Ramblers: lost 1-4

This week the ladies 4s became a charitable organisation for teams who haven't won a game this season - not only did we give Byfleet Ramblers their first win, but as a little extra, we gave them a scoreline that makes them look like they were better than us. It was all fairly easily done. Firstly, we allowed a goalmouth scramble to go in their favour early on. Fooled them a bit by having 95% of the possession - but did allow them to hold on to their lead till at least half time. Just to make them think they have to fight a bit for their win, we scored from just one of the 6 short corners we had awarded. Claire W had a fantastic strike from the top of the D. Forgetting our charitable side momentarily we had some beautiful play. The newly bronzed, man of the match, Emily working well with Rosey on the left setting up some great opportunities. We soon settled back into the form we established in the first half by not scoring from another 7 short corners. LPS had a momentary lapse but luckily one of their defenders put their foot in the way and kicked the ball off the line. Feeling a bit guilty about having all this possession we allowed them to have a go at a shorty - which they scored from. Then, they scored again and again. Thus securing their first win of the season. Merry Christmas Byfleet!

Team: Vicki, Mel Rees, Anna LP Stuttard, Lindsey McLaren, Kate, Claire Whitehead, Emily Halliday (MOTM), Rosanna Carter, Andrea, Catherine, Yorkie Soquar, Emma Billsdon.

Umpire: Marilyn Walker

Scorer: Claire Whitehead

Women's 5s vs. Kenley 1s: won 4-1

This was a successful result for the 5s with solid performances from everyone. We dominated the match from the start although the goals were slow in coming. Tash got us off the mark with a sneaky deflection off one of their defence from a well taken strike. Next it was Steph who took on the whole team herself before slipping the ball past the keeper! Sarah also got a well deserved goal and Steph made it 4 in the second half. A special mention must go to Vicky who celebrated her birthday on the pitch by making some impressive saves and thanks to Marilyn for umpiring.

Team: Vicky Adkins, Jean Sutton, Kathryn Farthing, Nicole Yost, Frances Baker, Sarah Flach, Ash McDonald, Michelle Morgan, Steph Kee, Tash Riordan-Eva

Scorers: Steph Kee(2), Tash Riordan-Eva, Sarah Smith

Women's 6s: no game

Dragons vs. Spencer: won 3-2

It was a beautiful day for a game of hockey - dazzling sunshine in comparison to the previous week's monsoonal rain which had stopped play. Hangovers had claimed much of the Spencer team, so we gave them a player and played with 8 a side. We hit our stride early on. It was a glorious return in defence for last season's highly rated pairing of Charley and JT - solid tackling, excellent distribution and lots of squawking!!! JC soon had control of the midfield and actually had a front line to pass to once Gareth managed to stagger on to the pitch .Great support play from Neil Happs making his very welcome debut appearance for the Dragons. Silky skills EJ managed to make all the boys in their defence look extremely silly and by half time we were 2-0 up, with lots more shots going slightly wide of the mark (at head height thanks JT!). In the second half superstar keeper Brock climbed back into his outfield kit (which seems to have shrunk in the wash) and played for Spencer, which evened things up slightly more than perhaps intended. Holly, Charley and Neil were solid in defence and countered (almost) every play, with George making some great saves. We conceded 2 but put another one in against them, and at the end of the day the scoreline was probably fair. With huge thanks to Aidan and JT for each umpiring half a game.

Team: George Sykes, Lucy Partington, James Terrett, Charley Williams, Holly Sarderson, Aidan Brock, John Craven, Gareth Norris, Neil Happs, Sam Parkhouse, EJ Barry.

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