Match Reports 2004/05

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

Thur 10-Mar-05

Issue 18

United vs. Arsenal, Barcelona vs. Chelsea, Brown vs. Blair - all great grudge matches, often very feisty and mostly difficult to call. But, hey Jose, don't you just love them when they come out right? And so it was for the Women's 1s on Saturday. Purley beaten. And not just that. My opponent downed a double vodka and pineapple juice immediately on return to the clubhouse. Which leaves just one question - why the pineapple?

Back to business and there's lots of matches this weekend to watch and get yourselves in the THD spirit for annual dinner escapades. Report on that next week, but in the meantime, the Men's 2s would like your support as they press for a top 2 finish in their league and for promotion. Half past one push back at Crystal Palace Bar Pitch. If you fancy the 3s (and I know it's tough to resist), they're also aiming for the top, but you'll have to go to Teddington to see them. JT has assured me however that he'll be available at the dinner anyway. And on Sunday where better than to while away your hangover than at Dulwich College cheering on the girls in the quarterfinals of the HA Trophy - pushback 14.00? Unless that is you fancy a run-out for the Dragons. Options, options....

match reports by: Gemma Baker, Kate Blumer, Roz Hornsby, Lindsey McLaren, Chris Roberts, Aidan Brock, Tom Ruane, Mark Jones and Graeme Evans.

All played on Saturday 5th March unless otherwise indicated.

Women's 1s vs. Purley Walcountians: Won 1-0

Purley drool, THD rule....what can i say other than superb! Right from the start we had it sorted. Purley came to SE London undefeated and probably with more than a degree of confidence (quite rightly so) knowing that they'd thrashed us 4-0 at their place. What they hadn't counted on was a combination of Will's tactics, Charley's 'never say die' attitude and a team effort worthy of nomination at this year's BBC sports awards. The main aim of playing our own game while spoiling theirs seemed to work; we gave as good as we got in the first half and by the 16th minute we were 1-0 up, courtesy of a Hils penalty corner strike that the Purley defender deflected into the top of her own net. And how we hung on for the other 54 minutes....the defence were resilient, the forwards creative and the midfield ran their socks off attempting to do a bit of both. But, while we had a few more chances to extend the lead, Purley, with increasing anxiety started upping the ante, winning numerous short corners, peppering Pipes with shots (a couple were pretty close) and pushing everyone forward looking for the equaliser. But, despite a nail-biting final 10 minutes (equaled only by the Crystal Palace - Man U match), the eleven THD defenders stayed strong and Purley couldn't find a way through. A very satisfying result!

Team: Jo Malkin, EJ Barry, Kath Sowter, Hilary Collins, Nikki Prior, Gemma Baker, Rachel Lander, Charley Williams, Bettina Wolff, Lou Morgan & Martha Harvey Jones.

Scorer: Hils.

MOM: shared - Charley & EJ.

Next matches: Saturday 12th March vs. Sunbury - 2.30pm away; Sunday 13 March vs. Wrekin (Trophy quarter finals) - 14.00 @ DC.

Women's 2s vs. Thames Valley: Won 2-0

Off to the races in Ascot - well actually the donkey derby would better describe this rather slow and lethargic meeting. But then if I had lost as many times as this team have in a season, I would frankly be depressed. The first half was the better of the two: the first goal went in fairly sharpish off Emma's skilful stick, well-worked from midfield, I think. The umpire gave their team a glimmer of hope when disallowing a perfectly sound second goal. Apparently there was some barging or something going on - we all missed it. I could be rude about this, but that wouldn't be fair or honourable. THD kept up a good pace and remained firmly in the oppo's half for a vast majority of the un-intense first half. We should have been 4 or 5 up by half time after peppering their goalie with plenty of good shots from our tireless forwards, but we weren't (their sharpest player being positioned in their goal) So 1-0 going into the second half, then Ferrett had to pull off her first save, even though numb with the cold and inactivity of the first half. This woke us up somewhat and we started to move the ball around again. Claudie scored with a cracking shot from the top of the D taking us, at last, two up. Then shortly afterwards the goal of the game came with a perfectly coordinated switch from the back, up the right, Liz driving into the D, pinpoint pass to Emma, in it went - great to watch. We continued to control the game and hold them at 3-0. It was a shame we did not score more, but always difficult when the oppo are permanently on the defensive. We came away with a much needed win, and plan to continue this theme into our final three games. Rosie deservedly won POM, the highlight of her game was when the umpire prematurely signalled a sideline ball not daring to imagine someone could run as fast as Rosie to retrieve a ball placed deep into their half, oh to own 14/15 year old legs again, well done. Thames Valley teas were served onboard the Saturn V Rocket (their archaic club heating system which resembled a Kennedy Space centre relic - we kept Josh well away from it), where we munched our way through hot dogs in rolls that had been barbecued over the rocket's engine flames. Meanwhile we all discussed how wonderful our 'stick skills' and how 'nippy' we were on the pitch (Kato overheard the oppo discussing us!). Most enjoyable. (KB)

Team: Ferrett, Shorty, Alex Crawford, Kate Blumer, Lucy Muldoon, Liz Young, Claudie Sellers, Emma Kitley, Sarah Conibear, Zoey Handforth, Rosie Carter.

Scorers: Emma Kitley 2, Claudie Sellers.

Next match: Saturday 12th March vs. Richmond - 10.30am @ Crystal Palace

Women's 3s vs. Epsom: Lost 2-3

A cold afternoon somewhere in Surrey: ten players met - and Anna in a hurry, Swung our sticks and tackled with grit - Epsom taken aback at us so fit! Our captain away on a dirty weekend, leaving us to sweep and defend. We worked so hard to do her proud, Cath and Jo's tackles impressed the crowd. Tash surely had a stunning game and Roz's goal from a corner came; Beth slotted one in the second half and THD were on a winning path. But then at the end we let one in and Epsom were the ones to win! (RH)

Next match: Saturday 12th March vs. Reigate 3s - 16.30 (?) @ CPB

Women's 4s vs. Wanderers 3s: Lost 0-4

"We make losing an art form" "Just because we haven't won doesn't make us losers" "Another loss in the name hockey excellence" "I'm getting quite used to losing on a Saturday"

Team: Vix Streatfield, Mel Rees, Nikki Smithies, Linds McLaren MOTM, Rachael F, Adele, Lyns B, Penny Ganser, Rona Frances, Is Drewe, Emily Tearle

Next matches: Saturday 12th March vs. Woking - 16.00 @ Alleyn's; Sunday 13th March vs. University of Surrey - 15.30 @ DC.

Women's 5s vs. London Wayfarers 4s: Won

Next match: Saturday 12th March vs. Mitcham - away

Women's 6s vs. Croydon MO 3s: lost 0-1

Next match: Saturday 12th March vs. Walton & Weybridge - away

Men's 1s vs. Chichester (away): Lost 0-3

To be fair, we were beaten by a better team on the day. Chichester are currently on a roll and are equal on points at the top of the league. We certainly didn't lack effort and can maybe feel slightly aggrieved in not at least recording one on the score sheet. The closest we came was when Andy hit the post from a corner. All should be commended in making another long journey down to the coast, although some may question their pre-match preparation for the game. (CR)

Team: Chris Roberts, Dave Weir, Tim Howarth, Chris Smith, Joel Burrows, Olly Morgan, Andy Balchin, Jimmy Ireson, Gregg McAllister, Jack Davidson, Dave Casement.

Next match: Saturday 12th February vs. Maidenhead - DC

27/02/05: HA Trophy 4th Round - Men's 1s vs. BBHC (H): lost 2-3

The less said about this game the better. We didn't play and they couldn't play, although we somehow managed to lose in the last minute of extra time. An embarrassing result and very few positives can be taken from the game. Our inability to defend in decisive moments again cost us, and I feel that the only positives were the continuing development of our very promising crop of nippers. (CR) Team? Can't remember. Scorers? Can't remember. Embarrassed? Yes

Men's 2s vs. Richmond 2s: Won 3-2

Another win however we didn't get off to the most auspicious of starts, having to borrow two players from the 6th team game on before us to make up the numbers due to last minute injuries and no shows. Nevertheless we defended resolutely in the first half and, once we had got over the problems associated with having two Fergus J's in the team ("Drop right Fergus - no not you Ferg, other Ferg, big Ferg - no you're tall Ferg, he's big Ferg" etc, etc.) we settled into a good rhythm culminating in a top quality reverse stick strike from Snowy from open play that tore into the top corner of the goal and gave us a deserved half time lead. After the break we played well for 15 minutes, using the pivot beautifully and ripping holes in Richmond's defence, culminating in a low strike into the corner by the Wardrobe. We were in control then contrived to lose concentration and had a period of ten minutes where everyone ( except Wiggy, who was hopping about like a mad thing in goal shouting at us) stopped and they scored two soft goals. We are, however, nothing if not resilient and after getting our composure back another sweeping counter-attacking move saw Doug in space who passed to Snowy and on to Timbo to finish off, phew!. Special thanks to the two 6's heroes Fergus J, who was rock like at the back (and a man after my own heart when it comes to what we shall call 'full body clatter tackles'), and Doug, who worked tirelessly and creatively up front whilst bringing a little well needed glamour to the team with his spangly white football shorts, silver shoes and Bjorn Borg headband. Next match is the crunch one against Wimbledon for 2nd place in the league so any support that can be offered by the Men's 4's, playing before us, (or others) would be gratefully received.... (AB)

Team: Wiggy, Fergus Johnson, Aido, Simon Glasson, Matt Groom, Ferg Jagger, Bungle, Timbo, Wardrobe, Snowy, Doug.

Scorers: Snowy, Wardrobe, Timbo.

Next match: Saturday 12 March vs. Wimbledon -13:30 @ Crystal Palace.

Men's 3s vs. Guildford: Lost 0-2

A largely successful season for the 3s has been due to a combination of hard work, good hockey and luck. All were absent at Dulwich College on Saturday. With both teams needing the points in the end of season run-in, this game was always going to be tough against the division leaders. The first half saw THD second to everything and rarely making a decent pass. The only positive at half time was that they were just one up and surely we couldn't play any worse. The score came from a short corner: a flick was blocked by Jeremy and then the defence were merely spectators as a Guildford player followed up and finished smartly. The odd attack threatened the Guildford goal but with Guildford getting most of our ball, Nick and Geoff had little to work with. Half time brought about a rejig of positioning and things evened up somewhat with everyone now giving their all. New boy Ben moved into sweeper and our new shape started causing Guildford some trouble with the ball being worked well up both flanks. But Guildford are at the top for good reason and whilst the second half was much more evenly fought we had few chances. Our solitary short corner resulted in a signature miss for Foggy: unfortunately nothing for a drop goal in hockey. With time running out Guildford managed their second from another short. A scrappy mess-up led to them shipping it wide where a rocket of a shot gave Jeremy no chance. Geoff and Nick almost carved out a last minute goal with some good work but to no avail. In short if you don't turn up for the first half and only get one short you won't beat the division leaders. Thanks to Jo (Women's 1s) for filling in with the whistle whilst Toby finished his breakfast. (TR)

Team: Jeremy Porter, Thom Ruane, Guy Hodgson, Wesley Cole, Mike Killen, Neil Happs, Nick Jacob, Geoff Pritchard, David Fogden, Simon Wiltshire, Nick Wickremesinghe, Ben Udy.

Umpire: Toby Wheadon

Next match: Saturday 12th March vs. Teddington 3s - away

Tornados vs. Guildford: Won 4-1

Another week, another win. Like Rolling Stones (hint) the Tornados gather now moss. It took very little to 'Start Me Up', once the whistle had blown and within minutes the forwards were giving Guildford their '19th Nervous Breakdown'. It was important for the 4s to continue to 'Not Fade Away' and end up leaving with 'Mixed Emotions'. However, after half time we knew we had the oppo 'Under My Thumb', but there was no time to have 'Sympathy For The Devil'. They were heard to shout 'I Can't Get No Satisfaction' as the defence cut out another Guildford attack, 'You Can't Always Get What You Want' we shouted back while we slotted home our fourth goal! 'Wild Horses' couldn't have dragged Guildford back into the match. As the final whistle went we headed back to the clubhouse to have a cup of tea with some 'Brown Sugar' and someone suggested 'Let's Spend The Night Together' down the Duke Of Devonshire in Balham to celebrate our victory. With three games in hand a potential cup spot and an outside chance of promotion there is no need to 'Paint it Black' just yet! (MJ)

Team: Lee Tearle (GK), MJ, Neil Smith, Tom Alexander, Nick Thomson, Neil Gallagher, Nick Jones, Dougal Davis, Warren Holme, Will Morgan, Si Riley & Dan Hopkins.

Scorers: Si Riley, Tom Alexander & Dan Hopkins (2).

Man of the Match: Dan Hopkins.

Next match: Saturday 12th March vs. Teddington 4s - 12.00 @ CPB.

12/02/05 - Men's 5s v St Albans Citizens: Won 4-1.

Having struggled for the last few weeks, this was a result that came out of the blue. Captain Stuart Craig called for a committed display and got it from everyone, not least midfielder Gus Barnard. He never stopped - apart from 20 minutes around half-time when the Potters Bar air appeared to have unsettled his stomach. This not being uncommon, Barnard popped up later to score goals three and four to add to a first half equaliser that has since been embellished to the point that it now includes a Pele body swerve around the keeper along the way. Just as important was the display at the other end as the defence and midfield never gave the St Albans attackers a moment to cause trouble. A great result that puts us on the brink of survival. (GE)

Team: Stirling, Vish Phakey, Stuart Craig, Billy Dowie, Graeme Evans, Simon Canter, Gus Barnard, Paul Burrows, Mark Annear, Dominic Peyton, Oliver Walton, Harry Twort.

Scorers: Gus (3), Mark A.

MoTM: Gus

26/02/05 - Men's 5s vs. PHC Chiswick away: Won 1-0

This was a game that started as a relegation six-pointer and ended with THD 5s sniffing an unexpected place in the end of the season play-offs. Such is the tightness of this league that Saturday's 1-0 win propelled the team into fourth spot and probably left keeper Paul Reid wondering what's been going on in his absence. From the depth of despair a month ago - at recent results, not Reidy's departure - fortunes have been transformed in the last two games by one or two new faces and a more robust midfield formation. Chiswick were chasing shadows in the first half - usually those of midfielders Mark Lay and Simon Canter - and deservedly went a goal behind after Paul Burrows somehow found room in a crowded circle to put the ball in the far corner. A half-time break in sub-zero temperatures did THD5s few favours, and with fitness levels fading fast, the second half was more a test of nerve than skill. A brilliant result and a much needed boost ahead of the final game of the season - an away game at league leaders St Albans. (GE)

Team: Jeremy Porter, Richard Batty, Stuart Craig, Billy Dowie, Graeme Evans, Mark Lay, Simon Canter, Paul Burrows, Mark Annear, Dominic Peyton, Oliver Walton, Harry Twort.

Scorer: Paul Burrows.

MoTM: Simon C

Next match: Saturday 12 March vs. St Albans Tribunes- 15.00 away

Men's 6s vs. Richmond Redoubtables: Drew 2-2

Office gossip - Colin scored (ed).

Next match: Saturday 12 March vs. Wimbledon Badgers - 15.00 (?) @ DC

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