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.

Fri 15-Oct-04

Issue 02

Another collection of lengthy reports for you to catch up on the latest from THD, so to compensate I've decided to keep the blurb short and sweet (and generally truer to character). The Men's 6s would have stolen this weekend's headlines with their first win of the season, if it hadn't been for some excellent results all round for the girls. Two more victories for the 1s puts them back into position and still in the cup, and the 2s, 3s and 5s also took all the points, alongside a distinctly ungirly but rejuvenated Men's 5s team. It all looks good for some serious early season celebrating at the Club dinner on October 30th so get those tickets now from your captains and line your stomachs (Morgan, Barry, ahem).......

Reports by: Dave Weir, Aidan Brock, Mark Jones, Graeme Evans, Chris Richman, EJ Barry (assisted), Kate Blumer, Joanna Reynolds, Marie Smith, Katherine Dixon and Emma Gilchrist.

All games took place on Saturday 9 October unless otherwise indicated.

Men's 1s vs. Barnes: lost 1-3

The sun was shining, the weather was sweet. Pity about the hockey though. After an enterprising and encouraging start in which we dominated possession we unfortunately went 0-1 down to a weak breakaway goal. This was the catalyst for our self-destruction. Three yellow cards did not help the cause, especially as we trailed. A second goal before half time was a blow, but a goal by Andy Balchin from a penalty corner got us back into the match in the second half. From there we applied pressure on Barnes, but our composure let us down. Late in the match as we pushed for an equaliser Barnes scored their third goal, this time from a penalty corner. (DW)

Team: Andrew Eames, Gareth Weir, Justin Collins, Clive Colloff, Felix Nurse, Will Brownsden, Joel Burrows, Peter Ellis, Will Brown (man of the match), James Ireson, Andy Balchin, David Weir, Tom Curry, Tom Cross

Scorer: Andrew Balchin

Next match: Saturday 16th October vs. PHC Chiswick - 14:00 @ DC

Men's 2s vs. Oxford University 2s (H): drew: 3-3

After a week off and with a new group of players still getting used to each other this was a disappointing, but not disastrous result. Starting off with three at the back, none of whom had ever played that system, was probably a little ambitious. Nevertheless, after conceding a lax first goal, the team got into its stride and played some fluid, if patchy hockey. Crossy pulled the strings in midfield and gave us our forward impetus, scoring the first from a short corner (he assures me he meant to hit it straight at the keeper and called "nuts" as it went through his legs, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt). Elsewhere on the pitch Pete showed what a dangerous weapon a direct and incisive runner up front can be, scoring a cracker for the second goal. Jeremy had an absolute stormer in our goal, pulling off some spectacular stops and certainly saving us from a loss. More speed (of pass and thought) and less haste (in getting forwards and losing our shape) required next week against what is always a physical and well prepared Wayfarers team. Watch this space. There is certainly more to come from this team. Huge thanks to Simon Riley for umpiring and to those on the sidelines who supported us so vociferously. (AB)

Team: Jeremy Porter (GK), Ed Stevenson, Matt Groom, Ben Wright, Simon Glasson, Tom Cross, Tim Davies, Felix Nurse, Ferg Jagger, Will Atkinson, Smudge, Andy Potapa, Pete Howland, Dave Casement (Fez).

Scorers: Crossy, Pete Ellis, Fez.

Umpires: Simon Riley, Aido.

Next match: Saturday 16th vs. Wayfarers -12:30 @ DC

Men's 3s: week off

Next match: Saturday 16th October vs. London Wayfarers 3s - away

THD Tornados (Men's 4s) vs. London Wayfarers 5s: lost 4-5

Well Christmas has officially come early... so to celebrate this the 4s dressed up as Santa and handed out goals to the opposition as presents - 4 in 10 minutes to be exact! Now very few teams have the strength & depth to come back from such a blow... and neither did we... but we came bloody close. 'Hero & Zero' award goes to Nick Thomson for two exocet goals from shorts and a mad save with his feet that was as subtle as a David Beckham affair. Goals from Pully & Si Riley brought us within one goal (we gave the oppo another along the way to make it more of a challenge) but that was as close as it got. Apart from the first 10 minutes the game was run, controlled and played only by the Tornados... a bitter, bitter blow to not salvage any points from a Wayfarers team who will almost certainly be relegated this season. (MJ)

Team: Gavin Lawson(GK), Jeremy Porter(GK), Mark Jones, Mark Pulford, Neil Happs, Nick Thomson, Rich Fenton, Nick Harris, Neil Gallagher, Nick Jones, Dougal Davis, Adrian Barnardo, Adrian Meredith & Simon Riley.

Coach: Tom Alexander.

Scorer(s): Nick Thomson (2), Simon Riley & Mark Pulford.

Umpire: Aidan Brock

Next match: Saturday 16th October vs. London Wayfarers 4s - 10.00 @ Alleyn's

Men's 5s vs. Hampstead & Westminster Thirsts: won 3-1.

Two-one up and spurning chance after chance, this game was in danger of heading the same way as last week's second half horror show. Thankfully the energy levels were topped up this time and instead of ending up 4-3 losers the 5s kept up the momentum to notch their first win of the season against the previously undefeated H&W Thirsts. It was well deserved too as THD dominated the midfield and benefited from the never-ending runs of forward Nick Jacobs, who scored the opening goal and generally proved a menace to the H&W defence. The home team did level at 1-1 but Graeme Evans restored the lead with a tame effort before the late-arriving Clifford Brown parked up his Harley and squared for Duncan McCulloch to settle the game in the second half. Particular thanks go to JT for trebling up as captain, umpire and right back. (GE)

Team: Paul Reid, Rob Thomas, Billy Dowie, JT (played and umpired), Graeme Evans, Simon Jones, Neil Smith, Thom Ruane, Matt Ruane, Duncan McCulloch, Clifford Brown, Nick Jacob, Paul Burrows.

Scorers: Nick, Graeme, Duncan

Next match: Saturday 16th October vs. London Wayfarers - 10.00 away

2/10/04 Men's 6s vs. Old Loughtonians Academy: lost 0-2

For my first match report of the season I thought I would try to get as many clichés in as possible so here goes. A game of two halves was played out in Essex by teams comprising youth and experience, with, at the end of the day youth triumphant. As the name suggests the opposition had enough youth in there team to keep a ranch owner in California happy and his fairground busy for a good couple of months. But this in the end didn't count for much in a game where OL;s shaded the first half and we dominated the second. Their first goal came from a bobbling shot from the top of the D which wrong footed our keeper and their second from a straight strike from a short corner. We had more than enough chances to get a few goals ourselves but a combination of a couple of good saves and less than clinical short corners meant that we left Essex without any points or for the second week any goals. Looking on the bright side there were some good performances especially in the second half and by all reports this was a much better performance than the week before so hopefully onwards and upwards to next week and early league leaders HAC Sutlers at home. Oh, there were only 4 clichés which is a bit poor so I will try and improve that in the following weeks. (CR)

Team: Tao McCloud, Keith Howick, Mike McKinnon, Nick Phipps, Andy Bond, Ed Allen, Neil Tonbridge, Colin Leeman, Ben Lones, Will Pendrill, Kim Keats, Mehraab Nazir, Chris Richman.

Men's 6s vs. HAC Sutlers: won 1-0

WE WON!! That's it really, but I suppose I have to fill a few lines. First goal of the season and first clean sheet of the season saw us to our first win of the season. In truth HAC dominated this game showing why they were the early season pace setters, but who cares. The record books will only show the fact that we won and not that we only had one short corner which Will Atkinson scored from or that we had four ringers in the shape of Messrs. Atkinson, Brock, Pulford and Riley the latter two each playing and umpiring a half. The record books also won't show that our defence was heroic denying HAC a clear chance all game ensuring that all Mr Brock had to do was make a few very well placed clearances; that our midfield kept running for the entire game. Or, that by the end we were beginning to show signs that my "the ball doesn't have to go forward every pass: it can go sideways or backwards" plea had begun to sink in. Finally a special mention must go to Will Pendrill for turning up with the most impressive hangover I have seen in a long time. If he keeps doing this his subscriptions are going to be very poor value for the five minutes pitch time before a trip to the side is needed to deter the body. Oh by the way did I say that we won? (CR)

Team: Aidan Brock, Will Atkinson, Andy Bond, Ed Allen, Vish, Keith Howick, Richard Meads, Mehraab Nazir, Mark Pulford (also umpired), Simon Riley (also umpired), Mike McKinnon, Will Pendrill (briefly), Nick Phipps and me.

Scorer: Will Atkinson.

Next match: Saturday 16th October vs. Hampstead & Westminster Spaniards - 15.30 @ DC

Women's 1s vs. Basingstoke 1s: won 1-0

This week's road trip took us to Hampshire (I'll explain Eej - ed) to face "The Stoke". Our preparation wasn't ideal, starting with the journey and some late arrivals. Special mention goes to EJ and Lou who got delayed by Lou's mystical interpretation of the ("pants") directions and by EJ being in the driving seat ("it was much more interesting discussing our love lives than worrying about the way"). The team talk was 'just a bit' disjointed too. We were treated to another delight on the whiteboard from Will who is demonstrating an instinct for subject matter more associated with a Chapman brother (for you artistic readers to work out), than a Nurse (but on second thoughts, maybe not). We finally took to the pitch after a - well, you guessed it - lacklustre warm-up, but started surprisingly well. Kath, the queen of Feist herself, got a green card after only 3 minutes (a record, surely?) Last week's sexy hockey was back on show and we were working hard. Even Will thought so - his quote "At times, we were absolutely amazing" will live with us forever. The defence were outstanding, the midfield quickly in control and we should have scored several times in the first 20. And when the goal finally came, it was stunning. Player of the match Charley (really? - ed) linked with Martha who then played sublime one touch hockey with Lou to break through the dogged Stoke defence. Lou "Defoe" Morgan turned like a ballerina and slotted the ball past the advancing keeper. We missed several further chances but with good reason. We were so dominant over the opposition that they had all 11 of their players (and probably several supporters) camped out in the their D making it very difficult to actually play any hockey. Nothing of note happened during the rest of the game except that we won a penalty flick in the 2nd half due to continued pressure. EJ stepped up to take it and decided to fox the keeper by rolling the ball slowly along the ground straight at her. It didn't go in. (EJ/CW)

Team: Pipes, Clare Byrne, Kath Sowter, Hils Collins, Nicky Prior, Gemma Baker, Rachel Lander, Charley Williams (player of the match), EJ Barry, Lou Morgan, Martha Harvey-Jones

Scorer: Lou Morgan

10/10/04 Women's 1s vs. Guildford 1s: won 2-0

A lot happened in the 24 hours between games and the exact details are, I feel, mostly irrelevant. But suffice to say the Swan (pub, not bird) was involved. Certain members of the team were rather worse for wear although to be fair to us, there is a time and a place for Cup games, and 10.30am on Sunday mornings is not it. The only good to note is that we looked lovely in our new sexy shirts. EJ evidently had left all hockey playing ability at the Swan as well as her brain. From a team perspective it was pretty disappointing and all the lovely passing of recent weeks had been replaced with endless running with the ball. Ronnie O'Sullivan summed it up well with the words " We weren't firing on any cylinders really", or at least were in no state to make any decisions - and it showed. We missed chance after chance to score, before finally slotting one in the final 15 minutes with Gemma showing composure in the D and to put the ball in from close range. A few minutes later a good press caused a defensive error and Rachel killed the game off with an excellent individual effort. I suppose you could say that it wasn't all bad - player of the match Nicky was a calming influence at the back and Charley, Gemma and Rachael hardly missed a tackle. It was such a relief when the game finally ended and apologies to Gordon and Marilyn who had the unfortunate honour of umpiring and therefore actually had to watch ALL of it. Just one game next week and a home one at that - it will feel like a weekend off. (EJ)

Team: Pipes, Kate Blumer, Kate Selway, Kath Sowter, Nicky Prior (player of the match), Gemma Baker, Rachel Lander, Charley Williams, EJ Barry (apparently), Lou Morgan, Martha Harvey-Jones and Sarah Longair.

Scorer: Gemma Baker, Rachel Lander

Next match: Saturday 16th October vs. Maidenhead - 14.30 @ Alleyn's

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

What an exciting weekend: another Spiderman/woman on its way and a much deserved win for the fast evolving 2s. We started as we meant to go on, with lots of simple passing, good ball speed and using each other - it's much easier now we know names! The first half pace was somewhat frenetic, but everyone rose to the challenge. Ferret created a lot of movement up front, ably assisted by Sarah C who had a great game, causing confusion amongst their defence. As usual the midfield were impressive working tirelessly to support the play, and Nat and Claudy were uncomplaining, versatile and skilful, not easy when playing where ever placed! The first goal came from a well worked Kato short corner, not the one where Longhair caressed the air (instead of the ball) but the one that Sarah C put to bed. This was swiftly followed by an opposing short corner, which went in far too easily. Shame but we can work on that. 1-1, let the game commence. Ferret put in a well worked cross from an acute angle, their defender on the post should be involved in her own teams short corners what a lovely deflection past her own keeper 2-1, thanks Ferret. Half time, we just had to remain composed and confident, we did until the last 15 minutes when it was end to end action. We managed another couple of short corners, and some promising attacks, but no more goals to seal it. However, thanks to George's acrobatics we kept them out, we wanted it more and we deservedly won it. (KB)

Team: George Sykes, Nicky, Nat Shur, Claudy, Kate Blumer, Kate Selway, Liz Young, Sarah Longair, Serra Tezisler, Sarah Conibear, Ferrett, Rona Francis.

Scorers: Sarah Conibear and Ferrett

Next challenge: Saturday 16 October vs. Oxted, - 10.30am @ Alleyn's. Bring it on!

Women's 3s vs. Spencer 2s: won 3-2 Fantastic!

We would have lost this game a year ago but we worked so hard to win this one it was great. Spencer - tall, blonde and young to a player - started well, very well, scoring in the first 2 minutes. But we held our nerve and Harriet scored with a great strike just inside the post a few minutes later. We then began to play with more confidence with was rewarded by an excellent goal from Rosie. We deserved this having missed some excellent opportunities including a fab move which culminated in a great pass from Helen to an excellently positioned Rosie who hit the post (having already started to celebrate!). So half time was 2-1. Spencer then came out fighting and scored again and followed that up with huge pressure which produced the turning point of the game which was Cath's fine play on the goal line. And then, we did it. We scored from Lizzie 10 minutes from the end and ran and ran and ran and tackled to keep in front. Wonderful. Everybody played well so impossible to select a player of the game. I reckon we were inspired by the review of Palace's game on Monday.... (JR)

Team: George Sykes, Joanna Reynolds, Sonya Kwok, Jo de Silva, Cath Garvey, Lou Curry, Harriet Gallagher-Powell, Roz Hornsby, Rosie Carter, Erica Goldsmith, Helen Singleton, Lizzie Gillett, Ruth Pratt.

Scorers: Harriet Gallagher-Powell, Rosie Carter, Lizzie Gillett

Umpires: Lucy Partington, Julie Ferrett

Next match: Saturday 16th October vs. London University 1 - 11.30 @ Indian Gymkhana somewhere in Osterley

Women's 4s vs. Barnes 3s: lost 4-1

We'd been looking forward to this game with 12 players, but it was not to be when some of the team (names withheld just this once, but don't do it again) either cried off at the last possible second Friday night or just didn't show on Saturday. So even with calling in Marie from her sickbed we still only fielded 10 players. To our credit we fought 'em hard and Linds scored a cracker of a goal in a textbook perfect penalty corner. But we really suffered from the lack of that extra person up front and couldn't capitalise on the chances we created. Next week we play Richmond at home at 11am. Please let Linds or Anna know IN ADVANCE if you can't make it! (MS)

Team: Mel Bastin, Mel Rees, Linds McLaren, Anna Stuttard, Emma Billsdon, Lynsey Bilsland, Rosie La Voir, Is Drewe, Marie Smith, Claire Whitehead.

Scorer: Lindsey McLaren

Next match: Saturday 16th October vs. Richmond 3s - 11.00 @ DC

Women's 5s vs. Merton 2: won 2-0

Spirits were high on Saturday as the 5s secured a well-deserved victory. The THD defence were able to casually rest on their laurels as play was overwhelmingly in their half of the pitch. A lovely goal from Penny just before half time set the tone for the second half of the match. Despite looking a little worse for wear, Ashley then kick-started her season's goal-scoring leaving us with a convincing 2-0 win. An excellent all-round performance from team 5 and a good omen for the rest of the season. (KD)

Team: Alice Smith, Kathryn Farthing, Katherine Dixon, Rachel Fallows, Sarah Smith, Ash Mcdonald, Jean Sutton, Wendy Tang, Penny Gasner, Faith Gerachty, Kathryn Oliver.

Scorers: Penny Gasner, Ash Mcdonald

Umpire: Steve Powell

Next match: Saturday 16 October vs. Addiscombe 2 - 13.30 @ CPB

Women's 6s vs. Camberley and Farnborough 3s: Lost 0-2

The match kicked off with Camberley a goalie short, and their best defender playing kicking back. Despite having only 10 players on the pitch, THD didn't manage to penetrate their defence line. The game was very even, with lots of defending on both sides and special thanks to Alice for making sure that THD defence was man on man ( so to speak!). Camberley had a number of shots at goal, saved by Alice and one in particular by Laura. Two short corners were awarded to THD, however Emma was incapable of keeping her feet in the right place (sorry guys !). Half time it was nil-nil, but Camberley soon scored mid air, following a short corner. Despite a valiant effort by THD, another goal was slotted in. Great game - thanks to all involved. (EG)

Team: Emma Gilchrist (C), Laura Matthews, Claire Shirley, Pippa Haworth, Katherine Oliver, Jackie Monk, Fee Mullender, Kate Stracker, Hazel Dawson, Michelle Terry, Samantha Ratnayake, Kate Anderson, Alice Smith, Marissa Allen, Jo Hillyer. Umpires: Tim and Claire/Lindsey

Next match: Saturday 16th October vs. Reigate - 16.00 @ Alleyn's

THD Dragons (Mixed) vs. Sinners: won 4-2

Like a jigsaw in a hurricane - it takes a special collection of individuals to pick up the pieces. Once we'd got the corners we were looking for the rest was child's play. Everything slotted into place and as the end approached it became much easier, which enabled us to finish in a flourish. Special mention goes to Lou Lou's reverse-low-backhand-partial-collapse goal, JT's little tantrum "arrrgghhh can you all mark, run, run", Nick Jacob's house of cards attack, Si Riley's manky toe & the Brock Brothers Grimm. Another performance that proves the Mixed team are truly the single most amazing collection of hockey playing individuals ever and that even a combined XI of David Beckham, Sir Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Henry Kissinger, Nelson Mandela, Charlotte Church, JFK, Gandhi, Robbie Williams & Bo Derek with God in goal would stand no chance! (MJ)

Team: George Sykes (GK), Aidan 'not the Cat today' Brock, Mark Jones, Chris Brock, Simon 'manky toe' Riley, Nick Jacob, J 'slightly cobby' T, Louise Morgan, Louise Curry, Lindsey McLaren, Anna Stuttard, EJ, Martina Van-Der-Leij Verity King, Alison Pullen & Lucy Partington (Coach).

Scorer(s): Si Riley (2), Louise Morgan & Nick Jacob.

Umpire: Simon Newell.

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