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 01-Apr-05

Issue 20

As the flames begin to flicker on another season and the prospect of a long, hot, lazy, Ashes-winning summer looms, it's tempting to lie back and think of the year's conquests and dream of those to come. Though the Men's 3s missed out by an agonising point on a place in their league cup finals, they're well set up for promotion next year, as are the Women's 5s who finished third in their league. The Men's 4s and both 6 XI's end comfortably mid table and the Women's 2s and 3s have stayed up with some to spare. But there's no noise from the fat lady yet, with a triple header of larger proportions at the Dulwich College astro this Saturday. First up at 11 are the Women's 1s as they warm up for the HA Trophy semi finals on Sunday, followed by the Men's 2s at 12.30 in their final push for the win that will take them through to their cup. Then it's the big one at 2pm - a THD Select XI vs. Clive Colloff's All Stars. Don't miss the chance of seeing the renewal of the record-breaking scoring partnership of Cullen and Nurse, and, more to the point, of sending off one of Tulse Hill (and Dulwich's) all timers into retirement. Legend has it, Clive played 15 straight seasons in the 1s and didn't miss a match. So if not for Clive, then for Sheona......

match reports by: Olly Morgan, Aidan Brock, James Terrett, Mark Jones, Anna Stuttard and Katherine Dixon.

Mens 1s vs. Slough: Won 2-0

Let me take you back to December to give this game some context. We were playing Slough at home in the last game before the Xmas break. THD winning, Slough player fouls THD captain Andrew Eames, who drops as if cut down by something stronger and more automatic than a hockey stick. Umpire delivers immediate red card to Slough player (along, it transpires, with a 90 day ban). Not best pleased, the Slough players start to kick off. We were just waiting for the 999 call from Bubs but he was too busy clutching his knee with one hand and his face with the other. One of their players- who appeared to have quite substantial behavioural difficulties- ambitiously attempted to take on the entire crowd of home spectators. His approach was met initially with incredulity, then with amusement, which served only to incense him further. As I felt the adrenalin rush of bravado, I muttered something to one of them. The reply isn't printable, but it was interesting food for thought. So let me now take you to the return fixture on Saturday 19th March. The minute we turned up, even the spectators were asking "where is the little guy?" (he, it transpired, had other priorities). They appeared to have been worked up into an advanced state of frenzy, presumably by the prospect of seeing a real-life human sacrifice on the centre spot. All they saw though was THD beat their team comfortably away from home with only 10 men, and, no skin off our noses, we came away intact and with 3 points. Greg got man of the match for being able to shout the loudest and Joel stuck away his first goal in 4 seasons to mark what could be his final game for the club. (OM)

Team: Tim Howarth (c), Oliver Morgan, Chris Roberts, Joel Burrows, Greg McNamara, Tom Curry, Dave Casement, Chris Smudger, Dave Q.Weir, Bungle.

Absentees: Tom Cross (AWOL).

Scorer: Joel Burrows. Dave Casement.

Man of the Match: Greg McNamara

Men's 2s vs. Hounslow & Ealing: Won 2-0

In the words of the gravely voiced soulster himself, I get by with a little help from my friends. With only 4 regular players available, and a similar situation in other teams, the 4s and 2s were forced to do their very own 'French exchange' and double up for each other. With added defensive mettle and go forward provided by Tom Hughes, returning from a lengthy injury, team countdown (I'll have 4 from the 2s, 5 from the 4s, one from the 6s and one from anywhere else please Carol) took the game to Hounslow from the off. Everyone ran their socks off and played for each other, pinging the ball around and maintaining possession for long periods. Doug and Snowy spearheaded the attack, taking up superb positions and holding the ball up with aplomb when required, the former scoring a cracking goal from the edge of the D to put us 1 up (that won't go unnoticed in his next 6th team fines session methinks). Potty and Ferg bossed the middle of the park, fantastically supported by Dan and Dougs on the flanks, the former deservedly scoring the second goal. At the back the oldest (and, with the exception of Lee Tearle in goal, slowest) defensive quartet in Christendom of Tearle, Jones, Riley and Brock made up for their lack of pace by fantastic positioning and a telepathic understanding that can only be attained through years of touring, drinking purple nasties and playing drunk hockey together. A great win which puts us in line for a 3rd place finish and potential cup glory, provided we win our last game. HUGE thanks to everyone for helping out and making it such an enjoyable sunny Saturday afternoon. (AB)

Team: Lee Tearle, Aido, Jonesy, Riley, Dougal, Tom Hughes, Dan Hopkins, Ferg, Potty, Snowy, Doug Heard.

Scorers: Doug, Dan H

Next match: Saturday 2nd April vs. Chiswick, 12:30 (H)

Men's 3s vs. Southgate 3s: Lost 1-2

Coming into this game, we had to win to get promoted. I had dreamt about arriving back at the club to a ticker tape parade, photographers and cheering as we brought home the league title. Unfortunately it wasn't our day and the dream is gone for another year. A rearranged fixture often causes problems and we had lost our momentum and fitness in previous weeks, before playing against an extremely well organised Southgate side. We gave it our all - but the blazing heat and lack of match practice took its toll, and although we stayed in the game until the end - Geoff Pritchard slotting home from a brilliant move - we weren't the better side. Silence gripped the players at the final whistle, an agonising, exhausting match that just wouldn't go our way. As we staggered off the pitch every player had given it their all and realised we still had to play Oxford Uni the next day with nothing left in the tank. I swore quite a lot. (JT)

Team: Jeremy Porter, Simon Wiltshire, Thom Ruane, Neil Happs, James Terrett, Mike Killen, Nick Jacob, Nick Harris, David Fogden, Geoff Pritchard, Wes Cole.

Scorers: Geoff Pritchard.

Umpire: Toby Wheadon - Thank you for all your efforts over the years.

Tornados vs. Wimbledon: Lost 0-1

A disappointing game to lose and a loss that takes a potential cup place with it. Looking to the positives, Wimbledon are now promoted and can take their particular style of hockey to the division above where they will hopefully meet more their match. The Pizza Express London 4th League is a competitive and friendly league... somebody should point out the difference between that and trench warfare to Wimbledon. Bring back Indian Gym. (MJ)

Team: Lee Tearle (GK), MJ, Nick Thomson, Tom Alexander, Nick Jones, Will Morgan, Dougal Davis, Dan Hopkins, Si Riley, Loz Mockery, Doug Heard, Ferg Jagger, Andy Potapa & Lee Snowden.

Umpire: Aidan Brock.

Men's 6s vs. Wimbledon Badgers: Drew 3-3

Women's 2s vs. Surbiton: Lost 0-5

Team: George Sykes, Sarah Longair, Alex Crawford, Shorty, Lucy Muldoon, Liz Young, Charley Williams, Emma Kitley, Jenna Kitley, Zoey Handforth, Sarah Conibear.

Women's 3s vs. Old Kingstonians 1s: Won 3-0

Women's 4s vs. Byfleet : Lost 1-9

The score says it all...

Team: Vix Streatfield, Nikki Smithies, Anna Stuttard, Yorkie Soquar, Rona Francis, Emma Bilsden, Claire Whitehead, Helen Clarke, Marie Smith, Lynsey Bilsland, Rosi le Voir, Emily Halliday.

Scorer: Rona Francis.

Umpire: Duncan Spencer

Women's 5s vs. Cranleigh 2s: Won 4-0

Team 5 entered the home ground for the last performance of the season in the blistering heat. Carefully trained to deal with extreme conditions such as wind and snow, the crew were not to be fazed. The heat proved no obstacle to the inimitable skills of Team 5 and Cranleigh faced a crushing defeat amid the roar of the home crowds. Cracking goals from Penny who ends the season in style, an excellent save as ever from Alice and energetic play from Sarah and Oliver in midfield. A good season had by all and many thanks to the Team and especially to those who have helped umpire. (KD)

Team: Alice Smith, Bridget Morley, Nicole Yost, Katherine Dixon, Kathryn Farthing, Rachael Fallows, Andrea Beattie, Sarah Smith, Kathryn Oliver, Wendy Tang, Faith Gerharty, Penny Ganser.

Scorers: Penny Ganser (2), Kathryn Oliver, Sarah Smith.

Umpire: Mark Nash

Next match: Hopefully a south coast hockey tour of some sort??

Men's 1s vs. Fareham: Lost 2-6

"Welcome to Groundhog Day." We were 1-0 down within a few minutes and straightaway on the back foot which was pretty much story of the season. At least we had 11 men unlike the previous day where we went to Slough with 10. The fact that yours truly deputised at centre half should give you some idea of the situation. Our reservists performed admirably though, with Simon Glass (17 yrs old) showing substantial composure on the ball, and Bungle had an outstanding game- probably the best player on the park. He should make the move up into the 1sts next season without any trouble at all. We were in the game at stages but once they were four up, we ran out of gas and capitulated spectacularly, letting in two more. Rab made a couple of decent stops in the process though. Fair play to Fareham, they turned up, away from home, on a Sunday, for a game that essentially counted for nothing more than pride- with a full squad of 16, coach and physio. They fully deserved their result. Final league stats for the season: played 22, won 11, drew 2, lost 9. Special thanks to Andrew Eames, Gaz Weir and Dave Weir for all their hard work this season. "BRILLIANT!!" (OM)

Team: Tim Howarth, Oliver Morgan, Chris Roberts, Dave Weir, Simon Glass, Felix Nurse, Bungle, Smudge, Tom Curry, Dave Casement, Jack.

Scorers: Dave Casement, Felix Nurse.

Man of the Match: not sure- Felix?

Men's 3s vs. Oxford 1s and 2s: Lost 2-4

Having been forced to play Oxford Uni outside of term time, I was informed that there may be "one or two 1sts players as there is no-one else about". THD arrived to watch no less than eight players practicing their aerials across the pitch and I suspected there might be more than two. I was a bit peeved, given that they had lost 16 previous matches. Luckily I had a couple of old friends that were free and we set about trying to compete against younger, fitter and more skilful opposition. Despite these advantages, these student weaklings do not possess the same "desire for the battle" as THD, and I asked the guys in a roundabout way to "get involved". We responded with some truly awful tackles, and sure enough it worked; our first short corner drag-flicked at throat height at 100 mile an hour by Alex Jones, sending Tarquin et al, crying to their mums. If only we could have kept it that way. Despite some supreme fouling and spoiling, the students' superior fitness took control and they created numerous chances, almost every time blocked by Tim Sylvester - a more complete performance in goal I have not seen (his totally dismissive bat away of a reverse stick rocket strike still stuns me). We managed to come back to 2-2 with Alex getting on the end of Geoff's cross, but although the heart was in it, the team's legs had gone. A very cruel end to the season, especially given the unwavering support and abuse of the umpires from our biggest crowd of the season; Bettina, Nikki and Foggy's girlfriend and Dad. (JT)

Team: Tim Sylvester, Simon Wiltshire, James Terrett, Mike Killen, Nick Jacob, David Fogden, Geoff Pritchard, Wes Cole, Alex Jones, Dominic Tallent, Mark Jones.

Scorers: Alex Jones (2).

Umpires: Oxford supplied both.

Tornados vs. Chiswick: Lost 0-1

In the words of Bananarama "its going to be a cruel, cruel summer". Three weeks ago the Tornados had the chance of promotion and a cup place... three weeks, two losses and a draw later they have 6th place. Still if the finger is to be pointed it is not at those three games. Before Xmas the Tornados were as bad a six-month old egg... but since the mince pies and decorations have been put away the team has undergone a rejuvenation - including a six game unbeaten run. This season's final league position is one place better than last year and that shows definite improvement, in a league which has been much more difficult and competitive than in previous years. Whilst there is no silverware, its been a brilliant foundation year to spearhead next season's drive for promotion and cup glory! (MJ)

Team: Lee Tearle (GK), MJ, Nick Thomson, Neil Gallagher, Tom Alexander, Nick Jones, Will Morgan, Dougal Davis, Dan Hopkins, Si Riley, Loz Mockery, Andy Potapa & Lee Snowden.

Umpire: Marilyn Walker.

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