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 20-May-05

Issue 21

The penultimate newsletter of the season brings you an eclectic mix of match reports from early April and details of a massive game coming up this weekend. While the Dragons entered the touring season with a touch of the imperial purple, other teams still had league matches to play. See news below of final games for the Men's 2s who finished their most successful season with a honourable defeat and for the Women's 2s who ended theirs with customary fight and a pizza. Elsewhere, there were reunions aplenty as the old TH crew turned out in force to see Clive into retirement and give the Men's 1s a run for their money in the process - on the pitch and in the bar afterwards. Inspirational perhaps, as the Women's 1s took to the beach at Sonning the next day to win their semi-final of the Trophy - it's all set up for a massive day this Saturday as they face old favourites, Purley. The girls would love your support in the quest for the THD's first silverware:

HA Trophy final: Saturday 21 May - Tulse Hill and Dulwich Women's 1s vs. Purley Walcountians - 12.15 pushback at Old Loughtonians.

Please come and shout for us. It should be a feisty affair.....

match reports by: Richard Banwell, Aidan Brock, EJ Barry, Kath Sowter, Kate Selway.

Clive Colloff Invitation XI vs. Men's 1s: Drew 5-5

There comes a time in sport when physical and mental boundaries are pushed to the limit. When performing at elite level, mental skills play a significant part in achieving success and enjoyment. The Invitation XI showed mental toughness by finding their kit and the pitch. Some even brought a stick. A range of techniques were then deployed to enable each player to take to the field. Examples included: a leisurely stretch, chatting to girls on the sideline and something known as 'lager'. It was no surprise therefore that the Invitation XI took the lead, driven on remorselessly by Clive at centre half; halftime found the allstars 3-1 in front. The availability of a 'galaxy' of talent on the bench ensured that standards did not slip. Playing at one stage with 13 also seemed to help. Mike Cullen's (185 caps South Africa) performance was second only to that of Gordon Nurse (1434 caps, THHC 1st XI), who tormented the 1s defence in each of his sustained bursts of action. Indeed it was Will Nurse who mainly benefited from the hard work of Gordon, 'tucking in' to numerous penalty corners which tested Roberts in the 1s goal. For the Invitation XI, fine saves from Collins were matched by the blistering pace of Messrs Carr-Hill, Preston and Cartwright. Everybody is to be congratulated for not expiring in resisting the second half onslaught from the 1's. As for Clive, there are some things which you just cannot change. As a player, coach and individual he has given so much to the Club and he completed what might be his very last game with the same sense of adventure and tradition which has characterised everything that he has done in the past. Future players, Poppy and Cameron will no doubt be in the same mould. (Banners)

Team: Justin Collins (gk), David Harpum, Julian Taylor, Guy Hodgson, Matt Groom, Ed Stevenson, David Webster, Kit Wyeth, Clive Colloff (c), Martin Carr-Hill, William Nurse, Adrian Cartwright, Christopher Preston, Gordon Nurse, Mike Cullen. In attendance: Richard Banwell

Scorers: You must be joking - but Clive did get one. Umpires: Toby Wheadon, Aidan Brock.

Next Match: vs. Australia, Bisham Abbey (tbc)

Men's 2s vs. PHC Chiswick: Won 6-5

Not a vintage performance by any stretch of the imagination, nevertheless we gave those spectators and players assembling for Clive's testimonial match a lot of goals to keep them entertained. Can't remember that much (explanation below), only that it was very hot and that I SCORED my first goal of the season - alright, it may have been a penalty flick but boy, what a flick (especially given the distracting noise generated by the screaming banshee THD groupies on the sideline!). The match aside we ended the season having played 18, won 11, drawn 2 and lost 5 and finishing in third place in the league, the most successful 2nd XI season in living memory - and we did it with a smile on our faces (most of the time). What this does mean is that we are through to the league cup semi-finals, so if I promise to be on top form and not drink whisky 'til 3:30am on match day will as many of you as possible come down and support us in the sunshine this Saturday? - go on, you know you want to.....as always, muchas gracias to our umpires, who on this occasion were Gordon & Si. (Aido)

Team: Wiggy, Aido, Pully, Ed, Matt Groom, Tom Hughes, Simon Glasson, Ferg, Fez, Potty, Snowy, Tom Matthews, Will Atkinson, Smudge.

Umpires: Gordon Nurse, Si Riley.

Scorers: Potty (2), Snowy (2), Ferg, Aido THD Dragons in the

Women's 1s vs. Windsor: Won 8-0

Windsor is more renowned for its castle and royal traditions rather than its hockey prowess. And so it shall remain, I feel, after Windsor's tough time in the league this year. I don't really understand how they have managed it but they have conceded 171 goals in 20 matches and will finish the year on -1 point as they managed to have points deducted for playing an unregistered player (don't think she was worth it, just a thought). So with Sven's words of "Just the one with do" ringing in our ears we had a pleasant walk about the pitch on Saturday morning in the sun. We found ourselves 6 nil up at half time, having scored some good goals it has to be said. There was an extended half-time break - so much so that by the time we restarted I think we had lost interest and the second half was dismal. Ask me in the pub after a few beers some time for more details and my rendition of some of the best sports quotes of all time as a way of apology to all those who turned up to watch. (EJB)

Team: Pipes, Clare Bryne, Kath Sowter, Hilary Collins, Nicky Prior, Gemma Baker, Rachael Lander, Charley Williams, EJ Barry, Emma Kitley, Lou Morgan.

Scorers: Lou (3), Rachel 2, EJB and first league goals for the 1s from Emma and Claire. Man of the Match Lou Morgan - great hat trick.

HA Trophy Semi Final - Women's 1s vs. Sonning: Won 2-1

The sun encouraged some to don flip flops and boardies, but little were Charley and Lou to know how appropriately dressed they were. The South Reading Sports Centre pitch could stake a claim at being the finest stretch of sand in the country. An idyllic setting you might think, but unfortunately the outrageous graffiti and fear of car crime distracted from this summer scene. Inside was no better - plenty of loos, but seemingly few cubicles... Our captain's knowledge of our opposition never ceases to amaze, but knowing intimate details of the oppo's warm up is perhaps beyond the call of duty Pipes? So while they did dynamic stretching and ladders, we did a few moves of our own, mostly involving hunting down a loo with a door. The game commenced with Sonning fully committed and arguably having the best of the first 10 minutes. We soon settled into our game and started to show that we were a team capable of playing some great hockey. The girls on the right enjoyed acres of space, if we could only get it there... By half time we had the ball moving around nicely and knew that the goals would come. Shortly into the second half, the awesome EJ fought hard to win back possession in our attacking 25 and slipped the ball to Lou, who in turn fed Rach. Our scorer of spectacular goals (in front of new man - he must come to the final) got herself into position and a first time shot saw the ball in the back of the net for an awesome goal. Shortly afterwards Clare struck well from a corner for her second goal in as many days. We should have gone on to score a few more (EJ?!) but that would have been too easy. Sonning pulled a goal back from a corner to set up a slightly tense last 10 minutes. Good work up front and sensible possession play prevented any scares and all was left was for THD to milk the applause of the spectators (and today's favourite, Si Riley) who had made the trip. So on we march to the final on May 21st against Purley. Keep your diaries free... (Kath)

Team: Jo Malkin, Clare Byrne, Kath Sowter, Hilary Collins, Nikki Prior, Gemma Baker, Rachel Lander, Charley Williams, EJ Barry, Lou Morgan, Emma Kitley, Rosie Carter.

Scorers: Rach, Clare.

MOM: EJ by a mile...

Women's 2s vs. London Edwardians: Drew 1-1

The last 2nd XI match of the season took place at the balmy environs of Dulwich College Lido last Sunday morning. The umpire, fresh from a dip in the DC pool, was only just on time. The team, however, was curiously early and so had time to reflect on the minor miracle of having an empty pitch to warm up and practice on. The oppo this week were again several places above us in the league but we took the game to them with gusto, looking surprisingly unrusty after the Easter break. We went 1-0 up with an excellent goal from guest star Beth. George saved a flick soon after, following a well timed foot-stop from Jo de Silva at a short corner. George made several further fine saves (she told us she went to bed early the night before!). Rather annoyingly they equalised in the second half, taking advantage of a burst of speed and a lack of defensive concentration, which led to a controversial short corner. (Umpire thought the slightly raised ball from Jo was dangerous but I personally think she got it wrong). They could have gone 2-0 up towards the end of the match if it hadn't been for Blumer's tackle of the game deep in the D, without conceding a short corner, which she followed up with a reasonably spectacular roly poly over the back line. Liz gave a feisty performance at centre mid. Amy contributed heaps at left mid and gave no indication whatsoever that she hasn't been playing all season. Blumes and Longbeard justifiably shared player of the match. The forwards were more creative than they have been for several weeks, and the backs were solid and disciplined. Whilst it would have been good to go out on a win, 1-1 was a fair result, and a decent end to a much improved post-Christmas season for the 2s. If we had shown this form in the earlier part of the season we would certainly have been in contention for 4th or 5th place. Food for thought for next season. And talking of food, we went back to the club afterwards, sunned ourselves, ate pizza, and waited for the good news from Pipes that the 1s had beaten Sonning in the trophy semi-final. A good morning! We lost just twice since Christmas - to the top 2 teams in the 2 games before Easter (sorry no match reports): 1-0 to Richmond on the Bar pitch where the defence did an excellent and very disciplined job of keeping out wave upon wave of dangerous attacks (apart from the one that went in!). Unfortunately, we didn't manage to create nearly enough scoring opportunities of our own that day. That was the game Lucy M feared concussion, but it turned out she just needs glasses! The following week we went down to an impressive looking Surbiton who got 5 past us with reasonable ease in the end. It was by no means our worst performance - those were all before Christmas! - but 70 minutes didn't prove to be long enough to work out the answers we needed to. (Kate)

The line up: George, Blumes, Alex C, Lucy M, Jo de Silva, Amy Gardiner, Liz Young, Sarah L, Zoey, Beth Little, Jules Ingham.

Scorer: Beth.

Players of the match: Blumes and Sarah L.

Umpire: Gordon.

On the sideline: me, but hopefully not for much longer!

League Semi-final Men's 2s vs. Spencer: Lost 1-2

In the glorious sunshine of Battersea our intrepid team of youngsters and journeymen rocked up for what they hoped would not be their last game of the season. With many changes due to absences - although, unlike the opposition, four of whom I recognised from previous encounters, not with a team full of ringers (meow!). the team started out a little ragged and we were 1-0 down within 15 minutes. However, once my positioning mistakes had been rectified (note to self - avoid playing centre forwards at defensive centre half) we steadied the ship and were rewarded with an equaliser before half time. The second half was characterised by long periods of possessional and territorial dominance however we were unable to convert the many opportunities we created. The fact that their chances were limited to a few short corners and the odd shot on goal is testament to the work ethic from the forwards right through to Jeremy at the back, however with ten minutes to go they broke through to score and, try as we might, we just couldn't find that elusive equaliser. A great high tempo game, but in the end we had to console ourselves with a few pints and a game of 'touch the cup' involving a beer jug (big up to Cuzza for achieving the seemingly unachievable) and reflect over a hugely enjoyable and successful season. Huge thanks to everyone who played and to our dedicated (and very vocal) band of supporters led by Messrs. Riley and Richman, whose touchline umpire banter was spot on...... (Aido)

Team: Jeremy Porter, Aido, Simon Glasson, Felix Nurse, Crusty, Hughesy, Cuzza, Wardrobe, Smudge, Fez, Potty, Snowy, Nick Jacob.

Scorer: Felix (pen. corner).

Women's 1s vs. Hampstead and Westminster: Won 3-0

The last league game of the year against H&W at their place, suddenly took on a lot of significance last Wednesday evening in the pub after training. Yes winning would mean we secure 4th place finish, but more than that - H&W had managed to beat Purley (League winners and our Cup Final opposition) the week before on the water based 6-3. This match had become a fantastic warm up game for the final and even one of emotional significance for Will Nurse. He REALLY wanted us to beat them as obviously it is good for his image and I suppose therefore we could have been forgiven for expecting a carefully constructed team talk, offering real insight into our opposition and their strengths and weaknesses. So when he mentioned that "H&W defensive line have the biggest jugs in the league" we were all rather surprised. Certainly he is in an ideal position to judge, having attended all our games but quite frankly we never thought he was paying that much attention? A deadly silence fell in the changing room and after a stern faced debate, we concluded that we couldn't match them at the back but our forwards were going to be able to give as good as they get "up-front" - and Martha was pretty firm about it. As it turned out we played superbly well and didn't give them much room to manoeuvre. Martha set the tone pretty early on with a sweetly struck first time chip into the net after great vision from Gemma put her through for a one on one with the keeper. We continued to dominate play and converted a penalty corner to take us 2-0 up at half time. The second half was pretty much more of the same and we settled things once and for all with another fine goal from Martha - picking up a loose ball in the circle and crashing it home after some good work down the right had rattled the jugs. All in all the defence were magnificent despite pre match concerns to the contrary, and everyone else played very confidently. So the League has ended and we have finished 4th behind Purley Walcountians but have showed with Saturdays performance there is all to play for in the Trophy Final on May 21st at Old Loughts (near Chigwell tube on the Central Line) at 12.15. No plug intended...........................

Team: Pipes, Clare Byrne, Kath Sowter, Hils Collins, Nicky Prior, Gemma Baker, Rachel Lander, Charley Williams, EJ Barry, Emma Kitley, Martha Harvey-Jones.

Scorers: Martha (2), Rachel.

MOM: Martha and Hils (joint)

Back to top <<<