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News > Newsletter 2005/06
Newsletter 2005/06
Since 2003/04 the club has produced weekly match reports. From the start of the 2005/06 season this became a weekly newsletter, distributed during the season, containing match reports from each of the games played that weekend as well as other key information and a selection of adverts and offers.
Fri 11-Nov-05Issue 07
Apologies for the mysterious disappearance of the Tribune last week. Match reports from the final weekend in October do exist but trying to extract them from cyber space is still proving tricky. We'll post them on the website once the battle against remnant Halloween spirits and the defensive wall around Government IT systems is won. But, there's good news aplenty from last weekend. THD's season finally exploded into form on Fireworks day as our men's sides put 25 goals away. The 1s had a comprehensively welcome victory, as did the Royals for whom Ed Allen scored a hattrick. And the 2s found the spark that's been missing since April to take them to their first win of the season. He's called James. Meanwhile, their female counterparts won their third game in a row and find themselves spiralling up the league. Dizzy heights, ladies - enjoy and don't look down.
There are lots of home matches this weekend so get down to the astros and support. I hear of various team sessions being planned for the club house afterwards. To indulge or avoid? I'll leave that decision to you.
The Annual newsletter from 2004-5 is now available on the website - just click on www.thehockeyclub.co.uk for everything you need.
reports by: Jimmy Ireson, Aidan Brock, James Terrett, Mark Jones, Billy Dowie, Chris Richman, Gemma Baker, Sarah Longair, Julie Ferrett, Nicki Smithies, Rachel Fallows and Vicky Wright.
Men's 1s vs. West Hampstead: Won 5-2
Tulse Hill & Dulwich, struggling for form STOP Second from bottom in the league, short on confidence STOP In desperate need of a win to kick start season STOP "Too good to go down?" STOP Rare excursion North of the river STOP West Hampstead tough opponent STOP Must Win Game STOP
"Who forgot the balls?" STOP "Jimmy, write the match report." STOP "You can't warm up in here!" STOP "Brian Clough used these tactics with Forest in the 70's" STOP Calm preparation: too calm? STOP Change of tactics: High Pressure, Quick Tempo, Attack Attack Attack! STOP
Good start, West Hampstead flustered by early pressure STOP Argentino-Scottish axis dominant in midfield STOP Shot, rebound, goal! Fotheringham! His second of the season, first blood Reds STOP Further TH&D chances wasted, defence stands strong, Smith finding room from right-half STOP "Labourt tira, Labourt marca, gol gol gol!" primer de la temporada , celebraciones, felicitaciones - cathartic release of pressure STOP Balchin short corner, 3-0 STOP West Hampstead get one back before half-time 3-1 STOP
Half Time clichés: Nil Nil "do it all again" STOP Weather Early Storm STOP Possession hockey from TH&D STOP Weir and Howarth rarely flustered at back STOP Balchin creates, Ireson scores from 1 yard STOP Hampstead score second but game slipping away STOP "Ouch!" Brave Fotheringham departs injured, blood, bone, stitches STOP TH&D slow game down, only one winner STOP "Its five!" Labourt creates, Ireson finishes from 1 yard, 5-2 STOP West Hampstead well-beaten, TH&D savour enjoyable victory STOP TH&D send out message across the league STOP Follow up with 8-0 victory in Sunday cup game STOP Things falling into place - Dawn of a new era? STOP (JI)
Team: Christopher Roberts, Gareth Weir, Tim Howarth (Capt), Dave Hancock , Chris Smith, Graeme Fotheringham, Andy Balchin, Andres Labourt, John Craven, Dave Casement, John Drury, James Ireson.
Scorers: A Balchin, G Fotheringham, A. Labourt, J Ireson (2)
Man of Match: A. Labourt.
Next match: Saturday 12 November vs. PHC Chiswick - 12.30 @ Dulwich College
Men's 2s vs. Richmond: Won 4-2
The best things come to those who wait, and with a team brought closer by last week's escapades (oh and game, of course) Richmond were the unlucky recipients of a show of classic 2s bouncebackability. After a shaky start, not helped by yours truly turning up five minutes before the off unaware that one of my players had been poached by the 1s (!), we nullified Richmond’s dynamic attack and set about playing dominant, pressure hockey. It was a feisty game, with challenges coming in from all angles and a few sticks left in. Nevertheless the umpires were on the case early and debutant James Huntley (goal scoring protégé of the 3s who JT was understandably reluctant to part with) showed us the way to goal. The game ebbed and flowed but we were finally showing some ‘umph’ up front with Potty and James H creating problems, ably assisted by Laurent who added some “va, va, voom” (he’s French, you see) just behind them. Can’t remember the exact scoring sequence needless to say Nursey scored two drag flicks from short corners in between James adding another. Fitness needs a little work but we’re back and if we continue to play like this the league is our oyster – just a shame that we have no game this weekend! (AB)
Team: Wiggy, Aido Brock, Ed, Matt Groom, Pully, John Nurse, Banners, Tom Hughes, Joe Griffiths, The Hoff (Ferg J), Laurent, Potty, James Huntley
Scorers: James Huntley (2), John Nurse (2)
Next match: Saturday 19 November vs. London Wayfarers 2s - away
Men's 3s vs. Southgate 3s: Lost 1-4
Our first defeat of the season and it was a big one. Southgate were physical and skilful, and lots of us had shockers. Unfortunately, Southgate’s goals came from our mistakes rather than their superiority although we never really got going and didn’t create many chances. Our goal however, was brilliant. Five two touch passing movements from right back to centre forward in 10 seconds made it look easy with a great finish from Adam Taylor. Alas the comeback was short-lived and Southgate scored another from our sloppy passing. The solemn faces in the bar afterwards told the story, only Mike Killen deserved to hold his head up as the rest of us thought hard about why we trekked all the way up to Southgate to take part in our own version of the Muppet Show. To make the day even more depressing the tube had engineering works making half the team extremely late for their respective Saturday night appointments. Some excellent aggressive drinking managed to save the day. We need to get our momentum back at the Fortress this week. In summary, we were bad and deserved to lose and If I ever play like that again I’m retiring. (JT)
Team: Jeremy Porter, Kieron Norris, James Terrett, Paul Harvey, Alex Brown, Mike Killen (MOTM), Chris Coleman, Will Atkinson, Wes Cole, Neil Vose, Nick Jacob, Adam Taylor.
Scorers: Adam Taylor
Next Match: Saturday 12 November vs. Old Loughts - 15:30 @ Fortress Dulwich
Tornados vs. Richmond Stags: Lost 4-5
Everyone likes a good mystery, so here’s one for you… has the Bermuda Triangle re-positioned itself in Dulwich College? Like the ‘Lord of the Rings’ this game came in three parts. In the beginning the ‘fellowship of the 4s’ journeyed together and were a tightly knitted bunch… we even had Frodo in goal… and thus did we end honours even - with a score a piece! But for the middle ‘episode’ the team collectively jumped onto the Marie Celeste and became invisible… as the Orcs – trust me, one of their forwards looked like one – rampaged through our defences to wound us thrice and once again. Valiantly we fought back in the third chapter, raging the battle to them only to be undone by Chronos at the last (e.g. we ran out of time). As my old mate Gollum used to say "we’ve lost us something precious-ish haven’t we?" (MJ)
Team: Aidan Brock (GK), MJ, Rolly Ferneaux, Tom Alexander, Robby Layton (MOTM), Si Wilshire (MOTM), Dougal Davis, Rich Fenton, Lee Snowden, Nick Jones (MOTM), Dan Hopkins, Loz Mockery & Geoff Pritchard.
Scorer: Simon Wilshire, Tom Alexander, Loz Mockery & Nick Jones
Umpire: Si Newell
Coach: Si Riley
Next match: Saturday 12 November vs. Old Loughtonian Foresters - 11.30 away
Diamonds vs. Richmond Lions: Won 5-1
The signs were ominous in the week leading up to this game – Tim broke his finger in the previous match; Rob Thomas turned his ankle whilst out running in mid-week (desperate to keep his place, no doubt); and on Friday evening, the three unsold seats on Graeme’s EasyRyan flight from the South of France meant they couldn’t afford to let the plane take off.
And so just 12 intrepid Diamonds braved the trip to Chiswick Bridge for this 4.30 game under floodlights & fireworks, for what turned out to be our best performance of the season so far. The two packs tore into each other, and the first quarter of an hour was fairly nip and tuck, before the Diamonds started imposing themselves. A goal from Irfan was soon followed by Arthur's spectacular lifted deflection, on the run, meeting Warren's driven cross. We harried and dominated the Lions totally, taking the ball off them every time they had it. A further goal from Ollie, chasing a lost cause, sent us in 3-0 up at half time.
Gavin had looked very sharp in goal on the few occasions he had been called into action, and he was impressively correct in pointing out to the defence before a Lions’ short corner early in the second half: “Look out. I reckon they’re going to flick this one high.” So we did wonder what he was doing lying prone on the turf as the ball sailed high over him into the empty net. However, whenever the Lions ventured over the half-way line, we took the ball off them yet again to set up another fast attack; they couldn’t get back in time, so they concentrated on defending in numbers. Their niggling tactics also failed to rile us, so they gave upon that, too. Two more goals from Rob Giret & Irfan finished the rout. (BD)
Team: Gavin Lawson, Will Morgan, Stuart Craig, Billy Dowie, Warren Holme (joint MOTM), Nick Hart, Oliver Walton, Simon Canter, Irfan Begg(joint MOTM), Paul Burrows, Rob Giret, Arthur Mitchell.
Scorers: Irfan (2), Arthur, Ollie, Rob
Next game: Saturday 12th November vs. Old Loughtonians Gunners - 12.30 pm home
Royals vs. Richmond Redoubtables: Won 6-0
Well that was more like it. After a bit of a shaky start and some early pressure for Richmond the Royals walked away with the points and went some way to reclaiming a respectable goal difference after the battering it had taken in the previous two weeks.
Several things happened in this game that I don’t think have happened in nearly a season and a half with me in charge of the Royals. Firstly we scored a short corner at the first attempt. Secondly we didn’t give the oppo a couple of goal start and thirdly we didn’t concede which in fairness after the opening exchanges we never looked likely to do.
As a team this was the best we had played for some weeks but still isn’t as good as we have played. I suppose this is the minium acceptable standard for the rest of the season. Despite the two losses we do have a chance at promotion but we cannot afford to loose more than another two games.
Thank you to Mark Jones and Simon Riley for umpiring and for Paul Reid and Lee Snowden for slumming it with us. (CR)
Team: Paul Reid, Neill Eggins, Keith Howick, Richard Mead, Chris DeSouza, Andy Bond, Mike Wright, Lee (Ferrett) Snowden, Doug Heard, Oliver De La Fosse, Kim Keats, Ed Allen, Mark Annear and Myself
Scorers: Kim Keats, Mike Wright, Ed Allen (3), Chris Richman
Umpires: Mark Jones and Simon Riley
Next match: Saturday 12 November vs. Old Loughts Academy - away
Women's 1s vs. Oxford Hawks: Lost 0-4
Oxford Hawks have had a good start to the season, only dropping 2 points so far, so it was going to be a tough challenge to deprive them of 3 more. And with a couple of walking wounded (Charley's elephant ankle and Kath with not quite fractured but extremely bruised ribs) we had a slightly depleted squad - although both carried on with Kath even picking up MotM. Inside information from Nick Jacob had highlighted their key players and we were all set to do to South Div 2 hockey what Man U managed to do to the Premiership and stop the top side's unbeaten run. So we marked tight, fought hard and for the first 5 minutes looked like we were serious contenders. Hawks' first goal, though, was a testament to their high press, forcing errors in the back and giving them an overload in the circle - despite Kath and Pipes' best efforts, 4 v 2 was slightly unrealistic odds, even for them.
Women's 2s vs. Thames Valley 1s: Won 4-1
The build-up to this game was worthy of columns of debate in the national media, a mid-table clash of huge significance, statisticians of the team delighting in analyses of current form. So, to sunny Sunningdale we marched forth, and for such a leafy and nouveau riche utopia of home counties bliss, the opposition were a nasty bunch of women. Rarely did a passage of play go by without a screech of complaint, appeals, moans and groans - all very tiresome. Significant sense of humour failures all round – centre forward took offence to el Kapitano walking straight into her at half time (quite amusing for the rest of us). Same girl then provided another favourite moment (recaptured with relish by Muldooneroonie after the game) when she yelled at the top of her voice in the face of her centre half to ‘effing shut up’. Charming behaviour which demonstrated that their esprit de corps was as microscopic as a baby amoeba.
But enough of them and more of us, what a sparkling, joyous run of form these last 3 weeks have been for the Ladies 2s. Scoring mid way through the first half with a well-worked goal was followed by our now traditional dodgy goal just to rile the opposition further. Then, came the wonder goal – as if last year’s ‘Most Improved’ player couldn’t get any better, Emma picked up the ball on the half way line, dodged her way round several Thames Valley bints, gave herself space to shoot and bingo, from the top of the D, keeper didn’t have a hope and we all wished we were also 15, permanently tanned and outrageously talented. Our final goal was a really well worked effort, passed around most of the team, finished beautifully by Sabrina (aka Mr Toad with her recent outing as a vintage motor car boff, goggles and leather cap in her handbag). We let one in at the end, don’t remember much about it, but by then we didn’t really care. George deserves a special mention for her attempted aerial up ¾ of the pitch – somehow it was deemed dangerous. Oz and Emma deservedly shared player of the match. All round team spectacular – more goals than in most of last season, 4th in the table, 2 points behind 3rd plus game in hand – my my how we’ve turned the season around. (SL)
Team: George Sykes, Shorty Deverill, Kate Blumer, Lucy Partington, Lucy Muldoon, Liz Young, Alex Hardy, Sarah Longair, Emma Kitley (MOTM), Kate Selway, Oriane Abbonizio (MOTM), Sabrina Tunnicliffe
Scorers: Oz, Emma (2), Sabrina
Next match: Saturday 12 November vs. Purley Walcontonians 2s – 11:00 @ DC
Women's 3s vs. Guildford Ladies 2s: Won 3-2
With only just twelve players THD were up against it but all went well when THD went into the lead with a well worked goal from Penny Stephens and Erica Goldsmith which shocked the Guildford touch line and players on the pitch. Guildford came back very quickly to level the score. It was a very hard battle with Penny Stephens getting injured by chiping some of her teeth and having her hand smahed and this was only in the first half of the game. The second half began at a very high pace and THD scoring with a fantastic effort from Penny Stephens, again Guildford came straight back at THD and managed to score a simple goal due to a mix up by the defence and goalkeeper. THD had a great deal of the play and Guildford were not very happy and began to play harder even with there tackles but this didn't put the THD players off they battled very well and scored a very well deserved goal with a run down the wing by Erica and a great conversion by Lucy Gaskin. Guildford gave it everything they had and the THD defence played exceptionally well and at one stage gave away a penalty flick near the end but with a great save from Dulcie Davies the game ended THD the winners. (JF)
Team: Dulcie Davies, KAren Dodds, Emma Matabalauva, Ferrett, Lou Curry, Erica Goldsmith, Lucy Gaskin, Jenna Kitley, Nens Corren, Lizzy Frost, Kate Vickery, Penny Stephens.
Umpire: Paul Goldsmith
Women's 4s vs. South Godstone: Lost 2-3
Another week and another line up in the 4s. We got off to a dreadful start with the first 15 minutes being scatty, with poor passing and a lack of movement . We then settled down and started playing better passing to each other and moving around a lot more. Unfortunately though they had already scored 2 and so we were playing catch up. Ash made a lovely rebound strike from a short corner which sweetly hit the back boards to bring the score to 2-1. The opposition then managed to get another one to make it 3-1 at half time.
After a constructive and motivational chat from Coach Tim we were much better in the second half and were rewarded with a penalty flick decision, which miraculously went in. 3-2 and all to play for. About 15 minutes from the end, the other umpire wanted to get in on the penalty flick action and awarded one against us. Vix was so threatening in goal that the only danger from their goal opportunity was to the windows of the building behind the pitch and any nearby aircraft.
We worked very hard for the rest of the game and had some good moves up the wings and in their D but unfortunately time was not on our side and the final whistle went just as we were getting stuck in. We’ll beat them on the return match. (NS)
Team: Vix Streatfield, Nikki Smithies, Anna Studdard, Rona Francis, Helen Clark, Gaby Shizzle, Rosie, Janine Nicholls, Emma Billsdon, Marie Smith, Ash McDonald, Sophie Carter
Scorers: Ash McDonald & Claire Whitehead
Next Match: 19th November vs Barnes 3s (away)
Women’s 5s vs Wanderers 5s: Lost 1-5
There is not really all that much to say about this weeks match. Wanderers were certainly a much tougher opposition than when we played them last year and we struggled to keep up with their speed and strength. They managed to score off some lovely deflections at the posts, showing us what might well be possible if we all got together for more regular training as a team. However on a more positive note, secret roller-skating talents were revealed by the Team 5 girls at 'Rollerdisco' on Friday night. Perhaps we need to apply some of the skills used in skating to our hockey game such as maintaining poise and balance, looking ahead and being vigilant as to where we are in relation to other skaters/ players. (RF)
Team: Alice Smith (GK), Jean Sutton, Bridget Morley, Nicole Yost, Martina Van Der Leij, Rachael Fallows, Frances Baker, Andrea Beattie, Penny Gasner, Wendy Tang, Kate Wheeler, Kathryn Oliver
Scorer: Penny Gasner
Next match: Saturday 12th November 2005, 12.30pm at Reigate
Women's 6s: supposed to be home at 12.30 JAGS - THD v Reigate Priory 4s- yes I know it says 10-0 - well I had to enter something!
We are never short of drama in this team. This week we were up for having a good game. However it was not to be. There was a no show from Reigate - or so we thought(which is under investigation). So being sensible people that we are we went looking for them - they were not hiding in the car park and not at Alleyn's either. So having turned up to play hockey we did. We used the session to do some extra training - 5-a-side and some much needed short corner practice. We put into practice the excellent training session we had on Thursday. It would have been an excellent game! (VW)
Team: Alice Smith (although we didn't know it at the time, but kindly agreed to stay on and fight the mighty Reigate), Mel Rees, Clare Montagu, Helen Fermor, Zoe Negus (who turned up even though her friend is in hospital - now that is what I call dedication), Gigi Ho, Isla McGregor, Pippa Haworth, Michelle Morgan, Fatima D'Onofrio (who was just itching to play some hockey) and Victoria Wright.
MOTM: N/A
Umpire: Ian Wright (who kindly pointed out that we didn't usually do that much running in a normal game - when we all were out of breath at half time!)
Next Match: Saturday 12 November vs. Old Georgians - 14.30 @ St George's College - followed by team session back at the THD Club House.
Dragons: no game
Next match: Sunday 13 November vs. Real Battersea Mixed - 12.30 @ Battersea Park |
