Fri
25-Nov-06
Issue 09
Feistiness was
in the air this weekend, with certain members of the women’s
side choosing to forget our self-professed ‘friendliest club’
strapline, the women’s 1s and 2s in particular articulating
their thoughts to the opposition in no uncertain terms, whilst both
emerging smugly victorious. Perhaps it was collective anticipation
for the fiercely competitive clash of the trivia titans that evening.
On a happier note,
the women’s 6s showed true grit in the face of a 2-0 scoreline
and managed to steal a victory, the women’s 4s trounced league
rivals very satisfyingly and both the men’s 3s and 6s came away
with wins. Elsewhere, a few draws kept the points tally rising. Enjoy
the verbal antics of our report writers, particularly the Abba/James
Bond theme arising from two of our tribune contributors… .
Xmas
Party - Saturday 09-Dec-06
The
fun, frivolity and funkiness happens in the Clubhouse on Saturday
09th December 7.30 til late. This is the Last Hockey night before
the Christmas Break.
Live
State of the Art Disco, Superb Buffet Dinner, Crackers and Party
Poppers, Mulled Wine, Late Bar, Good-Looking People and Free
Car Parking!
Everyone
Welcome - including non-clubmembers, so first come first served!
For
further information contact fundraising@thehockeyclub.co.uk
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Reports by: Chris
Smith, Chris Coleman, Wes Cole, Mark Jones, Billy Dowie, Chris Richman,
Gemma Baker, Emma Parker, Anna Stuttard, Rachael Fallows, Clare Montagu.
Men’s 1s
vs. Trojans: Drew 2-2
So a revitalised
Tulse Hill and Dulwich Villagers tried to defend Camp Dulwich against
the Trojan aggressors from somewhere outside of London, I think Southampton?
Were they to bring their fabled horse and steal our gold or rape and
pillage the villagers of Dulwich? Who knows, but the Villagers looked
hot and played damn well in a first half, taking apart the Trojan
warriors with passing and movement not seen since the previous Saturday
at Slough. We even opened the scoring with David Casement rattling
a few jaws with his mind boggling placement and clinical finishing.
However TH then conceded an own goal by the unlucky Greek warrior
Chris Smith who deflected home a powerful Argentinean chop cross past
the despairing navy boy Duncan Holmes. Back again came the mighty
reds scoring a great effort from that blonde surf dude James Huntley...respect
surfer dude! Trojans then scored an unfair equaliser with their attacker
kicking home from close range. Half Time. Second half swung both ways
with the Trojans finding their feet and making a fist of the game,
both teams came close. But no scores! 2-2. 2 games unbeaten....TH
on the up. (CS)
Team: Duncan Holmes, Gary Boucher, Chris Smith, Andrew
Eames, Tom Cross, Andrew Balchin, Gareth Weir, Richard Banwell, Graeme
Fotheringham, James Ireson, Simon Glasson, James Huntley, David Casement
Goals: David Casement, James Huntley, Chris Smith
(o.g.)
Man of Match: Duncan 'the sailor' Holmes
TFC:
Chris Smith
Next game: Barnes - Away 2pm
Men's 2s vs.
Teddington: Drew 1-1
'Knowing me [THD] Knowing you' Teddington
Ah Ha! We turn up and 'One of Us' said 'Mamma
Mia' at the state of the pitch. It looked more like
something out of the battle of 'Waterloo'
that a hockey pitch. I always thought that National League teams were
'Money, Money, Money' but clearly not the
case here and I just thought 'Should I Laugh or Cry?'
Anyway moaning is not the name of the game and we dug deep in the
first half with them having the majority of the possession but going
into the break 1 a piece.
In the second half there was far more 'Gimmi, Gimmi, Gimmi'
and we looked like we wanted it more. We still need to switch the
ball more through the 'Man in the Middle'
more but in a game where 'The Winner Takes it All'
a scoreless second half lead to both teams taking a point. Thanks
to Aido for answering the 'S.O.S' call and
has to be said Piggy played like a little 'Super Trouper'
and backed it all up in the club in the evening doing a bit of 'Dancing
Queen' with some 'Nina, Pretty Ballerina'!
Good work Tiger! Brixton we 'Thank YOU For The Music'!
(CC)
Team:
Piggy, Nurse, Chris C, Alex B, Little Ed, Aido, Hoff, Joe, Mike K,
Nick J, Pots, Tom M, James V
Umpire:
'Fernando'
Scorer:
Nurse
Next match:
Saturday 25th November, Richmond (H) 2pm DC
Men's 3s vs.
Maidenhead Mystics won 2-0
Simply was a must win game without a doubt.
So we won.
And damn well.
Skeleton 11 or
10.5 inc Wesbian worked ourselves to the limits in a game we controlled
100% and scored through Foggy and Tim but it could have been a rout.
4 games to go with 6 points needed to stay on target... next weekend
at Richmond must be 3 points. Awesome quiz night and for all those
who read this and were there, KevinCampbell only scored 74 premiership
goals, Coleman, and not 100.
Thanks to Andy
and Bille for rescuing after we had 4 dropouts. (WC)
Team:
Jeremy Porter, Wes Cole, Robbie Layton, Alex McDonald, Ed Gardiner,
Rob Glavin, John Holmes, Tim Sylvester, Nick Harris, Andy
Umpire: Billie
Scorer: David Fogden, Tim Sylvester
Next match: Saturday 14th Away V's Richmond 2's.
Tornados vs.
Teddington 4s: Draw 0-0
Like swimming in mud, this game was both hard work and uninspiring.
Teddington were unimaginative and lacking in quality... sadly we matched
them when we needed to raise our game. A saved flick by Will was the
highlight - although sadly he didn't even have to move. The weather
was miserable, the pitch was shabby... although nothing could have
prepared us for their travesty of a clubhouse - it was a portacabin
garage... Teddies are a club in decline with no shame. Still when
they come to our place they can see some new pitches and a quality
clubhouse... with any luck they'll get some quality hockey to witness
too when we beat the moaners within an inch of their lives! (MJ)
Team: Will Pigden (GK), MJ, Motty, Charlie Krasun,
James Perrott, Si Wilshire, Will Lucas, Aidan Brock, Alex Fishwick,
Dan Hopkins, Tom Alexander & Bob Morris.
Scorer(s): N/a
Man of the Match: Their skipper for his hissy fit
during the toss... whichhe lost along with his dignity.
Umpire: Chris Coleman
Next match:
Saturday 25th November, Richmond Deerstalkers 11am DC
Diamonds vs.
Old Loughtonians 5s: Lost 2-4
The Diamonds’
steady improvement in form was put in context against the League leaders,
who had won five of their six matches so far, scoring an average of
four a game. It was the first half that proved conclusive; the Diamonds
had more of the possession and territory, but failed to get nearly
enough balls into the OLs’ D to look like scoring. At the other
end, they had the clinical finishing to convert four or five chances
into a 3-0 lead at half time. We knew we needed a quick goal after
the break to have any chance of salvaging something, but OLs understandably
sat on their lead and soaked up the pressure, until a breakaway saw
them crack in another one. At 0-4, it was game over.
Ollie got cramp, so we pushed him up front where, unable to run, he
stopped on the penalty spot. A minute later, someone had the foresight
to ping a ball at him, which he deflected in. Two lessons from this:
firstly, change around a bit and confuse them; secondly, get the ball
into the D. A couple of minutes from the end, a very impressive passing
sequence saw Simon score at the far post.
We know we can survive at this level; in fact, this performance shows
we can do more than that. But we have, somehow, to turn our possession
into goals. (BD)
Team:
Paul Reid, Tom Illingworth, Billy Dowie, Oliver Walton, Angus Barnard,
Stephen Higgs, Seamus Betts, Warren Holme, Simon Canter, Conor Bond,
Andrew McConchie
Scorers:
Oliver Walton, Simon Canter
Umpires:
Richard Mead, Chris Richman
Next game:
Saturday 25th November, Spencer 6s, Away 16.30
Royals vs. Richmond Redoubtables: Won 3 - 0
We played brilliantly
in the first half and scored three goals and played poorly in the
second and scored non, think there may be a lesson in there somewhere.
(CR)
Thanks to Wes
and Jeremy for umpiring
Scorers:
Ed Allen (2), Chris Richman
Team:
Gavin Lawson, Andy Bond, Will Pendrill, Keith/Ken Howick, Mark Annear,
Tim Smith, Dom Peyton, Colin, Ed Allen, Stephen Ireton, Hamza, Kim
Keats, Chris Richman
Next Game:
Not for ever but when it happens it is away in the roughest, chaviest
part of Reading and for those of you that know it is not the part
I come from
Ladies 1s vs.
Purley Walcountians: Won 4-0
It was a beautiful day, most of the team made it there on time (despite
the lack of road signs / school visits) and Charley came all the way
from Kenya to support us complete with video camera and fashionable
round-the-neck mobile phone carrier. We needed 3 points to keep in
contention with the league leaders, but Purley were proving a strong
defensive unit with only 7 goals conceded so far this season. But
we took advantage of the sun being high in the sky and straight in
the eyes of their defence to take the lead after 7 minutes, when EJ
slipped the ball past the keeper from a ridiculous angle, as she does
oh so well. Lisa doubled the score 8 minutes later from a PC before
Eeej, once again, pounced to put us 3 up after half an hour. Purley
seemed to take exception to this scoreline and the game somewhat deteriorated,
with the home side upping the physical side of their game. THD, not
to be intimidated, tried their hardest to be mean back.....Kath puffed
herself up and had words with her opposite number, Sharon wiped out
the oppo's central defender and Martha let off steam with 'you are
just sooo......horrible'. Just goes to show that we can be nasty,
albeit slightly too politely......?!?!
But with memories
of the Buckingham game fresh in our minds, we were determined not
to lose our lead in the second half. Fortunately, our striking force
that is Alex C had made it to the game and stepped up to PC duty.
Unfortunately, the force wasn't quite with her, but Jen was on hand
to somehow sling it into the back of the net. 4-0. Purley put us under
more pressure as the game went on, but rarely threatened Pipes' goal
(despite Kath (and Clare's) weekly gift to the centre forward)) -
a couple of short corners at the end for the home side focused our
minds to keep the ball out and our sheet was kept clean.
Team: Pipes, Alex Crawford, Kath Sowter, Clare Byrne,
Nicky Prior, Jenni Martin, Lisa Cox, Gemma Baker, Faye Biling, EJ
Barry, Sharon Smith & Martha H-J.
Supporter:
Charley Williams
Scorers: Ej (2), Lisa & Jen
Motm: Nicky
Next Match: Surbiton @ DC - 12.30pm start
Women’s 2s vs. London Edwardians: Won 2 – 1
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly:
Although we were outplayed for the first quarter and went down 1-0
after a combined defensive blunder we went into half time knowing
that if the collective will was there we could turn things around.
And so it came to pass. After some obvious mistakes on short corners
we got another chance. A carefully weighted pass, back to taker Penny,
and the ball was deftly swept in without further ado. That felt good.
Ten or so minutes later came the most beautifully skilled individual
goal I have seen for a long while. If there was a Shoot-Out trading
card for Penny it would have "matchwinner" written all over
it and you'd have to trade at least 3 cards in return for it. There
are times when gravity makes a person's jaw drop and this was one
of them. 2-1. We then hung on as the oppo lost control of the game,
lost their composure and then lost the match.
So much for the Good. The Bad was a second half atmosphere of scarcely
veiled, and in places, open hostility between the teams. Nudging,
pushing, shoving, knees, elbows, goalkeeper pulling off her helmet
and squaring up to Penny. And as for the Ugly, well, suffice it to
say a hasty verbal retaliation using not the most well chosen words
by a certain THD player led the Captain on a post-match email voyage
of some gravity to smooth some ruffled feathers.
The team
was: George, Kato, Muldoon, Hannah, Hils, Biba, Oz, Claire,
Emma, Sarah B, Penny, Zoey
Scorer:
Penny x2
POTM:
Penny
Umpire: Chris Richman, cheers Chris
Chief Supporter: the Broken Thumb, and its owner,
Loggers
Next match: 25 November vs. Wimbledon away
Women’s 3s vs. Wanderer’s 2nd XI: Lost 3-0
Following the
sweet (and rare) taste of victory last week all were keen to see a
repeat performance and gain those all important points to climb up
to the better half of the league table. Things started well and the
team looked like budding pros with some impressive one-twos between
the midfield and defence, and finally looking like we were confident
with the ball. However, luck was not on our side and every time the
ball entered the ‘D’ it became victim to a strange phenomenon
causing it to be deflected away, rather than towards, the goal. It
was soon clear that it was going to be one of those days. After conceding
two goals, we fought back well and marked some key players out of
the game, but this did not prove to be enough. An unfortunate, albeit
impressive, stop with Kate’s knee in our ‘D’ led
to her being carried off…and unfortunately another successful
short corner bringing the scoreline to 3-0. The last ten minutes saw
Beth falling over (several times, except not over our players this
week) and me receive what was, I think everyone will agree, the most
critical injury of the match after being cracked on the knee with
the last hit out of the game (but with no fuss at all…..). So
no goals, no win but some impressive knee-bruising comparisons to
indulge in post-match. We should win next week. (EP)
Team:
Lou Curry (C), Dulci Davies (GK), Karen Dodds, Jen Watson, Rachael
Biggs, Kate Vicary, Rosie Le Voir, Beth Little, George Hills, Emma
Parker, Sophie Carter, Mo O’Brien, Helen Shackleton.
PoM: Beth Little
Honorary Seated Player: Lucy Gaskin (who will be
fined for wearing designer attire and clearly making far too much
of an effort to watch a Saturday morning hockey game)
Next game: Saturday 25 November v. Thames Valley
1st XI (Away)
Women’s
4s vs. Byfleet: WON 6-2
Textbook work
by the team on Saturday and a quote from Steve our umpire after the
game sums it up - "you actually looked like a team and at times
showed skill and talent"..or something along those lines?! Brilliant!
The first half was played well by all and a goal early doors by Claire
settled us down and took us into half-time 1-0 up. Everyone was encouraged
during the team talk and keen to beat the oppo and not lose the game
in the 2nd half as we often have. With that, a flurry of 3 goals ensued
within 10 mins - there were great driving runs down the right-side
by Linds, superb midfield control by Suzy and some inspirational runs
by our strikers Claire, Penny and Emma. We obviously shocked ourselves
by being 4-0 up, pinching ourselves that we weren't dreaming...did
Penny really just poach the best goal ever as their defence waited
for the ball to roll off the back line for a 16yard??
2 more goals followed in succession plus a few jug avoidances but
the team effort was inspirational - same again next week please! (AS)
Team:
Olivia Salau, Nikki Smithies, Anna Stuttard, Lindsey McLaren, Lucy
Snell, Mary Cook,Suzy Medcalf, Lynne Ruddick, Kate Lievesley, Jena
Kitley, Claire Whitehead, Penny Ganser,Emma Billsdon
Goals:
Claire x2, Penny x2, Emma x 1 1/2, Kate x1/2
MOTM:
Penny & Kate
Umpire:
Steve Powell
Next match:
1130am vs Woking away
Women’s
Team 5 vs. Shirley 1’s: Lost 3-0
It is disappointing
to report that the first win for the season, aside from when the opposition
cancelled, continues to elude Team 5. It’s difficult to work
out exactly what is going wrong and many theories were raised and
debated throughout the evening at the quiz night, perhaps explaining
why we didn’t manage to win the quiz and indeed continue to
remain in the dark as to which team did actually win. However some
lengthy drunken discussion with Coach Peter has given us a few ideas
and we are hoping that we can re-group and renew our enthusiasm to
finish off the first half of the season with a goal or two and perhaps
a win.
Team: Sally Shephard (GK), Helen Clarkee, Kate Leckie,
Andrea Vicari, Faith Geraghty, Rachael Fallows, Nicole Yost, Helen
Fermor, Fatima Dofrio, Martina Van Der Leij, Len Price, Eleanor Fletcher,
Stephie Engeler, Clare Fermor
Umpires:
Shirley provided
Next match:
25.11.06 Playing Cheam 3’s, 11am JAGS
Women's 6s vs.
Bank of England 2s: Won 3-2
We knew this
was a team that we should beat. We've had some good play this season,
the oppo were bottom of the league and most importantly they were
all double our age (at least). But somehow we conspired to make the
task almost impossible. We were hungover, minus our regular goalie,
and apart from fantastic play by Gigi on the right wing, during the
first half collectively and individually we forgot how to play hockey.
Isla and Emma volunteered to pad up as goalkeepers and Isla in particular
saw far more action than she should have done as we went 2 goals down
in the first half. But Ferrett's stern team talk at half time had
the desired effect as we realised how easy it was to outrun OAPs.
Our freedom passes resulted in three goals from Karen and Isla (this
time attacking). Despite endless defensive short corners we held them
off. We were a better team, but the lesson is not to take grandmothers
for granted... (CM)
Team: Emma Gilchrist, Isla MacGregor, Kate Straker,
Jean Sutton, Jess Beach, Shona Chambers, Clare Montagu, Alanna McIntosh,
Mags Aylward, Katie Stone, Mae Lynne McDougall, Karen Logan, Gigi
Ho
Scorers: Karen (2), Isla (1)
MotM: Gigi, but closely followed by the Emma/Isla
goalkeeping combo
Umpires: Tim, Mr McIntosh and a Bank of England umpire.
Next match: Saturday 25 November v Richmond 5s 12.30
JAGS
Dragons vs. Sinners:
Won 11-2
A cinematic hockey match that would have had them flocking up the
red carpet to be part of. Nothing secret agent about it, just quality
hockey. The squad came together prior to the match to make sure that
they could Bond. Some had been drinking
heavily the night before and swore it wouldn't be repeated... 'Never
Say, Never Again' was my response. Robbie rocked up
late and looked like someone had scared the 'Living Daylights'
out of him at the club last night! We begun the game aggressively
and had 'A View to a Kill'ing them off early.
Adian got the game going by proving he had a 'Goldfinger'
with four sublime goals... each leaving the Sinners wishing that we
would leave them to 'Die Another Day'. Piggy
was showing that 'You Only Live Twice' by
getting killed on the pitch after having suffered a car crash on the
way to the match!
As the game progressed
it was clear that they had no response for our 'Thunderball's...
even Ed managed to slot one away proving that he has a 'GoldenEye'
for goal. At half time we considered whether we go easier on them
but we decided to 'Live & Let Die'...
so back out with all guns blazing! As we neared the final whistle
JC proved that he had 'Licence to Kill'
the game off by sticking another couple of goals away. But there was
still time to 'Moonraker' them over the
coals as we scored a classic goal 'For Your Eyes Only'...
you had to be there as it was too good to repeat. While 'The
World Is Not Enough', eleven goals proved to be so!
At the end of 70 mins a few of the oppo were complaining like a bunch
of 'Octpussy's.
In summation,
while it is good to remember that 'Diamonds are Forever'
and form is only temporary there is 'Dr No'
way we can lose with this sort of quality... this team is invincible
- so for us 'Tomorrow Never Dies'!
Team:
Will Pigden (GK), MJ, JC, Chris Coleman, Aidan Brock, Will Nurse,
Robby Layton, Ed Marland, Gemma Baker, Hannah Cooke, Lisa Cox, Lucy
Snell, Jo Lee, Lou Currry & Emma Gilchrist.
Scorer(s):
Aidan (4), JC (2), Gemma (2), Will, Ed & Lisa.
Umpire:
Aidan Brock, Robby Layton & Chris Coleman.
Next match:
Sunday 26th November, Real Battersea (H) 2pm BP
Upcoming
Events...
Race
Night - Saturday 10-Feb-07
8
blisteringly exciting horse races await you on the evening of
Feb 10th when THDHC hosts its own Race Night. With a big screen,
and professional compere to guide you through the evening, the
only thing you'll have to concentrate on is making sure you
pick the winning horse. The evening is open to all members,
friends and family, so keep the night free and come down for
a spot of racing....
The
first race will start at 7pm, with the final
'Auction Race' held at about 9.30pm. Race cards will be sold
in advance and will cost £2 each (these will also act
as admission tickets) and a prize will be awarded to the team
that sells the most Race Cards. These will go on sale after
Xmas.
But
why not become an 'Owner' and have your own horse in one of
the races?? Owning a horse will cost £5
- you get to give it a name and if your four legged friend comes
home first you'll get a prize.
If
you are interested in being an Owner, please let your captain
know or email womens1s@thehockeyclub.co.uk
Ultimately,
this is a fundraising event for the club, so the more people
we can get at race night, the more money there is to be won
on the races and the more money we can generate for THD. So
put the 10th February in your diaries!!!
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General News
