Newsletter 2006/07

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 22-Dec-06

Issue 13

Christmas didn't come early for the few teams that played this weekend, probably the less said about the results the better - in brief north west London fared better than south east London. Thus ends the first half of the season and the sun begins to set over the year that was 2006. A thrilling 2007 awaits - not only social event of the decade with the Centenary dinner on 27 April and the race night in February, but also several teams are in strong league positions to contend for promotion while others seek to realise potential displayed in the first half of the season.

With the backdrop of a traditional scene of Dickensian London: the log fire blazing, the snow falls outside amid the final bustle of rotund, jovial gentlemen purchasing fatted geese, bells ringing, the strains of carols emerging from a candlelit church, (or if you prefer a more contemporary scene - foggy, hellish trip to Sainsbury's, Slade on the radio, worship at the altar of the tv) we raise a glass of brandy for successes and club spirit in 2006 and bids for world domination in 2007. With the festive club colours finally appropriate, Yuletide is upon us - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

First training sessions 2007:

Men: 09-Jan-07 Women: 03/04-Jan-07.

Reports by: Alex Brown, Wes Cole & Jeremy Porter, Bill Dowie & Chris Richman.

Men’s 1s & Tornados: No Game

Men’s 2s vs. Hampstead & Westminster 3s: Lost 2-6

"Coleman didn't play so the 2s get whipped." Tulse Hill and Dulwich 2s came unstuck against a well drilled and highly motivated Hampstead and Westminster 3s losing 2-6 at Dulwich College - strange umpiring decisions, but no excuses. Coleman absence left a gaping hole which could not be filled. A glimmer of hope came in the second half - great cross by Alex Brown (one of the privileges of writing the match report) was knocked in by Sam Hiley. Second goal came courtesy of a good run into the box by the ghost (Tom Mottram) and then a great strike by Fezzer (top corner). However it was too little too late.

Scorers: Alex Brown, Fezzer

Next game: 13 January vs. London Wayfarers 2s

Men's 3s vs. Hampstead & Westminster 4's: Lost 6-0

With so many players missing and all present hanging from xmas parties this was always going to be tough. They were solid as always and deserve to be 2nd in the league we looked like we are 7th. In the end they toyed with us like bluetits in a cats mouth and two late goals in the dying moments could have been avoided were it not for our lack of concentration. Still 4-0 wouldn't have looked pretty. Thanks to Rolly for helping out, Jonesy for umpiring, my mate Kev from work and his mate Paddy for making up the numbers.

We look forward to a good break and then 7 out of 9 games at home after xmas so points to be gained there.

Merry Christmas and all that. (WC)

An alternative view...

Like a poor Countdown contestant, the 3s found themselves once again struggling to make up the numbers whilst their opponents sat smugly in their knitted jumpers merrily running up the score. Certainly the 3s approached the game with all the passion and venom of a cosy afternoon in front of the TV with a warm cup of cocoa; the exchanges on the pitch being no more cutting or aggressive than the merry banter between Ms Vorderman and Mr Lynam. Only Nick came anywhere close to a nine-letter word with an agonising miss on the reverse with the goalie beaten.

Elsewhere on the pitch the 3s produced mainly four letter words and Robbie saw yellow to earn 5 minutes amongst the audience. Three-nil at the commercial break after two well-worked dictionary corners and a vowel of a goal, by the final 30-second countdown it was 4-0 but Hampstead easily solved the day’s conundrum with a rapid-fire finish to end up 6-0 winners, a score even Australia’s cricketers won’t match.

Next year Hampstead should ascend to higher leagues for a date with Des O’Connor. As for the 3s it was a case of “Paddington Wrecked” as the great Whiteley might have said. (JP)

Team: Jeremy Porter , Wes Cole, Robbie Layton, Alex McDonald, Ed Gardiner, Adam Taylor, Tim Sylvester, Nick Harris, Kev Redman, Paddy, Rolly, Fog.

Umpire: Mark Jones.

Next match: Saturday 15th Jan Home v's Way fairies.

Diamonds vs. Hampstead & Westminster 6s: Lost 2-4

Well, we managed to sign off 2006 on a high note........ a low points total, but a high note. Lost 2-4 to the League leaders. A close game that surprised the hell out of them and had them on the back foot for long periods. 2-3 at half time and for most of the second half, we only conceded the final goal as we pressed harder for the equaliser.

Highlight of the game was our first goal. Having gone one down to a short, we were treated to the sight of Conor electing to chase a lost cause, bearing down on their goalie as he shaped up to kick away. The keeper obviously had Xmas shopping on his mind as he swung, nicking the ball sideways and presenting Conor with a 50/50 challenge. In his first season with the seniors, that is something Conor would have thought twice about three months ago, but this time he got in where it hurts......... and equalised with our first goal from open play for many weekends.

Unfortunately, impressive performances don’t mean points, and we are dangerously low on those. But if we can play like this every week, and enjoy our hockey this much, the points will come.
(BD)

Team: Jeremy Porter, Tom Illingworth, Billy Dowie, Stephen Higgs, Rob Thomas, Graeme Evans, Andrew McConchie, Seamus Betts, Simon Canter, Oliver Walton, Conor Bond, Bob Morris, Irfan Begg.

Scorers: Conor & Andrew.

Umpire: Mark Jones.

Next game: Saturday 6th Jan. Practice session at DC, 1.00pm.

Royals vs. Maidenhead Magicians: Lost 0-2

We were rubbish, they were cynical and their umpire may have been thinking about another game when making the decisions.

Thanks to Charlie, Alex and Si for making the journey.

Team: Alex Timmer, Will Pendrill, Tim Smith, Andy Bond, Mike Wright, Charlie, Si Riley, Kim Keats, Stephen Ireton, Ed Allen, Colin, Akash, Chris Richman. (CR)

Next Game: 20th Jan, HAC Sutlers, Away 3.30pm.

No Women's games

Upcoming Events...

Race Night

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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