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Committee News

Fri 02-Mar-07

Issue 21

Phew, some epic reports this week so will keep my intervention to a minimum. On a weekend that made one proud to be Irish, underwhelmed to be English and downright embarrassed to be Scottish, all in all, you can feel rewarded to be a member of THD. The women did especially well - no losses this week, so the entire women’s side are promoted up the menu of reports you will read below. A plethora of wins – notably women’s T5 delight at beating Wayfarers – the report suggests some disbelief although we should attribute it to their innate skill and talent - and the Men’s 1s with a hat trick from a newly-engaged and inspired Will (a message to Gemma from the 1st XI – “thank you for saying yes..!”). Elsewhere, the men’s 3s almost had an improbable victory, the women’s 1s narrowly avoided a loss to bottom of the table team, detailed in an Oscar-winning account below, the Tornados continue to march forth and the women’s 6s merrily accepted their walkover points in the pub.

Thanks very much from the dinner committee for the replies for the dinner, get your forms in soon. Please do remember that tables applied for together on one form are much appreciated – you otherwise risk the wrath of the seating planners, it could make or break your evening..!

Reports by: EJ Barry, Lucy Muldoon, Emma Parker, Claire Whitehead + Selina Leleu, Faith Geraghty, Kate Straker, Andy Balchin, Alex Brown, Wes Cole, Mark Jones, Billy Dowie, Doug Heard.

Womens 1’s vs. Basingstoke: Won 1-0

You could almost call our league exciting as the bottom 4 are all competing wildly to see who will be relegated, and we have been teetering precariously at the top for several weeks now, level on points with Hampstead and Westminster. Unfortunately our “clash” with bottom of the league Basingstoke was dramatic for all the wrong reasons. We were positively fabulous for the first 10 minutes, creating lots of chances but taking none. To be honest at this point I lose interest in talking about the actual match because nothing really happened until the dying seconds. We had all the possession but just couldn’t score and all I can remember of the second half was a bizarre murder attempt on Bettina who suddenly dropped to the ground as if she had been shot whilst hurtling into the D. It turned out that one of her ham strings had snapped but quite frankly I was searching the “crowds” for a man with a gun. She was rescued by Gemma’s parents who entered stage left, and after a brief interlude the rest of us carried on running around, passing lots but never scoring until gallant Hils took on the whole of Basingstokeshire and stormed through the middle of the pitch, chopping off everyone’s heads as she went. Finally she passed to Jen who continued walking with the ball into the circle, and then turned and with a wave of her reverse-sticked wand put the ball into the goal. Although we had been 3 seconds away from a very embarrassing draw we faired rather better at the Oscars and the awards are as follows:

Best Actress – Hillary Collins (MOTM)

Her interpretation of the centre back position in “The Quest for a Goal” was viewed by many as inspirational.

Best Documentary Short Subject – EJ Barry

Her direction of “Thanks for Coming” showed real insight into the emotional trauma suffered by those with loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s. The confusion felt by fellow team members when the right wing forgot who she was, where she was and where she should be playing hockey was portrayed superbly by the actresses.

Best Hair and Make Up - Martha Harvey-Jones

For 50 years and more, Martha Harvey Jones has maintained her dignity, her sense of duty and her hairstyle. She's had her feet planted firmly on the ground, her hat on her head, her handbag on her arm and she has weathered many, many storms.

Best Wardrobe - Bettina Wolf

Unfortunately her role in “Quest for a Goal” was cut short by a murder attempt; however her contribution to “Phantom of the Opera” was not forgotten by the Academy.

Best Sound Volume – Alex Crawford

Honorary Award for Dedication to the Cake Baking Industry – Jo Malkin

(EJB)

Cast: Pipes, Alex, Kath, Clare, Hils, B, Nicky, Martha, Gem, Faye, Ej, Sharon & Jen

Producer (of goal): Jen

Next Instalment: Sat 3rd March v Sunbury (away)

Women’s 2s vs. University of London: Won 3-1

After a few weeks rest due to half term and bad weather a strong team was chosen and we were ready for a good match. Playing a team at bottom of the league you would think that it would have been a fairly ‘easy’ win but as our league is going at the moment every game is a tough one and this was no different. Good pressure in the first 10 minutes, led to penalty corners won and a well fought first goal by Zoe, following brilliant work down the right by Sarah L and Rosie.

The second goal was an absolute cracker - penalty corner – Sarah B pushed out perfectly for a lovely stop by Shorty, and Kato took the straight strike so sweetly at the top of the D, lifted it 10cms above the ground and it shot through the air like a bullet hitting the back board with a very load crack! Brilliant, excellent, loved it.

So, 2-0 up we were. 2nd half the tension was mounting……….being 2-0 up and then letting it slip away from us was something the 2’s had experienced before and we were not going to let it happen again!!!!!!!!!! Some wise words from Lou Campbell, thanks. We started the 2nd half well. But alas, Shorty took an injury and had to go off, AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. Quick rearrangement at the back led to some hairy moments – the Selway-Longair crisis in confidence led to the oppo scoring and sniffing a chance. It suddenly felt like we had lost control and we had the oppo attacking us hard left, right and centre and we had no control what so ever. Luckily, that was until LUCY MAY saved the day and gently suggested that she step in as sweeper, and boy she did it well. Don’t think she missed a tackle the whole time, calmed us all down and we ended up taking the rest of the second half by storm.

The 3rd goal came from a lovely ball wide to the right, drive along the back line and Emma was there to pick up the cross and pop it - text book hockey! Lou thanks for your support and top tips. So great to see Sarah Longair back in action and with a fantastic return game. Rosie and Zoey most certainly need a mention as well as they both also had a great games. (LM)

Team: Dulcie, Lucy May, Rosie, Emma K, Claire H, Sarah B, Longair, Muldoon, Kato, Shorty, Zoey, Biba

Scorers: Zoey, Emma K, Kato

Umpire: Mark Jones (huge thanks as always)

Next game: Saturday 3 March vs. Purley (away)

Women’s 3s vs. Epsom 3s: Won 3–2

After a losing streak the team had their minds set on victory and nothing less. It was not long however until the team groaned as Epsom’s first goal hit the back of our nets, and another defeat seemed not too far away. But with our new taste for victory and some convincing runs up the right with the help of new player Jo, we eventually managed to equalise and get back in the game by way of a mind-blowing strike at the top of the D to which the goalkeeper could do nothing but dive out of its path. After cheers from the crowd and a victory run, we kept the pressure up and by the end of the first half should have been 8-1 up. More of the same followed in the second half with a dozen more strikes on goal, which included our trusty Captain gliding towards the D, weaving in and out of several players, and making a heroic reverse stick shot on goal, missing only by inches.

As the crowd settled down, more goals came in the shape of a convincing strike from Mo in a short corner, shortly followed by another in a great finish by Beth. Leading 3 -1 the team were somewhat delirious with the distant promise of a win, but Epsom were not letting up and even tried to pick a fight with Beth. Unfortunately, after a succession of attacks from Epsom, their second goal arrived and the last ten minutes of the game were spent in horror (and what seemed to be a lifetime) as we tried to clinch onto our 3-2 lead but were clearly worn out from all the excitement. Finally though the whistle came and the team even relished in a warm-down victory lap to rub salt in the wound. All round a great team effort. Thanks to both Jo and Olivia for stepping in at short notice. (EP)

Team: Olivia Salau (GK), Karen Dodds, Jen Watson, Rachael Biggs, Stacey Sellman, George Hills, Emma Parker, Lou Curry, Beth Little, Rosie Le Voir, Helen Shackleton, Jo Walford, Mo O’Brien.

Scorers: Emma, Mo, Beth

PoM: Jo Walford

Next Game: Old Kingstonian 1s on Saturday 3 March (Crystal Palace)

Women’s 4’s vs. London Wayfarers: Draw 1-1

Quote of the week came from ump Steve: ‘captain’s rested, team plays a blinder’. Humph. Well I’ll be back soon! And I suppose it was true. I pass to Selina to tell you about it. (CW)

This week’s match, away to London Wayfarers, was an uninspiring fixture, played as it was in the heart of Kennington on a pitch with about as much character as Matt Damon in any film. The almost clone like team of blonde, slim girls that made up the opposition were therefore very much in keeping with their surroundings and they thankfully chose to use up (waste) some energy by playing football in the adjoining car park. Finally, after almost demolishing a moped, they decided to get back on the hockey pitch.

They were a fit and quite rough team, but we stood strong and managed to keep good possession throughout. Mid-way through the first half our possession was rewarded and a fantastic pass into the D by Lindsey found Marie (congratulations by the way on your engagement!) who pushed us into the lead. And so, despite a number of attempts by Wayfarers, the first half ended with us one goal up. The second half began well, until a sudden surge by the opposition lead to them equalising via a short corner. Overall, THD played well, especially in defence as Wayfarers put us under a lot of pressure. The match was a tense affair, ending 1-1, and, considering they haven’t lost in 6 games and are 2nd in the league, I think it was a very creditable point. (SL)

Team: Selina Leleu, Anna Stuttard, Lindsey Mclaren, Lucy Snell, Sarah Anderson, Suzy Medcalf, Lynne Ruddick, Jena Kitley, Mary Cook, Kate Lievesley, Penny Ganser, Marie Smith

Umpire: Steve Powell

Goals: Marie

MOTM: Sarah

Next game: 10 March vs. Purley (away)

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

Last week was a very good week. On Monday I got the ski jacket I 've had my eye on for ages at half price. On Tuesday I went to see the Sound of Music which is BRILLIANT. On Wednesday my extremely attractive triathlon coach asked me out (ok I might have made that bit up, but I'm sure he is thinking about it). On Thursday the plumber came round and fixed the broken tap in the kitchen after 3 months of waiting. Friday I had a few too many cocktails at the wonderful karaoke bar in Crystal Palace. On Saturday I went to Vinopolis. On Sunday I went to See Notes on a Scandal (very good film). I'm sure something else happened, but I'm not quite sure what...

Oh yes - I THINK we might have beaten Wayfarers 2 nil, but I'm not 100 % sure if it is another figment of the imagination along with fit tri coach or not. Although I have a very vivid picture of Kath Oliver scoring a text book goal from a short corner, Stephie driving another goal in and Sally saving everything that came her way. All a tad surreal, a bit like Ryan and Taylor getting lost in a parallel universe in last week's episode of The OC.

WELL DONE TEAM FIVE!!!!!!!!!!! (FG)

Team: Kath O, Clarkie, Helen F, Andrea V, Stephie, Faith, Rachael, Fatima, Martina, Nicole, Sally, Kate Straker, Lex.

Scorers: Kath O, Stephie.

Next game: Saturday, 3 March 2007 12.30 pm v. Reigate Priory 3s at JAGS.

Women's 6s vs. Epsom 6s: Walkover to THD

Our fearsome reputation is obviously spreading throughout Division 8, as our second opponents in a row have been 'unable to raise a team' (for which read 'don't want to be humiliated by your scoring prowess/'w'-formation/ability to play with a stonking hangover) - nice of them to give advanced warning, the phone-call coming at 7.30 on Friday night, although it did enable the drinking to continue with slightly less restraint than usual. Sadly (or not) we have been unable to rearrange this fixture, so have been forced to record the win and take the points. Which is irritating really, as we beat them on the away leg and we now face the league leaders on Saturday having not played a game for four weeks. Maybe they'll get scared too… (KS)

Team: Down the pub watching the rugby (the less said the better really)

Next match: Saturday 3rd March v Guildford Ladies 4s - 14.30 away

Men’s 1s vs. Slough: Won 6-4

After Banners was left back in the training room during the week, Slough went 1-0 up with a drag flick. Two minutes later that very same player had his stick confiscated (the bend/bow was outside the legal limit). We got back to 1-1 with a deft touch from “the Hyphon” after some good work from Will. Both teams traded goals before half time. Then in the second half, they took the lead again before Will scored his second goal. We then stretched out to a 5-3 before they scored late on to set up a nail biting finish. In the remaining time Andy was dumped into the sin bin before Rob settled the game once a for all with a deflected goal. Great work from the boys – capped off by Will’s announcement that he and Gemma were now engaged…………so congratulations to him………and commiserations to her!! (AB)

Team: Sailor, Smudger, Alex Brown, Gary, Laurent, Banners, Simon, Tom Cross, Will, Sam, Andy, Rob, James Hyphon

Scorers: Will x3, James x2, Rob

MOM: Will

TFC: Andy

Next game: Saturday 3 March, Trojans – Away

Men’s 2s vs. Teddington 2s: Drew 1–1

Tulse Hill and Dulwich secured a point in a hard fought draw against top of the table Teddington. There was relief at the beginning of the match as the 2s managed to field a full squad - Chris got Police clearance for John Nurse to play within 200 yards of school girls and Potty narrowly avoided being sent into care after recent eating binges.

Teddington had the better of early exchanges with an ex-international running the show at centre midfield. There was a heroic defensive effort from Tom Mottram and the angry Ferg. In fact Tom Mottram was marking his man so tightly that it looked like they would need a high court injunction to separate them. Despite resolute defending Teddington did score and inevitably it was Piggy’s fault. The centre forward blasted a ball into the top corner but Piggy should have anticipated it.

It took a rallying team talk at half time to rally the troops - Nick Jacob making some penetrating runs down the right and linking up well with Potty. Paul Harvey won his own individual battle with the centre midfield (apparently he went to Oxford uni, which rallied Paul on). The pressure told - Paul Harvey won a short corner and John Nurse slotted the ball in from a drag flick.

TH almost sneaked it in the dying minutes but a deflected shot off Ed marland's stick went just wide. 1-1 and beers at the club, Calf and Artesian Wells (AWOL) (AB)

Team: Coleman, Fez, Ferg, JV, Nurse, Mike K, Jacob, Paul H, Potty, Tom M, Piggy, Bungle

Umpire: Si Riley & Mark Jones

Scorers: Nurse

Next match: Saturday 3rd March vs. Richmond – 15.00 away

Men's 3s vs. Maidenhead Mystics: Away Drew 2-2

Movies have been made about less dramatic events. This was like "Any Given Sunday" and "Rocky" all rolled into one, just someone selected the distinctly average' ending on the DVD instead of the glory one.

We had 9 players and luckily two super volunteers from the 4's offered their services and stepped into the mighty shoes of Arthur and Alex, and boy didn't they do well.!!!! Going one behind early made for a fighting game and Timmy's top corner drag flick was one of the best we've seen all year. One all going into the break we were on top and bound to score.

Then Robbie Layton in an unselfish attempt to keep us level, launched himself into a straight strike from their forward and wore the follow through on the shin. Result? Split shin, right through the shin pad and later requiring stitches. So, unable to stand, we were down to 10 and it was looking bleak. But a fighting makeshift team worked hard and got back into the game with the best to come. Limping and barely able to walk Robbie took himself to the P spot and stood waiting, and after a few minutes a through ball needed a stumbling swing and he buried it bottom corner. Enter Rocky, music.

But with 2 minutes to go a slip in concentration conceded a short corner which they finished and 2-2 was the result. Thanks to John for coming all the way to Maidenhead just to umpire. Thanks loads to Nick Jones who ran his backside off up front especially with 10 men and nearly clinched it with one being cleared off the line and a big thanks to James Perrot who was undoubtedly man of the match and bossed the back line. Watch out Jonesey I've got my eye in. (WC)

Team: Jeremy Porter , Wes Cole, Robbie Layton, James Perrot, Ed Gardiner, Foggy, Jo Griffiths, Tim Sylvester, Steeve Reeves, Nick Harris, Nick Jones.

Umpire: John Holmes

Scorer: Tim Sylvester and Robbie Layton

Next match: Sat 3rd Home Richmond 2As

Tornados vs. Teddington 4s: Won 4-3

There's no reason to make it easy and this match was far from it. The game itself summed up the whole season, at times brilliant, at times average and at times shocking. Yet despite all this, the Tornados occupy the bronze medal position in the table and if they can keep this till the end of the season then the play-offs await. Three games to go and six points the target... whether we get them all depends on which version of the Tornados turn up to the remaining games.

Team: Lee Tearle (GK), MJ, Pully, Aidan Brock, Will Lucas, Jon Kirby, Charlie Krasun, Dougal Davis, Si Riley, Si Wilshire, Tom Alexander & Alex Fishwick.

Scorer(s): Tom (2), Si Riley & Camel.

Umpire: Chris Coleman.

Next game: Saturday 3 March vs. Richmond Deerstalkers (away)

Diamonds vs. Old Loughts 5s: Lost 1-5

Perhaps the most depressing result of the season so far. Seamus was awarded his first goal of the season, only to have it cruelly snatched from him by an umpire who let herself be influenced by the oppo’s whingeing. And both sides were inexplicably warned by the umpire for “excessive physical contact”, when this was possibly the mildest game we’ve played all year. But none of that contributed to how we managed to lose.

As usual, we had our fair share of the game, but leaked goals at the back to a “one trick pony” – the long ball banged up to their CF, who deflected it into the path of the guy running through from midfield. Alex was playing his first Senior game, and we didn’t really show him how the big boys should defend. Nor could we convert our chances up front; we lost count of how many short corners we had, but we all know it was into double figures. Irfan did put one away, but not until it was 0-5. (BD)

Team: Alex Pennington, Tom Illingworth, Billy Dowie, Seamus Betts, Gus Barnard, Graeme Evans, Adam Smith, Viran Walia, Simon Canter, Oliver Walton, Bob Morris, Irfan Begg, Conor Bond

Scorer: Irfan

Next game: Saturday 3rd March, vs Spencer 6s (home) 10.30 at Crystal Palace

Men’s 6s vs. Richmond Redoubatbles: Lost 4-2

We lost 4-2 in a game where we had 9 short corners, 3 shots saved off the line and forced the keeper to make over a dozen saves. Based on that, slightly shocked, we got nothing out of the game. The signs are however positive. With only 11 men we should have been run off the pitch but we arguably produced our best hockey to date moving the ball around the pitch, keeping possession and looking comfortable passing in triangles. The wing play worked well and the left and right back spent most of the game in the oppo's half!

Once again form player Akash popped up to fire another screamer in from 4inches. The cumulative distance of ALL of Akash' 6 goals is about 4 feet now but got to give him credit...right place at the right time. Matheu volunteered himself for GK after "enjoying" being in goal the previous week and pulled out some great saves. The two goals we lost by came from a lack of understanding and communication between GK and def but with time that will click.

Thanks to Ant for turning up with flu to play and for all those that stayed behind to watch the rugby with the Richmond ladies teams.

Scorers: Doug, Akash

Team: Matheu, Mike Mc, Keith, Mike W, Tom, Colin, Ed, Stephen, Doug, Ant, Akash

Next game: No match next week, but come the 10 March, aim to make the shorts and shots count against Chiswick.

| © 2002-2008 Tulse Hill & Dulwich Hockey Club

Registered Charity No. 1102993