Fri 19-Oct-07
Issue 03
The most remarkable result of last weekend was… no, not any
shenanigans in Paris, but the far more glamorous location of Battersea
Park on Sunday, where the Dragons notched up a rugby scoreline of
16-0… and the morning after the dinner too, who’d have
thought it..? Aaah, the winning combination of alcohol and dubious
dancing, alluded to in several reports below.
Team of the week has to be the Women’s 4s, yet another convincing
win, goals a-plenty, and top of the league – hearty pat on the
back to them. Narrowly behind them are the Diamonds, who fail to share
this honour by the minor matter of their opposition’s concession
of the game – nonetheless, they too find themselves sitting
happily at the top of the table – a turnaround indeed from last
season. We are also treated to wins from the Women’s 1s and
2s, and T5 achieving a good draw. The remaining teams failed to take
points from their games, although plenty of goals were scored. The
men’s 1s and 3s compensated for this by becoming D list international
celebs with a stint on French TV. The frenchies will doubtless feel
privileged with their insight into l’hockey de Colline de Tulse
et Sorcière Ennuyeuse.
And on to rugby and the dinner – both resounding successes
– memories of the former appear to be more detailed than the
latter – so much so that the writer of the dinner report has
requested an extra week to reconstruct the evening – sign of
a good evening certainly!
In the meantime congratulations to the following people:
Clubperson |
Best Team |
Player of the year |
Most Improved |
Simon Riley |
Womens 1s |
Tom Alexander
Kate Selway |
Akash
Jena Kitley |
Sarah Longair - Editor
Note: Don't forget, the rugby is on
in the clubhouse this Saturday... come on down and cheer England to
victory. (MJ)
Saturday 03-Nov-07
Bonfire & Fireworks Night
On Bonfire Night, all over the country people
celebrate the dispatching of a seditious character known as
Guy Fawkes who, back in 1605, attempted to blow up the Houses
of Parliament in London. But who really cares about history?
Why not come along to the clubhouse and watch the fireworks
while sampling the delights of the bar???
Everyone is welcome... entrance £5.
Help/Volunteers wanted to help with ticket sales
on the night.
Please speak to Noreen behind the bar
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Reports by: Gemma Baker, Lucy Muldoon, Lindsay McLaren, Helen Fermor,
Victoria W, James Huntley, Mike Killen, Wes Cole, Simon Riley, Billy
Dowie, Chris Richman, Mark Jones.
Women’s 1s vs, Maidenhead: Won 2-1
Well, we finally have 3 points on the board and still have a game
in hand, but Maidenhead were no easy opposition and we had to hang
on for the win. The teams weighed each other up in the opening 10
minutes and Maidenhead had more of the possession – THD absorbed
a few short corners before some friendly fire caught Gemma on the
finger and a blood substitution was made while sideline surgery was
carried out. In her absence the team countered well and Rachel picked
up a loose ball at the edge of the circle to fire our first goal home
after 14 minutes. With the captain back on, THD continued to press
and the second goal came soon after when Alex converted a penalty
corner. The lead was taken into half time, but Maidenhead came back
strongly in the second half and pulled one back after 45 minutes.
Maidenhead then had another goal disallowed….the reason for
it being disallowed seemed to differ depending on which team the umpire
had been talking to but ultimately it was a bit of a let-off for THD
and we held on for the remainder of the game to secure our first win
of the season (and hopefully the first of many). (GB)
Squad: Jo Malkin, Alex Crawford, Kath Sowter, Clare
Byrne, Jenny Thomas, Bettina Wolff, Sarah Beddoes, Gemma Baker, Faye
Billing, EJ Barry, Rachel Lander, Martha Kemp (nee H-J) & Sharon
Smith
Scorers: Rachel Lander & Alex Crawford
MotM: Rachel
Next Game(s): Sat 27th Oct v Wimbledon (Away) &
Sun 28th Oct v Oxford Uni (Away)
Women’s 2s vs. Barnes Hounslow Ealing: Won 3-1
My holiday started off in New York. I went out for a wedding. The
city was great the weather was good, the bride looked lovely and the
after party was fab. I did the usual NYC site seeing (Empire State,
Guggenheim, Time Square, Central Park etc, etc). I of course managed
to fit in some shopping!!! Once NY was over I flew to San Francisco
for some fun in the sun. Again did the usual sites (Golden Gate bridge,
Lombard Street, took the bus). Had a few to many vodka’s on
one to many occasions but hey I was on holiday. I went to the beach
and got myself a good tan. I actually was staying with family friends
so it was good to see them too. All in all I had a great trip, thanks
all for asking.
Oh and I finished off my holiday by flying back in on Saturday morning
and going straight to the hockey pitch to play hockey and well of
course we won.
Will up date all with my holiday pictures soon!!! (LM)
The Team: Dulcie Davies, Kate Selway, Lucy Partington,
Alex Hardy, Lucy Muldoon, Biba Tunnicliffe, Emma Kitley, Rachel Wheeler,
Rachel Trafford, Lou Garvin, Jo Walford
Umpire: Lou Campbell (thanks as ever)
MOM: Rachel Wheeler (with Kato and Biba coming a
close 2nd)
Scorers: Kato, Jo and Rachel
Next Game: 3rd November 2007 vs Spencer. There is
a dispute to it being a home or away game. Will let all know as soon
as I do.
Women's 3's – no game
Next game: 20 Oct vs. Raynes Park 1s
Women’s 4s vs. Spencer 4s: Won 5–2
It was a top of the table clash this week for the 4s against the
newly promoted Spencer. Time for the division four veterans to bring
them down a peg or two. Mindful of their seven nil win the previous
week, we cautiously pushed back. But it wasn't long until we won a
short corner and Kath steered the ball into the back of the goal -
perhaps this was going to be easier than we thought. Silky hockey
was being played and Spencer really didn't have a look in. The backs
were solid as usual Rona, the Anna’s and Lucy keeping our D
Spencer free. We won another short and this time is was the turn of
Left Post Stuttard - did she steal it from Claire – well, does
it really matter? 2-0.
The four subs reluctant to upset the winning balance gradually got
their fresh legs on the pitch which inspired Julia to bag another
goal. Half time didn't do us any good and our complacent streak appeared.
We let Spencer get into the game and they scored a couple of goals.
3-2. We then became the victim of a dodgy decision when Anna's foot
was blamed for stopping a ball (that was going off) and Spencer were
awarded a flick. The girl taking it decided not to tell anyone she
was deaf hence played the ball before the whistle - Olivia, in the
zone, saved it anyway. Spencer kicked up a fuss and a short corner
was given?! But we saved that too - don't mess with us. Nervous hockey
then followed the 3-2 scoreline with 20 minutes to go was just not
a safe one but luckily Spanner pulled one out of the bag and thundered
home a great strike from a short. Mrs Perrott wanting in on the action
followed with another great goal 5-2...and relax. We battled hard
and deserved to win - five great goals by five different (but equally
great) people. With 11 of us heading to the dinner TOP OF THE LEAGUE
certainly gave us something to dance about (rugby was irrelevant in
my book!). (LMcL)
Team: Olivia, Anna S, Anna C, Rona, Lucy, Louise,
Michelle, Kath, Ash, Claire, Emma, Marie, Hayley, Julia and Mary
Scorers: Kath, Anna S, Julia, Anna C and Claire.
MOTM: Anna C
Umpire: Steve Powell
Next game: 20 Oct vs. Wanderers Ladies 4s
Women's 5s vs. London Wanderers 5s: Drew 2-2
After last week's disappointing start to the season T5 were after
a better result. The game started promisingly and we were definitely
playing better than the week before. A goal in the first half from
Kate was well deserved and it felt like we might be on to our first
win. However, a Wanderers' goal from a penalty corner meant we were
level going into half time.
A good team talk by the captains saw us start the second half strongly,
with the opposition finding it hard to get the ball out of their half.
But despite having most of the possession we were having trouble finishing
and just couldn't get another goal. When at last Clarkie tapped it
in nicely, we were back in the lead. All seemed to be going well until
the Wanderers were on the attack and after some confusion, where T5
thought play had stopped, the ball went in the goal. T5 tried to get
another goal, but it just wasn't to be our day.
Despite feeling cheated at the end, we all enjoyed the game and certainly
felt like it was a huge improvement from the week before. There is
a strong feeling that if we can keep this up those wins will start
coming. (HF)
Team: Helen Blackie, Naomi Clark, Fatima D'Onofrio,
Rachael Fallows, Helen Fermor, Charlotte Hawksley, Charlotte Hull,
Kate Leckie, Alanna Macintosh, Sally Shepard, Andrea Vicari, Nicole
Yost.
Umpire: Mark Annear
POTM: Helen Fermor
Scorers: Kate Leckie, Helen Blackie
Next match: Saturday 20th October vs. Epsom 5s –
11:00 @ JAGS
Women’s 6s vs. Leatherhead 2s: Lost 2-4
Swing lo sweet chariots. Go England, Go England, Go England. Sorry
got carried away there. Well again the result did not reflect the
game. There was some fantastic passing and we went 1-0 up. A good
start we thought, but with the imminent England game in our minds
we inevitably lost concentration - easily done with the likes of Jonny
Wilkinson. Back to the hockey, some great runs by Gigi, Lex and Vicky
just could not seem to get it past their keeper - Mags and Andrea
doing their best to pick up the rebounds and put them back in to the
D for us to have another shot.
A good team chat at half time by Katie saw us come out fighting in
the second half, Charlotte doing her best to keep the balls from the
back of the net - a sterling effort. Jess was great - turning up to
the game not feeling very well and giving her utmost support from
the sidelines and deciding not to play - judging by her colour - we
are all pleased at this decision. Good to hear her voice as at times
we were a little quiet ourselves. Again we tried out some new people,
well done to Amy and Helen who gave us there all and made a sterling
effort in the middle and on the left. Sinead, another of our newbies,
gave some strong, quick clearances at the back for us to make some
good breaks. We had a few short corners, but were unable to capitalise
on this - not surprising since our short corner members have left
the stadium - with Lex stepping up to take on the powerful injections,
we now need to work on the striking. A great effort by Lex on the
penalty - again saved by their excellent keeper.
In the words of our oppo umpire "if we [Leatherhead] had a different
keeper today you would have won". Storming effort by everyone
- keep up the good work in training and on the pitch - its paying
off - honest! Great to see the opposition came back for teas - a nice
friendly bunch - who were not worried by the inevitable knocks a hockey
match can give. Bring on Richmond - we're ready for ya. (VW)
Team: Mags, Jess (No 1 supporter), Andrea, Shona,
Gigi, Claire, Len, Lex, Charlotte, Katie, Amy, Sinead, Victoria, Helen
MOTM: Gigi Ho - thanks to the Opposition Umpire nominating
her - well done.
Umpires: Richard Mead/David Parker
Next game: 20 October vs. Richmond Ladies 5s 12.30
pm JAGS - and don't forget back at the clubhouse afterwards.
Men’s 1s vs. Gore Court: Lost 4-3
A day in the life of Hyphen - Saturday 13th October 2007. Age 24
¼
11.00: Wake up (not hung-over), eat (healthy) breakfast. Wander over
to Tim’s to have shirt ironed, shoes polished and borrow cuff
links.
12.50: Piggy arrives to collect me, 20 minutes late.
14.00: Game starts and before we know it we’re 3 down. Rob manages
to pull one back from a nicely worked short corner to leave us 3-1
adrift at the break.
14.35: The day takes a bizarre turn as we’re interviewed by
French national news to give our ‘expert’ opinions on
the evening’s rugby.
14.45: Not long into the second half and we’re 4-1 down, caught
on the counter attack again and it looks like game over. Piggy pulls
off a great one-on-one save to prevent us falling further behind.
14.55: Laurent’s game is ended with what looks like a broken
hand. His compatriots from the film crew are on hand to take him to
hospital. The Hobbit is released from his statistician duties to fill
in at centre back.
15.10: Into the last 10 minutes and a glimmer of hope; Will Nurse
makes it 4-2 with a good finish from a broken down corner.
15.12: That one off the post.
15.15: Gary ‘Top Scorer’ Boucher puts the ball into the
roof with the last play of the game to make the final score a slightly
more respectable 4-3.
15.30: Post-match de-brief and Balchin sums up the mood with 4 words:
“We played like #&@%s”. No one could argue with that.
16.30: Rob takes the MOTM award in another close vote for his all
all-round solid display and well-taken goal. TFC smells of a stitch
with even Piggy voting for me for being late. (See 12.45 entry). I
am presented with the ‘reflex’ headband to be worn until
further notice.
18.00: Discover the world
22.00: England 14-9 France
00.30: Brixton ???
06.30: Find myself sat at home on the sofa still wearing my dinner
suit, reflex headband and watching Sky Sports News. It must have been
a good night. (JH)
Team: Will Pigden, Laurent Ferron, Chris Smith,
Richard Banwell, Gary Boucher, Jimmy Ireson, Will Nurse, Rob Heath,
James Huntley, Andrew Balchin, Tom Martin, Arthur Mitchell, Alex Brown,
Sam Hiley
Scorers: Rob Heath, Will Nurse, Gary Boucher
MOTM: Rob Heath
TFC: Myself (obviously)
Next Match: Saturday 20th October vs. Henley - away
Men’s 2s vs. Richmond 2s: Lost 1–2
After two close defeats, the 2nd XI travelled to Richmond eager to
kickstart the season. As befits a side of our quality, the hosts naturally
booked the water-based astro ensuring our crowd entertainment was
maximised. Nick Jacob even made the sprinklers redundant by salivating
all over the pitch before the start of the match whilst declaring
his undying love for it - things were looking good.
The first half proved to be a close fought affair with both sides
narrowly missing chances, but it was eventually Richmond who broke
the deadlock against the run of play - I can't remember the goal and
suspect it wasn't very good. This fired up the THD boys just that
extra notch and it was not long before James Vickery finished off
a move he had started well outside the D to score his first goal in
a THD 2nd XI shirt. Bring it on.
Confidence was high during the break and THD came out fighting in
the second half. It was at this point that Richmond showed that they
were a family club with strength in depth as the twin brothers of
a couple of their 1st XI players came on as replacements. This stifled
the champagne hockey of the first half and things started to get niggly.
Ferg Jagger was asked to have a rest by the Umpire for an innocuous
challenge, Tom Goricke pulled a muscle and Paul Harvey's hamstring
was constantly in danger of popping. Mike Killen then put in a strong,
but perfectly, legal tackle on one of their guys who made a complete
meal of it and was shown the yellow for his rather hilarious appeals.
The amusement wore off quickly though as the umpire immediately turned
to Captain Chris Coleman and brandished the very same card - it seems
the official had seen the tackle so clearly that it was adjudged 'terrible'
and was in fact carried out by Coleman. Stranger than fiction.
Somewhere in the middle of that Richmond managed to grab another unmemorable
goal and, despite a fight until the end, THD went down to another
single goal defeat.
Chances had come and gone but the spirit remained throughout and surely
this team's goal scoring drought is about to come to an end? (MK)
Team: Chris Coleman, Dave Casement, Fergus Jagger,
John Craven, James Vicary, Mike Killen, Nick Jacob, Paul Harvey, Nathan
Alfrey (GK), Tom Goricke, Tom Matthews, Matt Davenport, Robby Layton
Umpire: Appointed
Scorer: James Vicary
Next match: Saturday 20th October vs. Teddington
- 15.30 away
Men's 3s vs. Richmond 2As: Lost 4-5
Was pretty much a perfect day. Wake up, bacon sandwich, watch England
in the cricket, watch the men’s 1s whilst making TV debut for
French Channel 2. Insult the French reporter accidentally by mispronouncing
a word and calling her a goat. Run around like headless chickens for
70 minutes conceding for fun at the back because we like to challenge
ourselves. Let Timmy score 3 drag flicks in a row and a diving far
post team wonder, lose narrowly. Go to club and play stupid map game
in a tux, get lockered, abuse Timmy as it's his birthday, win rugby
and that's about it. Remember nothing else. 5.30am? McDonalds? Milkshake
fight?
League's top scorers with 13, league's top conceders with 15. Says
it all. But at least we're scoring.
Team: Jeremy Porter , Wes Cole, Tim Jones, Laurie
Mathers, Ed Gardiner, Foggy, John Holmes, Tobie Allen, Tim Sylvester,
Nick Harris, Joe Griffiths
Umpire: Billie
Scorer: Timmy x 4
Next match: Saturday 20 October vs Old Loughts -
home
Men's 4s vs Indian Gym: Lost 3-1
We lost. Against a team who make the 4s look young and sprightly.
We were shabby, so enough about that game.
Cost of cleaning DJ: £15
Cost of dinner ticket: £25
Money for booze: £100
Watching England beat France with your mates: Priceless (SR)
Squad: Alex (GK), MJ, James, Toby, Ram, Wilsh, Alex,
Norris, Nick, Tom A, Will, George, Aido
Umpire: Riley
Scorer: The AxelFish. Originally to be found in the
River Goyt and Manchester Ship Canal, now migrated to the warmer climes
of Southern England. Colour: Red, Red and Green or White, but never
Blue. A happy go-lucky Fish, normally found in and around the watering
holes near the Thames, often popping up in the most unexpected places
(Guildford). Very friendly and laid back but will attack, verbally
and physically, when repeatedly prodded with a [hockey] stick
MOTM: none worthy
Next game: 20 October vs. Hampstead & Westminster
6s, 11:00 DC
Diamonds vs. Indian Gym 5s: Won 10-0 (Walkover)
Our second League game of the season, another three points. Except
that it wasn’t a game, since IG yet again demonstrated their
aversion to travel, particularly an earlier game (12.00 early?).
So half a dozen of us managed to get up in time for a practice session,
whilst others used the opportunity to either win brownie points with
their partner or fight off a cold.
We’re now top of the table, so let’s enjoy it while it
lasts. Even in our promotion season two years ago, when we finished
second, we never actually made it to the top of the table at any stage.
(BD)
Next game: Saturday 20th October, vs. Spencer 6s
away
Royals vs St Alban’s Citizens: Lost 2–5
We were excellent, battled hard came back from two down and run out
of stamina in the last ten. With less dangerous umpiring, better stamina
and a short corner not being cleared off the line at two-all this
would have been a hugely different game.
If we continue to play with amount of togetherness and heart better
things are round the corner. (CR)
Team: Kim Keats, Mat Chambers, Will Pendrill, Keith
Howick, Mike McKinnon, Chris DeSousa, Stephen Ireton, Connor Bond,
Ben Slater, Adam Bond, Colin Wilkie, Chris Richman
Scorers: Kim Keats, Chris Richman
Next game: 20 Oct vs. Indian Gymkhana away
Dragons vs UCL Academicals: Won 16-0
Now the result would seem to suggest the oppo were a bit pants - they weren't. They even had our goalie for most of the game. The dragons were just LEGEN... wait for it... DARY. Everything they touched turn to Gold... and we are not talking the Spandau Ballet classic! It was like hockey pinball... and we racked up an extra ball repeat bonus. Aido was untorubled at the back in his muscle (fat) vest and cut a dashing figure reminiscent of David Banner in the ending credits to the Hulk - the shabby TV seried as opposed to the cack film. Without question the remaining players oozed class with Gemma, Will & Beano locking down the midfield it was just a question of others queueing up to score - Tim queued more often than Sharon hence his extra goal. Some would suggest it was inspired captaincy - I suspect I was just in the way a lot!
Scorers: Tim (5), Shazza (4), Gemma (3), Beano (3)
& Wes
Team: Piggy (GK), MJ, Will Nurse, Aido, Beano, Wesbian,
Tim, Gemma, Snellers, Shazza, Sarah B, Lou Curry, George & Katie.
Umpire: Si Riley
Social Events
2007/08
Regardless of what happens on the pitch this season we have a massive
amount of social stuff already planned to help you celebrate/commiserate
away from the pitch.
Bonfire Night
Saturday 03 November
Quiz Night
Saturday 17 November
Xmas Party
Saturday 08 December
Dragons' Drinks
Saturday 15 December
Kurry-Oke Night
Saturday 26 January
Race Night
Saturday 23 Februrary
End of Season Dinner
April
see www.thehockeyclub.co.uk/social/events.shtml
for more details...
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General News
