Fri 09-Nov-07
Issue 06
We shall fight them on beaches … we shall fight them on fields
… we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength
in the air… Stirring words for Remembrance Day weekend and more
than a little appropriate with the Men’s 1s travelling down
to the seaside town of Portsmouth for a resounding win in front of
their adoring travelling crowd (of two). On the fields, the Women’s
6s become Team of the Week for their first victory of the season,
while the Women’s 3s are turning their season around with a
forceful 3-0 win. The women’s 1s continue to grind out wins
and yet again the Diamonds are victorious. Growing confidence and
strength indeed…
There are lots of home games this Saturday so plenty of opportunities
to shout and scream in support and share a beer in the clubhouse.
Sarah Longair - Editor
Saturday 17-Nov-07
Quiz Night
Test
your knowledge against the finest brains in the land. Rounds
include current affairs, Art and literature sport, the music
round and the famous picture board.
Teams
max 5, £3 per person.
For
further information contact fundraising@thehockeyclub.co.uk
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Reports by: Gemma Baker, Lucy Muldoon, Mo O’Brien, Charlotte
Hawksley, Shona Chambers, Tom Martin, Wes Cole, Simon Riley, Billy
Dowie & Mark Jones.
Women’s 1s v Richmond 1s: Won 3-2
Will told us in the pre-match team talk that he wanted us to play
90% in their half, even if it wasn’t pretty hockey. Am not sure
we quite made the 90% statistic (although we tried), but there were
moments when we completely adhered to the latter comment. Fortunately,
there were many more moments when there was some great hockey and
the first 5 minutes proved this, when EJ put a great cross in from
the right, Martha’s deflection got blocked by the keeper and
Gemma found herself unmarked in the centre of the circle to sweep
the ball into the net. Woohoo….just the start we wanted. There
were a few more chances made, but Richmond had tightened up their
defence and had started counter attacking with promising results.
We took the lead into half time, and extended our lead through a short
corner 10 minutes into the second half. Unfortunately, it was short
lived as Richmond narrowed the gap a minute later, capitalising on
a mistake out of our defence. However, 1 minute later we were back
up the other end and Alex regained our 2 goal advantage with another
PC. We continued to look dangerous on the break…Alex and Jen
punting the ball up to Martha, Lou, EJ and Sharon, who all exploited
gaps in the defence, but we were unable to make these chances become
more goals. Richmond reduced the deficit with a well struck short
corner and the tempo of the game increased in the final stages as
the oppo looked for the equaliser. Pipes was, as ever, a force to
be reckoned with and kept us in it, plus there were a couple of flare
ups…..including our normally placid new LB Jen, who showed her
mettle towards the end…..but we stayed firm to secure another
3 points.(GB)
Team: Pipes, Alex, Kath, Clare, Jen, Rachel, Gem,
Faye, Martha, Lou, Sharon & Ej
Scorers: Gemma & Alex (2)
MotM: Jointly won by Martha & Alex
Next matches: Saturday 10th Nov v Woking 1a - 11am
at DC (League) and Sunday 11th November v Beaminster – 1.00pm
at DC (Trophy) – all spectators welcome!!!
Women’s 2s vs. Spencer: Lost 3-1
Ummmmmmmm so as ever in the 2s we started off really well with a
great goal from Emma within the first 10 minutes…….woo,
hoo.
We continued on our 0-1 victory for sometime and I can honestly say
that Spencer hardly got a look in our D. That was until they scored
a great short corner and took it 1-1. We lost the game at that moment
I feel on reflection. Us lot at the back were not using each other
to the best we could, far to much play down the middle and far more
many passes direct to them (whoops, that was me, sorry girls!!!).
To give us a little credit in the second half B and Emma were fantastic
at making opportunities for us in the D, just could not get that ball
in the back of the net. Are you bored of reading this yet??????? Oh
the pitch was dreadful and the ball was very slow. Our supportive
coach did tell to use the space and lift the ball slightly so it would
travel further………I don’t think we did it once
though!!!!!!! I enjoyed it, we will get them next time I am sure of
it!!!!!!!!!!! (LM)
Team: Lucy Muldoon, Kate Selway, Hillary Collins,
Sophie Carter, Louise Garvin, Biba Tunnicliffe, Sarah Buxton, Beth
Little, Rachel Trafford, Dulcie, Jo Walford, Bettina Wolf, Emma Kitley
M.O.M: TBC
Umpire: Lou Campbell - BIG THANK YOU
Next game: 9:30am at DC vs Old Cranleighans
Women’s 3s vs. Woking Vets: Won 3-0
Well, what a turn around! Primarily due to an excellent turnout at
training we finally got our game together. Right from the whistle
we managed to put non-stop pressure on Woking, the press working so
well with the forwards running the defence down, that I think only
1 ball got away from us. Due to this immediate pressure the 1st goal
came within 10 minutes with a perfectly placed Jena at the post to
slip in a rebound. Our defence were moving the ball well around the
back to allow some excellent breaks up the right from Erica. The second
goal came before half time with a bit of goal scramble initiated by
Emma (who claims she was just getting her feet around) and driven
home by Mo (who was not).
We had 2 goals disallowed both from Jena, 1 apparently was not a
controlled deflection from a short (?) and the 2nd was actually given
as a goal but when Woking complained the ball was outside the decision
was reversed. Slightly annoying as we were left stranded back at the
half way while Woking were allowed to proceed with their 16. Emma
had a few choice words to announce and was subsequently slapped on
the wrist for her gallant efforts.
Not to worry though, the 3rd and final goal justly arrived for the
shamed Emma with another brilliant move up the right between Jena,
Erica and Emma with Jena laying the ball beautifully onto Emma’s
stick at the top of the D… one strike and into the back right
hand corner. All in all, a really good positive game where everyone
really worked hard as a team. (MO’B)
Team: Rachel Biggs, Lou Curry, Kat Dwyer, Erica
Goldsmith, Jena Kitley, Emma Matabalawu, Mo O’Brien, Emma Parker,
Jo Clarke, Ellie Johnston, Helen Shackleton, Rosie Le Voir.
MOTM: Jena (notable mentions Emma P & Erica)
Umpire: Mark Jones
Next Game: ??? (Thames Valley unable to put team
together for 11th of November)
Women’s 4s: No game
...but a bit of advice from them for everyone.
Next game: Saturday 10 November vs. Wayfarers away.
T5 vs Reigate Priory Ladies' 3s: Lost 1-3
It started well, our 11 girls turned up eager for the first win
of the season, certain this was to be the day. We were undeterred
by the sight that the opposition seemed to have a thousand more players
than ourselves. The two Charlottes were particularly keen to show
their determination. From the start we put the pressure on them, keen
to get in there and get a goal, which after a few moments we managed.
The goal scored by Charlotte was a real team effort showing that determination
and repeated attacks on the opposition’s goalie will eventually
result in the goal. The next significant event of the game was when
the other Charlotte decided to make it her mission not to let the
opposition score, quite a good plan if you are right back. Though
perhaps she went a little to far... we are not sure if the opponent
did suffer from concussion but having a Charlotte land on top of you
is never going to be good! Sadly things then began to disintegrate
a little and the opponents came back hard and some how managed to
get past our killer backs and score a goal or two.
We stopped for a rest at half time and regrouped ready to go out and
show them what we could do. At 2-1 down and them having a thousand
subs and us having none, it wasn't looking hopeful. Shortly into the
second half, Charlotte Hull was able to show that it is a defining
features of "Charlottes" that they are slightly mad and
like to get in the way of balls/opponents/sticks in the name of the
game. Now considering we conceded 2 goals in the 1st half the second
half was I suppose a little better, they scored 1 more goal but sadly
we did not manage to get another one in so the final score line was
3-1. We ended deflated but keenly aware of what our shortfall was
- "fitness", so expect to see us all running lots and lots
at training next week. But as someone said at the end, there were
some sparks of genius, so we remain steadfast, next week....will be
the week (CH).
Team: Helen Blackie, Fatima D'Onofrio, Rachel Fallows,
Helen Fermor, Charlotte Hawksley, Charlotte Hull, Jacqui Kemp, Alanna
MacIntosh, Sarah Newitt, Sally Shepard, Nicole Yost
Scorer: Charlotte Hull
POTM: Charlotte Hawksley
Next match: Saturday 10th November vs. Shirley Phoenix
2s - 11.00 JAGS
TEAM OF THE WEEK
Women’s 6s vs. Reigate Priory Ladies’ 4s: Won 1-0
WOOHOO!! First win of the season!!
Away games in deepest Surrey are always such good fun aren’t
they? Not quite what I was thinking at 10 minutes to push back, finding
myself and 4 of our team about 8 junctions away on the lovely M25.
But God was listening and upon arriving I learned that our 5s had
just started their second half. Thanks big guy!
The sun shone and we started play with several good attempts on the
Reigate goal driven by strong attacking play from Amy, Bridget, Lex
and Andrea. Nothing quite hit home but we showed Reigate that we wouldn’t
be giving them an easy game. Twenty minutes in and that burly bully
Gigi, well known for her dubious conduct was given a warning by the
enthusiastic Reigate umpire. Shoulder charging an opponent apparently.
Anyone else see that pig flying overhead?
The novelty of actually having subs was wonderful, allowing those
of us who were frankly knackered to benefit from a few brief moments
of rest. New player this season, Helen, has certainly found her stride
and gave great support in the midfield. However nothing topped Mags'
death roll when running after the ball, and forgetting to stop when
the wall of the pitch got in the way. Bad wall. It’s ok we didn’t
have to pay for damages.
At half time the score was still 0-0 but a good rallying talking
to by captain Kate seemed to do the trick and we came out fighting.
There were a few hairy moments (and I'm not talking about the umpire)
a raised ball from Reigate came worryingly close to the mark, but
an awesome stick in the air save from Kate made those of us on the
sideline cheer like mad, and left us with a short to defend instead
of a goal down. Len, Jess, Sinead and Charlotte made sure that the
ball soon returned to the rightful end of the pitch.
Further argy bargy ensued when big hitter Sinead got into some trouble
with a player at the back and a green card was given. That umpire
must have been on over time. And speaking of time, with only 8 minutes
to go Bridget managed to win the day for us with a lovely goal, well
deserved after the amount of hassle we put in at their end. This seemed
to wind them up a bit, and they definitely upped the ante, but we
kept them at bay and then cheered like mad once we'd all shook hands,
like the ladies we are. Many thanks for the support provided by Mr
Gigi, Lee you are a star. (SC)
Team: Charlotte Ryan (GK), Kate Straker(C), Shona
Chambers, Jess Beach, Len Price, Sinead Whelan, Andrea Beattie, Amy
Tindale, Mags Ayward, Helen Loftus, Gigi Ho, Lex Price, Bridget Easton.
Scorer: Bridget
Next game: Sat 10th November vs Camberley & Farnborough
Ladies 3 (15.30 DC)
Men's 1s vs. City of Portsmouth 1s: Won 3–1
Two Sporting outfits both hailing from the Historic Naval City of
Portsmouth have surely never before experienced such opposing fortunes.
In fact, holding Portsmouth as a mutual home was as far as the similarities
could be conceivably stretched, certainly last Saturday anyway! The
City of Portsmouth Hockey Club faced a tricky tie v a promising but
often inconsistent THD, to be played ALMOST in the shadow of Fratton
Park (if it stood a little higher) whilst the Steam roller that is
Portsmouth City F.C travelled to Tyneside in an attempt to end a 58
year long hoo doo versus Newcastle.
After a promising opening 10 minutes by THD, characterized by some
neat passing and sustained possession they made their early pressure
count, breaking the dead-lock on 11 minutes. Some tidy play down the
right between Jimmy and Bino resulted in a short-corner, which was
duly dispatched by the latter. Meanwhile, 350 miles up the road a
slightly more experienced Pompey side was ripping Newcastle apart
on their own patch, storming into an unlikely 3-0 lead after just
11 minutes, silencing the vast majority of a 51,490 strong crowd at
St. James' Park.
Despite looking lively on the break the Portsmouth youngsters were
not able to make home advantage count, even with local fans outnumbering
the away support by at least 4-1. The THD faithful turned out in their
droves (2) to their credit, however the noise was perhaps subdued
due to her son's inability to convert the simplest of chances when
it was easier to score and a number of other incidents leading to
a well deserved TFC award. The early good play by THD was also not
as evident as the game drew on with the much talked about "game
plan A" not working as well as it has done, and with more ball
the Pompey hockey lads continued to break away but could not create
the same clear cut chances that their legendary counter parts were
converting in the North East. Even their veteran centre back Sol Campbell
was getting in on the action scoring in the 16th minute, unfortunately
into his own net.
It was THD's young prodigy however that eased the tension slightly
in what was becoming a disjointed affair latching on to a fizzed cross/shot
by Skipper A. Balchin to turn the ball home with the aid of some sharp
reflexes. 2-0. The third was to come again from M.O.M Bino who capped
a decent all round performance with an accurate flick into the top
corner at the second time of asking. The 2 remaining goals to be scored
that day in the 2 featured games were both due to defensive mix ups
with Nico Kranjcar's free kick evading everyone including a stranded
Steve Harper in the Newcastle goal and a failure to clear their lines
from a City of Portsmouth short corner which was eventually bundled
home, but it turned out to be mere consolation. THD had rallied and
held on, comfortably in the end, to win 3 - 1. Consigning a struggling
Portsmouth side to another defeat leaving them rooted to the foot
of the table with their only solace the fact that it was only 6 hours
until Match of the Day, when they could see how it really should be
done!
The only post match reaction that could be obtained came from Spac's
mum, who had this to say, "oh dear...dont worry Tom" and.
"tell you GK he was brilliant", so...well done Piggy, and
finally, that she thought the "whole team seemed a nice bunch",
so well done everybody!
Play Up Pompey AND THD!!! (TM)
Team: Will P Alex Bubs Gary Smudge Jimmy Gaz Sam
Hyphen Andy Rob Tom Arthur
Umpire: Happy that pink was already taken so he could
wear a less embarrassing colour
Scorer: Bino (2) Arthur (1)
Next match: Sat 10th Nov Home v BBHC
Men’s 2s: No game
Next game: 10 November vs. East Grinstead 3s, DC
Men's 3s vs. Richmond Griffiths: Lost 2-1
Off the back of a good win at Maidenhead we were really up for this
match which on paper looked tough, if a little unknown, against a
new team in the league who lost to the lower teams and beat the best.
It was a game we dominated for the first half with good possession
and after a 15 minutes of play in their 25 a loose ball fell to Connor
who under pressure slotted his first 3's goal nicely into the bottom
corner.
The second half was a slightly different story with backs to the
wall for long periods however defending is improving and they had
a strong attack which broke us with 15 to go and again in the last
5 minutes to which we had no reply. So positive are better defending,
a goal from Connor, aspects to work on are in the middle of the field
and a bit of aggression against the kids next week. (WC)
Team: Jeremy Porter , Wes Cole, Alex McDonald, Laurie
Mathers, Connor, Graeme Lyness, Tim Sylvester, Nick Harris, George,
Kieron Norris, Bungle,
Umpire: Adam Taylor
Scorer: Connor
Next match: Saturday 3rd V's Oxford Uni Away
Men’s 4s vs. Hampstead and Westminster Hammers: Lost 2-5
It was the best of times (it was warm and sunny at JAGs), it was
the worst of times (we gifted the oppo a 4-1 half time lead). Like
you may have noticed, dear reader, there is a pattern developing to
our performances. We are the most generous team in London obviously,
giving all sides a healthy half time lead and then making them pay
for our generosity in the 2nd half by giving them a more challenging
35 minutes of hockey. Time for a change methinks.
And we're off the bottom of the table, thanks to Chiswick's poor
goal difference. So every cloud, silver lining etc. (SR)
Team: Alex (GK), MJ, Wilsh, Rambuca, AxelFish, Riley,
Nick the Judge, James the Vicar, Will, Tom A, Tom C, Nozzer
Umpire: Brother of AxelFish. A damn decent chap.
Surprising as he supports Man U
Scorers: Nick, Fat Northern Monkey
Supporter: Mrs Vicar
Next game: Saturday 10 November away vs. Richmond
Diamonds vs. Hampstead & Westminster Spaniards: Won 2-0
Whatever change we've made this season, why didn't we do it last
year? If we knew what it was, we certainly would have done. The Spaniards
were in danger of becoming our bogey team; we had never beaten them
before, and they put four past us without reply at the end of last
season. This time, on their ground, one point behind them in the League,
we beat them 2-0. And we deserved it.
We went 1-0 up after 25 minutes or so, when Simon stole in behind
their defence to nick it past their keeper. It was their keeper who
kept them in the game until Olly buried a short corner rebound 10
minutes from the end. But the most pleasing aspect was that at no
point did the Spaniards ever really look like equalising; we did the
simple things, kept our concentration, kept the ball and gave them
no opportunity to stage the sort of comeback that Surbiton managed
in our previous game. The oppo took a thin layer of gloss off our
celebrations by informing us afterwards that they’d all been
on the lash the previous evening; but we strongly suspect that this
is no rare occurrence in Spanish Catalan Vale, and that they should
by now be well used to coping with the effects of doing so.
We’re now second in the Division, with this week’s oppo
the team above us...... (BD)
Team: Simon Bailey, Olly Walton, Stuart Craig, Nick
Evans, Simon Canter, Stephen Ireton, Adam Smith, Laurie Shotton, Warren
Holme, Bob Morris, JD, Tim Harris
Scorers: Simon, Olly
Umpire: Billy Dowie
Next game: Saturday 10th November, 12.30 home to
OL Gunners
Royals vs. HAC Sutlers: Lost 1-4
Next game: 10 November vs. Richmond Redoubtables
away
Dragons vs. Oldsmiths: Lost 1-4
Not quite as we'd hoped, with more chances than a warehouse full
of monopoly boards and more shots than a vodka bar the Dragons slipped
to an uncharateristic defeat. To liken the match to a game of blind
man's buff where we were all made to play with our legs tied together
in a vat of custard while the oppo zoomed about with night vision
goggles on jet-packs would be unfair... however, if you likened the
game to a water polo match where they had speedboats with laser sighted
missiles and we were in coracles with slingshots flinging rocks with
high metal content at a goal which had an industrial sized magnet
either side of the post ensuring that everything drifted wide you
wouldn't be far wrong... you might need some form of psychiatric treatment
though! (MJ)
Team: Piggy (GK), MJ, Tim, Wes, Vicar, Beano, Jo,
Shazza, Cat, Linds, Claire & Alanna.
Scorers: Tim
Umpire: Mark Annear
Next game: 04 Nov vs. Oldsmiths
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.
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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