Fri 23-Nov-07
Issue 08
Compared to the finesse displayed during the goal extravaganza last
weekend, lacklustre overall the word for it this week (echoing the
decidedly average national side’s attempt at international competition
qualification). Those who won (Women’s 1s, Women’s 5s)
ground out close victories, and there were draws and a few losses
here and there. That is, apart from the women’s 2s who joined
the goal parade one weekend late, but nonetheless, 11 – 1 against
long-term foes Purley is an extremely welcome scoreline and secures
them Team of the Week accolade. Proving, however, that we excel socially
more often than on the pitch, the now annual Quiz night was enjoyed
by many. It was duly packed full of trivia washed down by a few beers
and gave a chance to reveal latent creativity with the Play-do round,
all flawlessly organised by Chris and Len – many thanks to them.
The BBC weathermen have promised me that it’ll be a dry weekend
– and what better way to enjoy it than hockey on Saturday followed
by supporting the women’s 1s in their bid to retain their trophy
crown on Sunday – DC at 13.30 –they would really appreciate
any cheers from the sideline. And don’t forget disco tickets
are now available from your captains…
Sarah Longair - Editor
Saturday 08-Dec-07
Xmas Party
The
fun, frivolity and funkiness happens in the Clubhouse on Saturday
8th 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!
|
Reports by: Rachael Fallows, Gemma Baker, Katie Stone, Andy Balchin,
Nathan Alfrey, Simon Riley, Billy Dowie & Mark Jones.
Quiz Night: Saturday 17 November
Quiz master Chris Coleman and his lovely assistant Len organised
another fantastic THD quiz night event. While the tin foil didn’t
make an appearance this year, the creative talents of the quiz attendees
were again put to the test, this time with a play-dough challenge
to make something starting with a T, H and/ or D. Lively debate ensued
throughout the course of the night with questions such as ‘how
many underground stations are within zone one?’. However the
big question that remains unresolved is how the winning team, ‘We
Knew There Would Be Play-Dough’ managed to have more than the
double the number of people on the team than was allowed. (RF)
Women’s 1s vs. Wanderers: Won 1-0
This was probably the most difficult 3 points we have earned this
season so far….Wanderers started quickly, hustled us off the
ball, were first to every loose ball and were aggressive in their
press. But after the initial shock had subsided and we realised that,
by them having everyone on the left hand side of the pitch, there
was quite a lot of space on the right (and vice versa), we started
being able to penetrate the gaps and generated a few decent attacks.
But the first half was a bit of a stalemate, albeit played at quite
a frenetic pace….we had a couple of breaks, but nothing came
to fruition and the whole team had to work hard in the first half
to break the oppo down and stop them playing how they wanted to (fortunately,
respite came when the ball was knocked off the sidelines and disappeared
behind the spectator stands, giving us time to get our breath back).
So, 0-0 at half time it was still all to play for. Fortunately, THD
came out with more fight in the second half. We pressed them hard
into their corners, put pressure on their defence and our forwards
started picking up the spills. Neither side produced many clear-cut
chances, but the shots that were pulled off were all quality and required
decent saves by both keepers – both Bettina and Gemma were denied
amazing goals by the Wanderers keeper! But the deadlock was broken
when Lou and EJ had the oppo pinned down in their left hand corner….Lou
nicked the ball off a Wanderers defender, found Sharon at the top
of the circle and the rest, as they say, is history….the all
important goal had been scored. Keeping Wanderers from equalising
in the last 15 minutes was easier said than done, but THD battened
down the hatches, dug deep and broke down their attacks. Pipes kept
her second clean sheet of the league with some great saves, one of
which came right at the end of the match, when the oppo pulled off
a decent shot which Pipes eased round the post with an outstretched
leg (in fact, the umpire’s timer had indicated the end of 70
minutes some 2 minutes earlier, but perhaps we were playing Man U….??).
(GB)
Squad: Pipes, Alex Crawford, Kath Sowter, Clare
Byrne, Rachel Lander, Bettina Wolff, Jenny Thomas, Sarah Beddoes,
Gemma Baker, Faye Billing, EJ Barry, Lou Morgan, Sharon Smith &
Martha Kemp nee H-J
Scorer: Shazza
MotM: Pipes
Next match(es): Saturday 24th v Sunbury: 12.30 at
DC (League)
Sunday 25th v Chichester: 1.30pm at DC (Trophy – all support
welcomed)
Women’s 2s vs. Purley Walcountians: Won 11–1
The score line speaks for itself… the Women’s 2s kicked
some series backside last weekend. This report will try and give some
praise for you all as you all deserve it!!!
Although Purley were weak side we kept our game and played to nearly
our full potential. Some wonderful goals from Sarah B and Emma K.
So great to watch from the back. We played quick balls and kept it
red which was important for us in this game. Biba took charge of some
lovely short corners and captained the forward line well. Jo Walker
on the LB playing some excellent balls down the line and really made
that position her own. I played in the middle at the back and it was
again great to have such a composed and confident LB by my side. Sophie
amazing as ever!!! Kato - what would we do with out you, you keep
Sophie and me in check and keep your cool with some great over-the-stick
skill and good distribution. Jo W your speed is phenomenal. Sarah
J not a foot wrong the whole game amazing stuff!!
By the 9th goal it was getting embarrassing for us because we were
so good, so we let Purley have a goal just to make them feel better…
we are such a nice team.
Team: Lucy M, Kato, Biba, Sophie, Jo Walker, Sarah
J, Sarah B, Emma K, Rachel T, Jo Walford
Umpire: Mark Annear
Scorers: Sarah B, Emma, Rachel
Next match: Saturday 24th November home at DC 11am
push off vs. Old Georgians
Women’s 3s vs. Epsom 3s: Lost 1-4
It was grey. It was wet. It was miserable. And unfortunately the
match provided no silver lining to those clouds. Not a whole lot to
say except that the scoreline really didn’t represent the match.
We were more than a match for Epsom and after numerous goal scrambles
we couldn’t seem to put the ball in. Unfortunately they did.
We went 2 goals down at half time and tried valiantly to keep our
heads up and get back into the game. We found our second wind in the
last 20 minutes, even though they had put away another 2, where we
really stepped up a gear and put together some really good attacks
putting Epsom under a lot of pressure. We put ourselves into difficulty
by playing too much on the left unlike against Woking where all of
our goals came from moves created on the right and as they had some
really good solid players at the back we were unable to manoeuvre
them out of the game. Despite this we kept the pressure on and with
a superb strike from Ellie we claimed our first and truly deserved
goal. As I said not a score line deserved of the match but we put
a good effort in….just not enough goals.
Finally an important message from George Hills on behalf of the team
and Club to the very lovely man who stepped into umpire from Thames
Valley 1’s as we were left short.
“Dear Jimmy
This weekend, your team member Phil came to our rescue and umpired
for the Tulse Hill and Dulwich Ladies 3s match against Epsom.
Gentleman that he is, he generously agreed to step in for us at
the very last minute. Please pass on our huge appreciation to Phil
for his time. It was very sporting of him – and of your team,
some of whom stayed behind until he was finished whistle blowing
duties – to help us out.
With warm wishes and thanks from all of us in the Tulse Hill &
Dulwich Ladies 3s.“
Georgie Hills
Team: Rachel Biggs ,Jo Clarke, Lou Curry, Cat Dwyer,
Ellie Gardner, Erica Goldsmith, Georgie Hills, Jena Kitley, Mo O'Brien,
Olivia Salau, Helen Shackleton
Scorer: Ellie Gardner
Umpire: Very lovely man Phil (Thames Valley 1’s)
Next Match: 24 Nov vs Old Kingstonians Ladies 1’s
@ JAGS
25 Nov vs Raynes Park Ladies 1’s @ DC –Rescheduled due
to double booked pitch
Women’s 4s match was forfeited – W/O to THD
Next match: 24 Nov vs. London Edwardians away
Women’s Team 5 vs. Barnes Hounslow Ealing 6’s: Won 3-2
At last Team 5 is starting to make their move into the ‘winners’
league. This match was a spirited performance by all eleven players
who worked hard to support and encourage one another, in the knowledge
that not only did we have no subs but also no goalkeeper. The game
started off promisingly with a quick goal by Del, however the opposition
managed to equalise just before the half time.
Team 5 came out with all guns firing after the break and snuck another
goal over the line and just as we started to feel that a win might
be in sight, the right wing from Barnes came storming down the line
and cracked a flying shot into the goal to make it 2-2. The clock
ticked on, 30 seconds to go before the final whistle and the unexpected
happened with Fermor sending a shot into the attacking D, there was
confusion and chaos, sticks flying, no one knew what was happening.
Eventually to the surprise of all on the pitch the ball finally pottered
over the line. Yes, we did it!
Team: Nicole Yost, Fatima Dorima, Charlie Hull,
Helen Clarkee/ Blackie, Helen Fermor, Rachael Fallows, Faith Geraghty,
Alanna MacIntosh, Andrea Vicari, Jacqui Kemp and Del Van Eden
Scorers: Del x 2, Helen
Umpires: Barnes
Next match: 24th November 10.30am, playing Cheam
at Crystal Palace Bar Pitch
Women’s 6s vs. Bank of England: Drew 2-2
There we were again, up against the old ladies but hold on..... they
seem to have put the grey haired few out to pasture and moved their
grandchildren in. They started off with gusto but we soon knocked
the wind out of their blue rinse with the whole team working together
using the width of the pitch, passing the ball around retaining possession
and keeping the pressure on. Kate experienced the ball whizzing past
her nose on a few occasions only to get back chat from the oppo when
she complained, something about heat and kitchens..... this is quite
probably the most unfriendly team in the league and at times we all
got a bit riled but we kept our heads and walked away with a respectable
draw. Bring it on for the return match. (KS)
Team: Charlotte, Sinead, Kate, Clare, Len, Andrea,
Katie, Mags, Gigi, Lex, Claire, Rachel
Scorer(s): Gigi (2)
Mascot: Lee
Umpire: Aido
Next match: Sat 24th 15:30 DC v Berrylands
Men’s 1s vs. Winchester (Away): Lost 2-3
Date: Sat 17th Nov 2007
Time: 0900
Venue: Deeside Golf Club, Bieldside, Aberdeen
Opposition: Balchin Snr
It was a cold and blustering morning on the north east cost of Scotland.
Playing with a set of borrowed clubs, I knew it was going to be a
tough match against the battle hardened veteran on his home course.
The tee shots at the first did nothing to settle my nerves. My father
drilled a three wood at the flag in response to my duck hooked 3 iron
into the rough on the left. Fortunately, the old-timer’s short
game has deserted him in recent years and I managed to scramble a
half. The second was a long par four and a couple of solids shots
and I left the green “one up”. Neither player took the
game by the scruff of the neck, leaving the lead to be exchanged a
number of times. It was not until the turn, when my dad hit his stride
and won 3 holes on the bounce, that a “2 hole” lead was
held. At this point my thoughts moved to considerations of defeat,
but remembering some of TH&D’s matches earlier this season,
I realised that sometimes you don’t necessarily need to be playing
the best to win the match. At this point, I knew I would need to resort
to some alternative methods to gain the upper hand. Following a particularly
poor tee shot of mine on the 15th I mentioned to my father that I
hope that his bad shoulder & bad back, my superior scrambling
skills, etc., etc. would play a part in the outcome of the match.
Unusually, my father seemed to have been taking mental strength lessons
from Rob Heath and the cracks started to appear. From then on, I won
3 consecutive holes and clawed myself back into contention to go down
the last “up by one”. Following his only poor tee shot
of the round, I firmly shut the door in the 60-something’s face
to record a magnificent victory. As my father summed up on returning
to the house, he was in fact second! In the evening, the whole family
had a good time at my mum’s 60th and the following day was spent
in front of the television nursing the customary hangover!
As for Match between Tulse Hill & Dulwich 1st XI and Winchester,
as I was not there, I am unable to expand much more than the fact
that “We were second”. However, following a stitch up
only bested by that given to Gaz away to Wimbledon last year, it is
my duty to compile the match report…..And I do not have only
tales of doom and gloom…… There were some fine individual
performances from Fez, Spaceman Spac, Alex Speculand and Banners.
We took the lead half way through the first half through a stunning
goal from the Spaceman, we conceded just before the break. In the
second half, Winchester took their chances and of the many chances
we created; only Fez showed the necessary composure to convert. (AB)
Team: M Pigden, G Boucher, R Banwell, G Weir, C
Smith, A Speculand, J Ireson, S Hiley, A Brown, T Martin, A Mitchell,
R Heath, D Casement
Scorers: Dave “Fez” Casement, Tom “Spaceman
Spac” Martin
Man of the Match: Dave “Fez” Casment
Thanks for Coming: A Balchin
Next match: 24 Nov Eastcote (away)
Men's 2s vs. London Wayfarers 2s: Drew 3-3
After finally finding their goal scoring boots last week Tulse Hill
and Dulwich men’s 2’s were hoping to carry forward some
momentum into this week’s fixture against Wayfarers, the team
directly above them in the league. Both teams started at full pace
with chances at both ends, but THD took the early initiative with
quick passing down the right to allow Jacob in to beat the keeper
on his near post for his 3rd of the season (yeah, pathetic isn’t
it?!). THD continued to press and were soon rewarded a short corner
for their efforts which was duly converted with a flick from Nurse,
2-0. The 2 goal cushion was clearly not one THD could afford to sit
on as Wayfarers continued to press hard and create chances. Playing
high up the pitch they eventually forced an error from the THD back
line and were gifted their 1st of the game shortly before half time.
With their spirit high, the Wayfarers pushed for a second and converted
again just before the break, 2-2.
The second half started at just as high a pace as the 1st had finished
and THD soon regained the lead with some more smooth passing and a
fine finish from Killen. The lead was short lived as Wayfarers came
straight back, converting the rebound from a short corner. Both teams
continued to battle hard to the end (well almost). With THD finally
looking in control and looking to close the game out bombarding the
Wayfarers D, the fine staff at our national sports stadium wanted
to get to the pub in time for the Kev-ball so switched off the lights
leaving 22 very frustrated players on the pitch with 5 minutes left
to play. Given THD’s record in the last 5 minutes of recent
fixtures, maybe this wasn’t such a bad thing! (NA)
Team: Nathan, Chris, Dan, Robby, Tom M, Ferg, Paul,
Will N, Mike, Nick, Tom G, John N
Umpire: Mr. Simon Riley
Scorers: Nick Jacob, Will Nurse, Mike Killen
Next match: 24/11/07 Wimbledon DC 2pm
Men’s 3s: No game
Next match: 24 Nov vs. Wimbledon away
Tornados vs. Teddington: Drew 2-2
First up, an apology to the now-injured men's club captain for forgetting
to include him on the previous week's teamsheet and neglecting to
mention his marvellous shot into the top left corner of the goal.
Many humble apologies. I offer no excuse, other than my own incompetence.
Maybe when he's recovered from his current back injury, he'll remember
to shoot from inside the D next time....
Anyhoo. Tardiness, drinking and hockey injuries decimated the side
this week, resulting in an almost unheard of miniscule squad of 12
for the start of the game and that was including the gloriously sun-kissed
Chris Coleman (arriving at DC amidst utterings of Dale Winton, orange
and tan-in-a-bottle). The AxelFish took a smack to the thumb early
on, so headed off to fill in an injury form receive treatment. Obviously
the sight of team-mates' claret spurred the lads into action, led
from the front by MOTM Lozzer - the only person to ever win MOTM and
DOTD for the same performance on the pitch.... still, meant an extra
£2 towards the end-of-season-tour fund, so every cloud, silver
lining etc.
Storming performances from the rest of the squad too, Pully bossing
the midfield, Will and James tearing up and down the flanks, and ever-dependable
Wilsh shoring things up at the back. The short corner conversion ratio
was improved further, 2 from 3 this week. Calls for the Fat Slapper
to be included in the next England squad have been met with resounding
silence from the EHA. More fool them, it’s a great stick for
hitting the ball really, really hard....
There followed 2 defence-wide lapses in concentration, 2 goals for
the oppo and the points were shared. 2 points dropped, rather than
1 gained... still, all very positive and encouraging for our annual
trip to Chigwell. (SR)
Squad: Alex (GK), MJ, Ram, Riley, Wilsh, Pully,
James, Will, Axel, Coleman, Tom A, Lozzer, Nozzer
Umpire: Mr THD himself, Aidan Brock
Coach: Peter - one day we'll listen to your advice....
Scorers: Tom A (owner of the Fat Slapper), Northern
Monkey
MOTM & DOTD: Lozzer
Next week: 24 Nov away vs Old Loughts
Diamonds vs. Southgate 5ths. Drew 1-1
After our fine displays so far this season, this was the first real
disappointment. We never lifted our performance to previous levels,
and lacked a cutting edge all game. Once again, our goal came from
a short corner set piece, with Stuart burying it sweetly. Our best
chance otherwise was saved off the line at shoulder height –
by one of our own players (anon)! Worryingly though, when we did push
forward, we left holes for them to exploit and were grateful for Simon's
solidity in goal.
Still in fourth place, but in danger of having to settle for a mid-table
place unless we perk up. (BD)
Team: Simon Bailey, Rob Thomas, Stuart Craig, Olly
Walton, Graeme Evans, Stephen Ireton, , Laurie Shotton, Conor Bond,
Warren Holme, JD, Bob Morris, Irfan Begg
Scorer: Stuart
Umpire: Billy Dowie
Next game: Saturday 24th November, 12.30 home to
Old Loughts 5ths at JAGS.
Royals vs. Maidenhead Mags: Lost 5-2
Team: Mark Jones (GK); Keith Howick, Mike McKinnon,
Chris De Souza, Mark Annear; Colin Wilkie Jones, Adam Bond, Ben Slater,
Tim Smith, Akash Bharadia, Gareth Norris, Ed Allen, Mike Wright
Scorers: One superbly taken short corner by Keith
Howick; one outrageous diving thump in open play by Ben Slater - had
us stunned.
Dragons vs. Sinners: Won 3-1
This week instead of a match report here is more useful information.
This is particularly useful in the current climate...
Underwater hockey (also called Octopush) is a non-contact
sport in which two teams compete to manoeuvre a puck across the bottom
of a swimming pool into goals.
Players wear a diving mask, fins, and a snorkel for play. Safety
gear includes a water polo style cap, a mouthguard, and a glove for
the playing hand (to protect against pool-bottom abrasion and, in
some designs, knuckle protection against puck impact). Because current
rules permit a player to switch the stick between hands mid-play,
players may choose to wear a protective glove on both hands. The stick
is quite short (according to recent rules, not more than 350mm. in
length, including the handle) and is colored white or black to indicate
the player's team. In tournament play, the color of the stick, swimwear
and cap are randomly assigned to each teams before every game. The
puck is approximately the size of an ice hockey puck but is made of
lead or similar material and is surrounded by a plastic covering,
which is usually matched to the pool bottom to facilitate good grip
on the stick face while preventing excessive friction on the pool
bottom. The puck's weight brings it to rest on the pool bottom, though
can be lofted during passes. The goals are three meters in width and
lie at opposite ends of the playing area.
Two teams of up to ten players compete, with six players on each
team in play at once. Substitution happens continually from a substitution
area, which may be on deck or in the water outside the playing area,
depending on tournament rules. Before the start of play the puck is
placed in the middle of the pool, and the players wait in the water,
touching the wall above the goals they are defending. At the start-of-play
signal, in-play members of both teams are free to swim anywhere in
the play area and try to score by sending the puck into the opponents'
goal. Play continues until either a goal is scored, and players return
to their wall to start a new point, or a break in play is signaled
by a referee (whether due to a foul, a time-out, or the end of the
period of play).
As you could imagine, underwater Hockey is not very spectator friendly.
(MJ)
Team: Piggy (GK), MJ, Chris Coleman, Will Lucas,
Fat Camel, Jacobs, Jo Walford, Cat, Len, Shazza, Snellers & Alanna.
Scorers: Jo Walford, Shazza & Jacobs
Umpire: Si Riley
Next game: 25 Nov vs. Daquiris
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.
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... |
General News
