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News > Newsletter 2007/08
Newsletter 2007/08
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 07-Dec-07Issue 10
Tis the season to be jolly with the advent of Advent and the nail-biting countdown to the finale of Strictly Come Dancing, the twilight days of 2007 bring a fairly average set of results with a few notable highpoints. At least, better fortune was enjoyed than last week (I like to take full credit for this according to Mark’s reasoning in the last pre-amble..!) Whilst the women’s 1s are already temporarily taking things easy for Christmas, the Women’s 2s, 5s and 6s are the pick of the fairer half of the club, all enjoying satisfying victories and securing crucial pre-Christmas points. Good stuff from the Men’s 3s and 4s, the latter of whom ended their games of 2007 with a cracking win. The Men’s 2s proved how little we learn from past experience, gaining 1 point – as did the Women’s 4s and Men’s 1s.
So, last few games now to gain points before a well-earned, mince-pie and mulled-wine fuelled break, kicking off in traditional THD style with the Christmas party this Saturday. What better way to get in the festive spirit than celebrating with a sociable beer or two in the clubhouse, followed by a chance to strut your stuff to the seasonal strains of Slade and Wham? Christmas wouldn’t be the same without it. Thanks to Mark for taking care of this Pulitzer-nominated publication last week, I couldn’t bear the thought of our readers being bereft of their weekly update of all things hockey and the various random tangents our esteemed writers choose to go off on..!
Sarah Longair - Editor
Reports by: Lucy Muldoon, Georgie Hills, Lynne Ruddick, Faith Geraghty, Kate Straker, Will Pigden, Dan Ellis, Tim Sylvester, Simon Riley, Billy Dowie & Mark Jones.Wimbledon 2As vs. Women’s 2s: Won 4-0
Man alive, we are good 0-4 another great victory for the women’s 2s.
Wimbledon did give us a good fight, but this was not due to them being any better than us - they just knew how to play on their home pitch much better. It was a sticky and horrible pitch to play on. We made the victory look hard work when actually it could have been much easier.
There were a few hairy moments in the D but Dulcie was amazing and did not miss a thing, it would have been a lot different if not for her amazing saves………Dulcie - you certainly deserve your new England player status after this game.
The short corners are working wonderfully still. We are working our way up the league table and I have every confidence we can reach the top!!! Touch wood!!!!(LM)
Team: Lucy M, Biba, Kato, Jo Walker, Jo Walford, EJ, Sophie, Sarah B, Rachel T, Rachel W, Dulcie Scorers: Biba, Sarah B, Jo Walford, Rachel Trafford MOTM: Jo Walker and Jo Walford
Next Game: Saturday 8 th December at DC vs. Croydon ladies 1’s
Women’s 3s vs. Wanderers 2s: Lost 3-0
We took a battering in Battersea; the Wanderers home turf advantage seeing them to a 3-0 win in a closely competed game. The final scoreline belies how evenly matched both teams were in skills and fitness. THD debutante Julie Rhodes made a big impact as sweeper as she swatted away wave after wave of attack. Our first time goal keep should also take a bow. She was particularly impressive; light on her feet and loud of lung as she marshalled her backline like a pro. Territory see-sawed from one end of the pitch to the other throughout the game, but while Wanderers were able to pot three goals in our circle, our opportunities to reply in kind were thwarted time and again. We’re down but not out: the team is determined to make a come back of Take That proportions this Saturday. (GH)
Team: Rachael Biggs, Jo Clarke, Lou Curry, Cat Dwyer, Erica Goldsmith, Georgie Hills, Mo O'Brien, Helen Shackleton, Jena Kitley, Emma Parker, Julie Rhodes Umpire: Kath Sowter MOTM: Georgie Hills
Next Game: vs Mid Surrey Ladies’ 1s, 12.30 Saturday 7 December at Dulwich College
Women’s 4s vs. Purley: Drew 2–2
This week we met the bottom of the league, a team that didn't look like 16-0 losers, a club whose 1s didn't have a game - I smell a rat. Saying that we were fairly rubbish and it was all a bit frustrating - Julia scored early on but they equalised soon after, Ash then scored a great goal (trying to impress the fiancé I believe) The fog was lifting and Julia went on and had a great touch on a ball struck outside the D but they disallowed it due to her celebration not being enough - is this a new rule?! Feeling cheated we then let Purley score another in return. At 2-2 we had all the possession - we pummelled their keeper's pads with shots but just couldn't score. Anna C was vocally sharing her love of the defence (understandable really), the umpire had stopped picking on McLaren but we just couldn't score - luckily we held the scoreline at 2-2 anything else may have induced tears. All in all a bit depressing. Still we remain 3rd in the league and I'm sure the men's 1s learned a thing or two! (LR)
Team: Olivia, Anna C, Rona, Lucy, Linds, Louise, Cathy, Michelle, Charlie, Mary, Kath, Emma, Claire, Julia, Ash Scorers: Julia and Ash MOTM: Julia Umpire: Steve Coaches: Gemma and Sharon (thanks)
Women's 5s vs. University of Surrey Women's 1st: Won 10-1 (no really we did)
Before I start harping on about how flipping brilliant T5 is playing at the moment, I feel I must raise a certain gripe many of our players voiced this weekend. I understand that we play in the Surrey League and that technically allows any team within or near to the Surrey area to play, but I seriously think that certain teams should look at other options, for example, the Outer Mongolian or Saturn leagues (if they exist). In the case of the University of Surrey, I really think they should consider investigating whether there is a women's hockey league on the Moon because I think it is likely to be closer for them than any of the teams in our division and they, and their oppo, would save serious money in fuel costs.
It will come as no surprise then that the majority of players (but not the writer or her passengers for once) were dangerously late turning up to the game on Saturday in Guildford. Nevertheless we still managed to kick some undergraduate posterior which, bearing in mind their average age was 19 and ours was 29 (ok maybe a bit more), was a veritable achievement. Whilst the score may give the impression of a leisurely stroll in Crystal Palace Park for T5, Surrey Uni were actually not a bad side and individually had some good players. Not enough, however, to challenge the strong teamwork, confidence and experience T5 has built up over the last 4-5 weeks.
On another note, and a subject close to many of T5's hearts, we were bitterly disappointed after the game to be told that Surrey Uni had not provided their team with a budget for teas this season. Now I have never been one to go in for student bashing because I can still vaguely remember my heady days drinking toilet cleaner mixed with Hooch post hockey on a Wednesday night, but after a game in the freezing cold wind and the journey from hell, I was prepared to start catapulting rotten tomatoes at the scruffy little beggars. Congratulations go to Del for an amazing 7 goal marathon. Commiserations to the lovely Kenny Logan for finally being kicked off Strictly Come Dancing. Kenny if you are reading, those sleeveless tank tops were not a good look. (FG)
Team: Rachee, Furlong, Sally, Clarkie, Leckie, Dell, Andrea, Yostie, DJ VDL, Fatima, Faith, Charley, Sarah. Scorers: Dell (7), Sarah (1), Rachee (1 - yes really), Clarkie. POTM: Dell Umpires: Ferrett, theirs
Next game: Saturday, 8 December 12.30 JAGS v. Old Georgians 2s
Women’s 6s vs. Addiscombe 2: Won 2-0
It was a battle-scarred and depleted 6s side that headed down to Addiscombe early on Saturday morning, with the captain rather regretting letting so many of her squad have the weekend off, as her 12 at the start of the week had rapidly become 10 by Friday (never again you lot, I can't take the pressure!). Fortunately our ranks were bolstered by new girl Sioned so we did manage to get out a full team, but the winning streak was looking precarious as we blinked helplessly in the early-morning sunshine.
The first half started scrappily as they seemed to have coated the pitch in glue, so none of our passes were going anywhere. Despite this handicap they never looked threatening and we gradually eased into our game, started using the whole width of the pitch and set up some lovely triangles up both wings. Unable to capitalise on the several short corners won, the match was still scoreless when half time came.
Knowing we had the measure of them, and with some sage advice from Charlotte about the inadequacies of their goalie, we attacked from the off in the second half. My team talk had expounded the Zen method of attacking - relax, keep possession, keep the ball up the pitch and then the goals will come. And come they did, with Claire finally breaking the stalemate with a lovely close range strike.
In previous seasons, the 6s would then have gone to sleep and let a goal back in the opposite direction. But not this new and improved version, oh no. They got more and more riled (abusing each other and our ref) so we thought we'd let them have a short corner to keep things interesting (ok, my foot got in the way). Having realised none of our usual runners were playing, we employed the 'just scream at them' tactic, which appeared to work as their push didn't even make it out of the D…
Time for us to make it safe, which we did with a great counter attack up the right wing - four passes starting with Sioned in our half and Amy had a clear run at the goal. And so we made it 4 wins out of the last 5 games, kept another clean sheet, and confirmed we love an audience (thank you to Mr Claire for obliging!). Charlotte complained about getting cold so next weekend we're playing with no defence... (KS)
Team: Charlotte, Sioned, Clare, Kate, Len, Helen, Katie, Mags, Bridget, Amy, Claire
Men’s 1s vs. Banbury: Drew 1-1
As the great Lionel Ritchie once sung (yes, it was a remix)…
I’ve been alone with you inside my mind, I can see it in your dimples,
Andy had this to say after the game…
TH and D, are you listening to me? No man, does it all by himself, Wise words there. ( MWP)
Team: Will Pigden, Gary Boucher, Andrew Eames, Gaz Weir, Chris Smith, Jimmy Ireson, Rob Heath, Alex Speculand, Dave Casement, James Huntley, Andy Balchin, Arthur Mitchell, Sam Hiley Scorer: Gaz Weir MoM: Bubs – exceptional on his return. TFC: Piggy – After all the good he’d done in halves one and two; his difficult third manoeuvre… He was going to get criticised whatever.
Next game: 8 Dec vs. Rover Oxford, DC
Men’s 2s vs. Surbiton 3s: Drew 2-2
1st half - TH were sprightly, energetic and played some great free flowing hockey. This was typified by 3 fantastic goals
2nd half - niggly, heated second half - TH lost their cool and failed to string any good moves together + could not keep possession, the complete opposite of the first half Surbiton deservedly scored 3 goals unopposed and could have won it.
1 December 2007 - Men’s 2s vs. Surbiton 3s: Drew 2-2
1st half - TH were sprightly, energetic and played some great free flowing hockey. This was typified by 2 fantastic goals
2nd half - niggly second half - TH lost their cool and failed to string any good moves together + could not keep possession, the complete opposite of the first half Surbiton deservedly scored 2 goals towards the end.
Lesson's learnt? Hmm....
Next Game: 8 Dec vs. Bromley and Beckenham 3s, DC
Men’s 3s vs. St Albans Senators: Won 4-3
First, to set the scene…
I will always remember the five minutes prior to push back at St Albans as the coldest I have ever been whilst not swimming in a Scottish loch. It was only a couple of degrees above zero, the wind was howling, the rain was lashing down, and our new away shirts are (brilliantly) made out of a fabric that allows water and wind to pass straight through.
Second, the goals: 0 – 1 Connor after 5 mins – good finish following some great teamwork. 1 – 1 St Albans Umpire No. 1 2 – 1 St Albans Umpire No. 1 2 – 2 Harrow drag flick to the bottom left 2 – 3 Ed, great finish from a tight angle after the keeper saved the first shot 2 – 4 George – Incredible run from his own half then buried past the keeper 3 – 4 St Albans Umpire No. 2
Third, the disallowed goals: 1. Blew for a short as the ball was crossing the line – Poor umpiring 2. Actually did hit a THD foot – Fair enough, really. 3. Drag flick into the roof disallowed for being released outside the D – Just plain wrong. It was inside by a clear foot. Not even close to a good decision.
You can probably guess from the bitter undertones, but they were all mine.
Finally, other observations from the day:
Team: Jez, Wes, A Big Woolly Cardigan, Tim J, Charlie, Seamus, Joe, Ed, George, Conor, Nick, Tim S Scorers: Connor, Harrow, Ed, George Umpires: Distinctly, thoroughly St Albans
Next Match – Saturday 8th away at Chiswick
Tornados vs. Spencer: Won 2-1Abso-piggin-lutely marvellous. One of the best team performances ever. Despite numerous pulled muscles, bleeding wounds, general fatness and the club's most flattering (and lucky) skin-tight kit. And so said the players, reporters, supporters and members of the public who watched the game:
Squad : Alex (GK), MJ, Aido, Ram, Wilsh, Riley, Pully, James, Will, Tom A, AxelFish
Diamonds vs. London Wayfarers 4s: Lost 1-6
This was not a pretty sight. Let’s get the positives up front – lovely ball by Warren to Tim in the D, slotted home first time into the corner. Sweet finish. That brought us level at half time, going in at 1-1.
And that’s the end of the positives. Somewhere towards the end of the first half, a carload of “extras” arrived – although where they came from is a mystery to us, since none of them even had a Wayfarers shirt. And in the second half, they ran rings round us and scored five without reply. Their captain claimed after the game that this was his normal squad, and that they had simply clicked on the day. Yea, right.
But we all know we were rubbish anyway. Plenty of effort and commitment, but no shape. We had it sorted earlier in the season, but now it’s disappeared and frustration has crept in. We may still be fourth in the division, but we’re now looking down rather than up. Back to the drawing board. (BD)
Team: Simon Bailey, Jeremy Higgs, Stuart Craig, Olly Walton, Simon Canter, Graeme Evans, Stephen Ireton, Adam Smith, JD, Warren Holme, Tim Harris, Irfan Begg Scorer: Tim Umpire: Billy Dowie
Next game : Saturday 12th January, home at JAGS to Wimbledon, 11.00 (although will arrange practice session for 5th January)
Royals vs. Spencer Titans: Lost 1–4
Sometimes in life things just don’t add up.
Take for instance last weekend (in the hockey). A fairly experienced team, boasting upwards of 150 years of hockey playing knowledge, contrived to allow its opponents to find their way through one too many times. It’s not that this Spencer side – newly formed as an Academy team and consisting of ex-1s and 2s players plus teenagers – didn’t deserve to win, it’s just that they didn’t deserve to win by so much.
We’re taught that at certain levels of hockey-playing getting a short corner is tantamount to almost getting a goal: The Name Of The Game is converting those chances and a reasonable conversion rate should be at least one in two, if not more [Basic scenario: One Of Us injects the ball; the receiver shouts Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! and lays it on to the striker; Bang-a-Boomerang; and Thank You For The Music; 1-0]. Respect to our four defenders and Matheu that our opponents didn’t manage to get one in twenty. It equalled our nought in one attempt on their goal anyway.
From there on however, the story is not a happy one for the team. Giving the ball away too often in midfield, and lacking sufficient penetration up front to match our opponents, THD suffered, and lost. Alas, the Winner Took It All.
So ends the team report – but to end the story of the match there would be an injustice. So many players had good games – Matheu continued to improve in goal (in his first season in the net), and without him we would have conceded far more; Will was a Super Trouper and played remarkably considering the amount of blood in his alcohol stream; Peter forced his opponents back and further back with each challenging foray; Iain, in his second game with us, was a constant threat on the right; Mike stormed in on the left and, with customary flair and picking his spot with perfection, scored our first goal for many weeks; Ben ‘Dancing Queen’ Slater provided the big shots up front that we missed the weekend before (when we summoned him to left back); and Akash began to unleash the cover drive that he has so often threatened up front.
So many players put in good performances – some of them excellent – but sometimes that just isn’t enough. As ABBA might once have said, Adding Up Is Never Easy – there’s teamwork involved too.
Money Money Money.
Team: Matheu Chambers (GK), Will Pendrill, Peter Malkin, Mark Jones, Mark Annear, Ben Slater, Iain Leverett, Colin Wilkie Jones, Simon Riley, Akash Bharadia, Mike Wright Scorer: Mike Wright Umpire: Mike McKinnon – Thank You For The Umpiring
Next game: 12 Jan vs. PHC Chiswick
Dragons vs. Optimists: Won 5-4
While hockey can be fun, it is undeniable that Fainting Goats are even more fun due to the absolutely pointlessness of their existence... can someone seriously explain how they haven't all been eaten by wolves?
A fainting goat is a breed of domestic goat whose external muscles freeze for roughly 10 seconds when the goat is startled. Though painless, this generally results in the animal collapsing on its side. The characteristic is caused by a hereditary genetic disorder called myotonia congenita. When startled, younger goats will stiffen and fall over. Older goats learn to spread their legs or lean against something when startled, and often they continue to run about in an awkward, stiff-legged shuffle.
Slightly smaller than standard breeds of goat, fainting goats are generally 43 to 64 centimetres (17 to 25 in) tall and can weigh anywhere from 27 to 75 kilograms (50 to 165 lb). They have large, prominent eyes in high sockets, and exist in as many colors as standard breeds do. Hair can be short or long, with certain individuals producing a great deal of cashmere during colder months. (MJ)
Team: Piggy (GK), MJ, Chris Coleman, Charlie Krasun, Will Lucas, Eddie Webfeet, Axel F, Aido, Katie, Hoots McLaren, Shazza, Cuzza, Snellers & Vicky Wright. Scorers: Aido (2), Vicky, Ed & Coleman Umpire: Everyone
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... |
