Fri 14-Dec-07
Issue 11
God rest ye merry gentlemen – well apart from the Men’s
1s, that’s what the boys were up to (or the men’s 2s and
3s probably wished they were on a day of epic filthy weather). On
the contrary, Ding Dong Merrily on High for the women with all five
teams who played on Saturday winning convincingly, the women’s
6s enjoying a particularly effortless victory. The merriment continued
in the evening, described in wonderful detail by Lucy – highlights
include, as always, Jackie’s buffet, followed by a close second
by the blonde Brian May inhaling vimto and the 4 shepherds stripping
(or were they the four wise men?) Well, minor detail, nativity characters
nonetheless acting not quite like they do in the traditional story
but keeping the assembled crowds much amused. Many thanks to Lucy,
Emma and Chris for all their organisational efforts. Also, good effort
to the women’s indoor team – read on for details of their
attempts to get to the finals. Last games of 2007 this weekend –
good luck to y’all.
Sarah Longair - Editor
 |
Saturday
15-Dec-07
Dragons
Xmas Drinks
Time to
celebrate as the year is almost at a close and the hockey has
ceased for the winter break. Why not come along a make a different
kind of pass!?! All welcome... you don't have to play mixed
to join in the fun!
Drinks:
The
Sun, Clapham Old Town
Dodgy
dancing: Cafe
Sol Dos
From 7.30pm
in the Sun... or earlier!!!!
For further
information contact dragons@thehockeyclub.co.uk |
Reports by: Lucy Snell, Mo O’Brien, Lynne Ruddick, Andrea
Vickery, Kate Straker, Andy Balchin, Tim Sylvester & Wes Cole.
Christmas Party 07
And so it was with festive cheer and much anticipation that the social
secs and their lovely elf-like assistants turned up to the club house
to decorate for the expected masses... first order of the evening
was of course to start getting in to the festive spirit... As usual,
the women’s 4’s were amongst the first to arrive and their
enthusiasm to celebrate the winter season following a fantastic win
earlier in the day was there to be seen through out the night... (well,
if you will make me write the report Coleman, you’ll get shameless
comments about a top team!). The lass to lad ratio certainly didn’t
favour the women but the celebrations were wholehearted nonetheless
and included a smattering of juniors.
The most notable efforts for festive outfits were from Bino, Piggy,
Wes and Tim who rocked up looking like one of their nans had just
cut up her finest bed cover from the 70’s and draped it over
them (cracking effort boys!)... and not forgetting a slightly delayed
entrance from a very cheery fairy who seemed to morph as the night
advanced... to be fair, I am not sure which version was the most appreciated
by the crowd!
The raffle had a good range of chocolates and alcohol to tempt the
revellers as well as vouchers for sports massages and personal training
sessions for the more healthy minded of the attendees. A big thanks
to all the donors and purchasers of the tickets and apologies to all
those who were disappointed not to win a prize or two.
The festivities continued with the female side of the club dominating
the dance floor and in timeless fashion, most of the blokes were hanging
around the bar . . . after much debate and negotiation, a good number
of the (by then) very merry members of the club descended on Escape
(and I hesitate to say this) ‘nightclub’ which was a mere
staggering/hobbling distance away . . . from there the night continued
with the usual chat, banter, dancing/bum wiggling, drinking and general
getting to know each other better . . . All I can say is thank-whatever-deity-you-pray-to
that mixed hockey had been cancelled for the next day!
And all that just leaves is for myself, Chris and Emma to say that
we hope you enjoyed the night and to have a very merry festive season!
Oh and good luck to all those who still have games remaining!
See you all in the New Year for Kurry-oke!
Your Tireless Social Secs (LS)
Women’s 2s vs. Croydon 1s: Won 4–0
Next game: Saturday 15 Dec vs. Richmond away
Women’s 3s vs. Mid Surrey Ladies 1s: Won 5-0
Despite the dreadful weather we couldn’t have asked for a better
score line. We really needed to win this one after our long losing
streak and we did it emphatically. The succession of goals are a bit
hazy (as was the rest of the evening…ahem). Helen opened the
tab with one of her classic touches off a cross. A big congrats to
Erica who was terribly surprised at scoring not 1, but 2 goals off
open play. Parky managed to hit a defenders foot who very kindly kicked
it in for her and yours truly hit straight strike home from a short.
We were gifted this week with extra players and a big thanks to Kath
from the 1’s who rolled our subs for us. It was a fabulous all
round team effort with great defending and movement across the pitch.
The mids and forwards were also working great together with some excellent
breaks which caught their defence off guard several times. We should
have really put away more from those breaks but with our first win
in a long time and 5-0 to boot, who’s complaining!
Highlights of the game:
1: Mo, not just playing the ball on her knees, but dodging a player
and making a great pass to Lou. And no whistle. Magic.
2: Parky coming on to sub and running towards the wrong end and
the wrong side of the pitch. Nice one Parky.
3: Erica’s stunned expression after scoring twice (MO’B)
Team: Rachel Biggs, Jo Clarke, Lou Curry, Erica
Goldsmith, Georgie Hills, Jena Kitley, Emma Matabalawu, Mo O'Brien,
Emma Parker, Julie Rhodes, Helen Shackleton, Philippa (GK), Rosie
Le Voir, Beth Little
Umpires: Anna Barrett and Mark Jones
Scorers: Erica (2), Emma, Mo & Helen
Motm: Rachel Biggs
Next Match: Tulse Hill & Dulwich 3s v University
of London 1s Away (15 Dec 10 30 @ CP)
Women’s 4s vs. Cranleigh 1s: Won 3-0
A drizzly start for the ladies 4's ended with rays of sun shining
on everyone, despite the pounding rain and sub zero temperatures!
Our opposition Cranleigh, were no match for us! We got off to a great
start, keeping possession, playing adventurously round the back and
pushing high, our red shirts dominating their D. The first goal came
from a free hit just outside the circle, bounced of a player or two
and was swept over the goal line by Claire.
Play carried on with some blinding runs from Claire and sneaky steals
by Julia off the opposition. The second goal again came from a free
hit and off Emma's touch, their keeper kindly let it right through
her legs. Several short corners got saved but some great passing created
many more opportunities than the score reflects.
In the 2nd half our newly confident defence kept the opposition guessing
and fed the ball out nicely to the wings. Emma got the 3rd goal, we
stuck to our game and Cranleigh rarely got a look in. They weren't
all bad but still, we hammered 3 goals home and took all the points!
As long as hangovers aren't as big as the storm clouds this Saturday,
we're on for another victory! (LR)
Team: Emma B, Claire P, Julia B, Charlotte H, Mary
C, Kath O, Anna S, Anna C, Lou R, Cathy G, Rona F, Olivia S, Lucy
S, Linds M, Michelle L
Supporter: Lynne R
Scorers: Claire, Emma (2)
Man of Match: Emma, Olivia, Span
Next game: vs. Byfleet 10.30am pushback at Winston
Churchill School.
THD Team 5 vs. Old Georgians: Won 3-1
The conditions couldn't have been worse for a hockey match. The rain
and wind swept across the JAGS pitch and for a while when the opposition
failed to show we thought we would claim the points and just go to
the pub. However at the eleventh hour they appeared 2 short and looking
very unorganised. Despite being near the top of the league they didn't
show any evidence of superior skill or fitness and THD dominated the
pitch. Del didn't manage her usual 7 goals or ball breaking antics
but put a neat goal in the net. Helen Blackie used a pass across the
goal to shoot precisely and her 2nd goal made it 3-1 to THD.
Sally did her usual excellent job of saving goals and had some quite
hard accurate shots to deal with. Generally we were playing 'thinking'
hockey and the passing was exemplary. Times are a changing for the
5th team! (AV)
Team: Kate Leckie, Helen Blackie, Helen Fermor,
Fatima, Del, Faith, Rachael, Nicole, Charlie, Alanna, Andrea, Sally
MOTM: Andrea Vicary
Scorers: Del(1), Helen Blackie (2)
Next game: THD vs UCL academicals away at 1in Thames
Ditton
Women’s 6s vs. Thames Valley 2s: W/O
Bailed on Friday – must have been scared of our run of results
that they couldn't face coming over to DC for a hiding! (KS)
Next game: 15 Dec vs. Spencer 5s away
Men’s 1s v Rover Oxford: Won 8-0
Arriving at Tooting Bec International Airport, we were welcomed by
a delay to the 0955 departure to Oxford Brookes Aerodrome - the punctuality
of some of the younger members of the crew being more “The Late
Show” than “Breakfast News”. Once check in and security
control were negotiated, we followed co-pilot Smith’s preferred
flight path over the skies of West London in our four-seater Cessna-hatchback.
Things took a turn for the worse when a combination of air-traffic
control strikes, strong head winds, heavy rain, electrical storms
and an unscheduled stop at the Shell Petrol Skyport for re-fuelling
and provisions, further delayed our progress to the Debating Finals
at the UK’s capital of academia. The ETA moved back 40minutes
and radio communications were made to the welcome party to delay the
ceremonies accordingly. Following a soft landing, we were taxied into
our gate by Air Ireson to scenes of jubilation and euphoria. Unfortunately,
this was short lived at news that the previous plane had still not
left the gate. Following 30 minutes of waiting on the runway, we eventually
stepped out on to the red carpet to face the opposing Rover Oxford
team.
The TH&D team, buoyed by victorious draw the previous week, set
about their task of de-constructing Rover Oxford over 70 minutes.
An early point was scored when a short question was powerfully answered
by Master Nurse. Rover Oxford failed to answer their counter question,
so it was left up to Master Casement to secure a second point after
the argument foundations were laid by Master Hyphen. Some cheap shots
were dished out by both teams and appeals were made to the judges
to step in, but it was only Master Ireson that received a warning
for conduct not becoming of a gentlemen. Following some particularly
robust Rover Oxford counter questioning, Masters Ireson and Hyphen
scored further points with panache and flair – much to disappointment
of the watching audience. After a short caucus, both teams expanded
on their arguments. After some exemplary decoy statements made by
the lead debater and some sharp blows to the soft Rover Oxford underbelly
made by Masters Hyphen and Nurse, both teams set out their stalls
for the closing arguments. Rover Oxford went first, but after much
huffing and puffing, they were quickly rebuffed by Master Pigden,
which allowed Master Hyphen, the outstanding orator of the day, and
Master Nurse to complete the point scoring for the day. (AB)
Team: Pigden, Boucher, Hiley, Martin, Speculand,
Banwell, Smith, Balchin, Heath, Hyphen, Nurse, Casement, Ireson
Point Scorers: Hyphen 3, Nurse 2, Casement 1, Ireson
2
Orator of the Day: Hyphen (three fine points)
Thanks for the Questions: Balchin (giving a lift
to a Space Cadet and agreeing to co-pilot’s flight-plan)
Next Debate: Sat 12th Jan - Epsom (away)
Men’s 2s vs. Bromley & Beckenham (1s, 2s &) 3s: Lost
3-0
Although biblical reports claim that David vanquished Goliath (albeit
by cheating, some might say), throughout history the odds of an equivalent
feat happening again have always been small – normally, the
underdog loses.
And so it was on Saturday when David rocked up, danced around the
ring and generally put on a damned good show. Without a mythical ballistic
device, we simply couldn’t land a punch and the bigger, stronger,
team won.
It didn’t help that they fielded a bizarrely above-strength
side, but there you go – such is the advantage of playing for
a club whose national league squad have a week off. We’re not
bitter. Far from it, in fact – we held a side that plays a good
couple of leagues higher than us to 0-0 for the first 30 minutes,
and after the full 70 we only conceded 3. Largely due to Nathan “Game
of his life” Alfrey who stopped it from being a cricket scoreline,
but there were strong performances throughout.
At the end of the day - no points, but lots of positives. Bring on
Reading… (TS)
Team: Nath, Dan, Ferg, Robby, Tom M, Chris C, Bungle,
Mike K, Tim S, Arthur, Matt D, John N
MOTM: Nath
Umpires: Si Riley & Mark Jones (cheers lads)
Next Match: Saturday 15th December: Reading at home.
Men's 3s vs. Chiswick 2As: Lost 2-4
Playing at the Linford Christie stadium in the rain is about as much
fun as rubbing white spirit in your eyes. Especially when the team
you play are below you with only two wins and you desperately need
the points. And even more so when you only have 8 players and super
subs from the 4s are hassled late Friday night to help out. And as
a final blow they turn out with ringers from the 2's that one of our
guys knows. But we found that George the Greek can score and loves
the "run from the half way line belter" thing. And that
Alex the fishmonger can hold his own in the 3s and actually secretly
enjoyed it although he would never admit it cause Tom would sit on
him.
Last game next week and it's 4 points covering 6 places. We want
a merry xmas with points and goals please.
Team: Jez, Wes, Tim J, Seamus, James P, Alex Fisher
price, Tom Gorikie, Joe, John Homer, Conor, George, Nick Harris, Will
Umpire: Ram
Scorer: George x 2
Next match: Saturday 15th Dec vs. Reading - 15.00
away
South Indoor League
A trip to HMS Collingwood (Gosport) to play at 11 seemed a quite
civilized draw. Unfortunately, the weather on the way down was horrendous
and 1 car with 4 players in it had windscreen wiper failure. Thankfully,
Clare turned around and drove half an hour back to pick enough players
up for us to play. Our warm up looked quite laid back with just Jo
and Gemma on the pitch until 5 minutes before push back.
The first game against Woking was very tight and looked to be heading
to a goal-less draw until Kath carried the ball diagonally across
the pitch and scored with a low flick. The rest of the games were
all low scoring with a 0-1 loss and two 1-1 draws. Going into the
last game against Horsham the table was so close that any one of 3
teams could be joining Buckingham in the finals. We started well soaking
up a lot of pressure in our D and scored through a Kath corner strike.
Luck was not on our side as Horsham were given a dubious penalty and
scored again from open play. At the final whistle we had the chance
of an equaliser from a corner but we failed to make the stop.
The whole day was well run and played in good spirit. Unusually,
the tournament ran on time and there were no injuries.
A great effort by everyone: Jo and Rachel for charging down so many
defending corners, Clare for great marking and tackling, Kath as solid
as ever and being top scorer, Sarah, Gemma, Sophie and Jenny for tireless
running up front and chasing back to defend.
Thanks also to Tremayne and Peter for running the bench.
Squad: Jo Malkin, Gemma Baker, Kath Sowter, Rachel
Lander, Clare Byrne, Sophie Carter, Sarah Buxton, Jenny Ribsdale.
Coach: Tremayne Parvin
Manager: Peter Malkin
Goalscorers: Kath Sowter 3, Sarah Buxton 1.
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.
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
