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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 22-Feb-08Issue 18
Once again the Dickens adage about the best of times and the worst of times sums up the fortunes of THD, the men’s side in particular. Running riot down on Portsmouth, the 1s trounced their opposition with glorious effect while the 2s gained important points in sunny East Grinstead and the 3s took advantage of hapless student navigation to defeat the visiting Oxford Uni side. Not such good news for the Tornados, Diamonds and Royals who all experienced frustrating defeats. Only 2 women’s teams were performing this week – the women’s 4s cruelly having a draw snatched from them in the final seconds whilst the 1s’ victory was hard work, particularly with a diversionary debate on the history of the rules of hockey.
So to this weekend – whinnies emanating from Denmark Hill can be heard far and wide as jockeys put their steeds through their final paces in advance of Race Night on Saturday. Please come and enjoy what is sure to be a cracking evening. And Sunday sees both the Women’s 1s and the Dragons in cup action – all support much appreciated as silverware looms large on the horizon.
Thanks to Mark for taking such good care of the Tribune in the last fortnight and good luck to all in the important games this weekend.
Reports by: Gemma Baker , Lynne Ruddick, Chris Smith, Dan Ellis, Wes Cole, Simon Riley, Billy Dowie, Mark Annear & Mark Jones.Men’s 1s vs. City of Portsmouth: Won 10-1So the red green and a bit of blue juggernaught keeps rolling on for another week, victory against bottom of the table Portsmouth was a necessity and so was an impressive score line. Both were assured by a professional first half which saw us enter the break 5-1 up despite the minor scare of a Portsmouth equaliser. A relaxed second half saw THD notch 5 more goals with no reply, bolstering the goal difference. Most notable things to have occurred other than Andrew Balchin scoring 4 goals and James Huntley 3 goals was for Dave 'Fez' Casement to avoid a hatrick and a jug with 2 inconceivable misses and 2 excellent goals. Postponements from other games mean we are now 6 points clear of the chasing pack.
The juggernaught now rolls down the south circular to an Andreas Labourt revived Bexleyheath & Belvedere aka BBHC for a titanic South London derby, but they are all titanic from here to the end of the season. (CJS) Scorers: Andrew Balchin (4 goals), James Huntley (3 goals), Dave Casement (2 goals), Will Nurse (1 goal) Next match: Saturday 23rd Feb: BBHC (away) - 12.30 push back
Men’s 2s vs. East Grinstead 3's: Won 2-1
East Croydon is the largest and busiest station in Croydon and the third busiest in London. Opened on 19 August 1992, it consists of a large steel and glass frame suspended from a lightweight steel structure that straddles the track and platforms. Four steel ladder masts anchor the glass box and the whole gives the impression of a suspension bridge that stretches into the distance. 440 m² of glass were used in the roof and 800 m² for the wall glazing. Sounds impressive... it's not...
Seven of this team dared to pass through this lovely station and emerged unscathed, the likely outcome as we were in numbers and wielding sticks. As for the game, we started at a high tempo and out hustled our impatient opponents. Tim went through early on and clinically finished with the reverse stick. East Grinstead struggled to find any rhythm and took their frustrations out on the umpires. Tim doubled the lead with a deflection from a long range Coleman pass to give us a two goal cushion at half time. East Grinstead pressed in the second half but created little. With ten minutes to go and the water based pitch fast drying, Ellis's attempted clearance got stuck in the surface and went all of 2 metres, and directly to their centre forward who coolly finished. An act of charity? perhaps... crap basic skills? more like it. Still, it made things interesting and the game turned into a defence vs. attack exercise with Tim "I was too tired to hold up the ball" our sole outlet. The final East Grinstead attack resulted in a deflection which went a foot wide of the post and many relieved faces. Successive victories are unchartered territory for the 2s this season, but a few more are needed to stave off relegation. (DE)
Team: Nathan Alfrey, Chris Coleman, Tom Mottram, Rob Layton, Dan Ellis, John Nurse, Mike Killen, Richard Banwell, John Craven, Paul Harvey, Tom Goricke, James Vicary, Tim Sylvester Umpire: Appointed Scorer: Timothy Sylvester (2)
Next match: Saturday 23rd February vs. London Wayfarers (home)
Men’s 3s vs. Oxford Uni: Won 4-2
A big weekend of wins from the 1's - 3's, particularly for us as it was a 6 pointer. A loss would have put us in relegation but a win puts us 5 clear of the drop with a game in hand. We would particularly like to dedicate this one to our good old friend the A205 who stepped in to make the Oxford Uni bus an hour late and prevented them having a warm up where as we were all fired up and ready to go and started well going two up before the break after some of the best flowing passing movements seen all season ending up in tap-ins from Seamus and Conor then after the break John popping up yet again with a rocket from the edge of the D.
A couple of sloppy short corners conceded brought them back into it but no-one could predict what happened next. Those of you who know us will be surprised. Wes injects a short corner ! At pace! And Alex McDonald steps up with a straight strike exocet 6 inches off the ground inside the post to score his first goal since 1876. Dream work. A good win, and good fun too. More of the same please. (WC)
Team: Jez, Tim, Laurie, Alex, John, Wes, Joe, Seamus, Conor, Nick, Bungle Umpire: Alex Brown, Mark Jones Scorers: Seamus, Conor Bond, John Holmes, Alex Mcdonald
Next Match: Saturday 23rd February vs Whitgifts Away friendly
Tornados vs. Richmond Deerstalkers: Lost 1-4So, hands up who has visited the A&E department at Kings this year? And had a ride in an ambulance? And looked worse after being discharged than they did before going to A&E? No-one other than Wilsh? Oh well. Must've been the shock of having his beloved THD shirt cut off.... amongst other things... what goes on tour etc.
Diamonds vs. Old Loughtonians Gunners: Lost 1-3
These guys are the runaway Division leaders, so we knew we had our work cut out. We kept it very tight, and even took the lead when Stephen kept a cool head to round their keeper. They had most of the possession, however, and were disciplined enough not to give it away cheaply. We were under fairly constant pressure from their main playmaker, but did well to prevent him from wreaking the sort of havoc he subjected us to last year. But they had two guys at the top of the D for their short corner routine who opened us up for a goal either side of half time, and they finished us off in open play with five minutes to go after Adam was carried off with a knee injury which has put him out for the rest of the season.
Overall, however, we played pretty well. With three games to go in the League, we are in fifth place out of 10, on 19 points. Six points adrift of Indian Gym in fourth, a play-off place looks possible only mathematically....... as does relegation. The bottom three clubs are Southgate on 11 points, Wayfarers on 13 and Old Loughts 5ths on 14. And our last three games are against these three teams. They will all be fighting for their lives, so we will need to be up for it. (BD)
Team: Simon Bailey, Tom Cooper, Stuart Craig, Hamza Begg, Olly Walton, Adam Smith, Rob Thomas, Stephen Ireton, JD, Bob Morris, Tim Harris, Mayo & Matt. Scorer: Stephen Ireton Umpire: Billy Dowie
Next game: Saturday 23rd February, Home to Southgate 5ths, 13.30 at CPB
Royals vs. Richmond Redoubtables: Lost 0 - 1
(NB: Mister Howick challenged Saturday’s correspondent: report fixture utilising descriptive locutions containing solely 6+ letters (alternatively, single digits). Success? Awaiting feedback.)
Following previous Saturday’s defeat versus Division 8’s second-placed outfit, Sutlers, Royals attempted continuing improved sequence achieved during earlier weekends. Facing Richmond, across mighty London league-bottoming fixture, Royals simultaneously attempted blending youthfulness amidst experience - teamsheet included 4 making second senior appearance.
Whistle sounded 1pm, following unfortunate incident concluding preceding (Tornados) fixture: Wilshire poleaxed - result: speech slurred, though walking - typical Saturday excess. Universal disquiet considering umpire allowed 4 attempts goalwards during Wilshire’s concussed tenure.
Incidental.
Royals’ fixture commenced cagily. Pressure coming equally through opposing attacks (little outcome) - capable defences dealing expertly.
Decisive moment: twentieth minute - Richmond corner awarded. Wafted randomly toward middle, enters penalty region unhindered, passes through formation, heading serenely toward opposite touchline. Critically, Royals’ central defender attempts blockage, succeeding deflection creates mayhem: numerous Richmond attackers attempt control, failing; numerous Royals defenders attempt improved blockage, similarly unsuccessful. Matchball passes beneath 5 different sticks before fortunate Richmond player successfully achieves contact goalwards. Consequent unearthly clatter against backboard sounds - 0-1.
Frustration.
However, although Royals continued domination, creating pressure towards Richmond defence, ultimately attack lacked penetrative capability, although successfully created numerous penalty corner opportunities. Crucially, penalty corner routine lacked execution: 5 attempts, 5 misses.
Overall, result unreflective - performance merited greater reward. Disappointing, although positives include slightly encouraging remark: penalty corner practice required - having mastered, success should follow.
Players: Mister Chambers; Mister Howick, Mister Annear, Mister Parvin, Mister Smith(e); Mister Wilkie-Jones(y), Mister Slater, Master Protheroe, Mister Allen(e), Master Taylor Jones(y), Mister Schwan; Mister Holton, Mister Nash(ie) Umpires (thanks): Mister Richard Mead(ie), Mister Ramana Thirumoorthy
Next game this Saturday 23rd Feb v Maiden head (A), 2pm
Women’s 1s vs. Wimbledon 1As: Won 2-1
We made a bit of a meal of this game, but 3 points are 3 points! An 11am start on a sunny, wintry morning at DC always means that you are either playing in the sun, so can’t see a thing, or you’re in the shade, freezing cold and battling with the section of pitch that’s not yet thawed completely. While we have dealt with the hard, shaded area on many an occasion, our oppo were a little more wary, so there was a danger that the game may have been stopped had it been deemed dangerous (and with hundreds of double header weekends coming up we were keen to avoid replaying this game too). Fortunately, everyone stayed on their feet, even if it meant that Faye, playing in the shade, couldn’t actually feel hers….
But we went 1-0 up after 10 mins, courtesy of Lou, and hoped this was the start of many more. Unfortunately not. We had a few decent chances (and one very good chance) but somehow we were denied. Alex ‘Maradona’ Crawford’s hand of god was involved in the next goal – not scoring for us, but denying Wimbledon the equaliser when she caught (or cupped) the ball on the back line from a looping deflected shot from a short corner (this did lead to further discussion about how the rules have changed and which rules are still valid/not valid. Plus it showed people’s age quite a bit as us younger souls discovered that at one time you had been allowed to use your hand to stop a ball going into the goal, while Alex learned that you can now use your stick above your head on the goal line….you learn something new every day). Anyway, Wimbledon won a penalty stroke, which they rightfully converted to make it 1-1. Still we ploughed on looking for the winner and finally Martha put us all out of our misery with a beautifully struck shot from the top of the D to grant us the 3 points. Everyone played well, but a special mention must go to Sophie Carter who stepped into the fold at the last hour and played a blinder at sweeper. (GB)
Team: Pipes, Alex, Clare, Sophie, Jen, Wheels, Gem, Faye, Shazza, Lou, Martha, Sarah B & Bettina Scorers: Lou & Martha Motm: Clare & Faye
Next Match(es): Saturday 23rd vs. Richmond: 11am at DC Sunday 24th vs. St Ives: 12.45 at DC – Trophy QF….all support gratefully appreciated.
Women’s 2s - No game
Next match: Saturday 23rd Feb vs. Old Cranleighans 1s away
Women’s 3s - No game
Next match: Saturday 23rd Feb vs. Thames Valley 1s away
Women's 4s vs. Byfleet: Lost 1-0
Despite waking up to a much frostier morning and arriving to a probably more solid pitch than that of 15th December we kept the smiles on our faces and were ready to face our nemesis. After a rocky start we pulled ourselves together and dominated possession (despite a few scary blips – thanks for some awesome saves Olivia!!) but were just not able to capitalise on all the chances we created.
After motivational talks about chocolate cake and pizza we came out raring to go at the start of the second half but soon started to fade with the lack of subs and hard work telling. So when it came to the 2 minute signal from the umpires we were all quite relieved the experience was nearing its end – however, a scrappy moment in the D meant that Byfleet were able to score….. what more can be said?!
Anyway we then had a lovely tea party and ate pizza and chocolate cake with the full knowledge that next time we will beat them! (LR)
Team: Julia, Claire, Emma, Alanna, Erica, Kath, Anna, Furlong, Chloe, Olivia, Lucy. MOTM: Olivia Selau Supporter: Lynne Umpire: Steve
Next game: Saturday 23 Feb Wayfarers at JAGS, 12.30 pushback.
Women's 5s - No game
Next match: Saturday 23rd Feb vs. Shirley Phoenix away
Women’s 6s - No game
Next match: Saturday 23rd Feb vs. Camberley and Farnborough 3s away
Dragons vs. London Strollers: Won 5-2
Well, perhaps it is time that we answered the important question... "What is a Dragon?"
The dragon (from Ancient Greek drakōn, "a serpent of huge size, a python, a dragon") is a mythical creature typically depicted as a gigantic and powerful serpent or other reptile with magical or spiritual qualities.
Most dragons were thought to be large; however, the Chinese combat dragon was considered to be the size of a thimble. Like most mythological creatures, dragons are perceived in different ways by different cultures. Dragons are sometimes said to breathe and spit fire, poison, even acid or ice (depending on the type). They are commonly portrayed as serpentine or reptilian, hatching from eggs and possessing typically feathered or scaly bodies. They are sometimes portrayed as having large yellow or red eyes, a feature that is the origin for the word for dragon in many cultures. They are sometimes portrayed with a row of dorsal spines, keeled scales, or leathery bat-like wings. Winged dragons are usally portrayed only in European dragons while Asian versions of the dragon, sometimes called the Long (Chinese pinyin) resemble large snakes. Dragons can have a variable number of legs: none, two, four, or more when it comes to early European literature. Modern depictions of dragons tend to be larger than their original representations, which were often smaller than humans.
But, in short, a Dragon is a WINNER!
Team: Piggy (GK), MJ (GK), Riley, Tim, Will Lucas, Trem, Axel, Mark Annear, Jo, Ellie, Snellers, Alanna, Sarah & Pang. Scorers: Tim (2), Will (2) & Pang
Next matches: Sunday 24th February HA Trophy R2: vs. Stevenage (Away) & League: vs. Wanderers 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.
Race Night Saturday 23rd Februrary End of Season Dinner Saturday 5th April
see www.thehockeyclub.co.uk/social/events.shtml for more details... |
