Fri 13-Nov-09
Issue 07
Match Reports | Subs | Social
Four teams grabbed the headlines this weekend. For two teams, it was a matter of winning. The Women's 3s notched their first win, made even sweeter by being against South London rivals Spencer & the Men's 1s finally broke their scoreless streak by beating Oxford University at Dulwich College.
For other teams, it was a matter of maintaining their good form. The Women's 1s beat Henley in extra-time in their HA Trophy match to progress to the next round & the Tornados dispatched Richmond Stags to move to the top of their league for the first time in 2 years.
The Dragons were also in action and eked out a win against the students of UCL. This was a sterling effort given the attendance of many of the team at Jones'/ Linds' birthday drinks the night before. It proves that the mixed hockey is indeed the best way to socialise and play in a winning team. Everyone should "enter the dragon"!
Ramana Thirumoorthy - Editor
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Subs are OVERDUE
Anyone with unpaid subs CANNOT play!
The deadline for subs has now passed. Anyone who has still not paid their subs needs to contact their respective club captain.
Full details at http://www.thehockeyclub.co.uk/aboutus/fees.shtml
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28-Nov-09
Pre-Xmas Social
The fun, frivolity and funkiness happens in the Clubhouse 7.30 til late. This is the Last Hockey night before the Christmas Break.
Live State of the Art Disco
Superb Buffet Dinner
Late Bar
Good-Looking People
and Free Car Parking!
£10
Everyone Welcome - including non-clubmembers, so first come first served! |
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This weeks match reports from the THD Teams in action.
Reports by: Rob Heath, Steve Butcher, Charles Krasun, Bill Dowie, Mark Annear, Oliver Clark, Jo Walford, Emma Billsdon, Emily Cadman, Vicky Stanley
Mens Section
Mens 1s vs. Oxford University: Won 3-2
A really decent performance has been coming for a while, and the team found there groove on Saturday. Gone were the nosebleeds when we got to the circle, and the hesitation at the back. This side played very much like the team we mention in pre-match talks with a lot of passing and trusting each other!
The students from Oxford were first out of the block with a well taken goal after about ten minutes. But within 2 we had equalised with a quick turnover and a good finish by the forwards. First goal in about 6 hours!! And we didn’t wait for long for the next one. A goal mouth scramble and Bino hooked the ball (and number 8 by the armpit) into the goal. 2-1 and into the lead for the first time since our last minute winner 6 weeks ago.
THD started to be more confident and believing in the game plan, and a long period of pressure and ball retention resulted in a short corner which was well converted by Will.
3-1 up at the break.... But we only needed to look back 12 months ago when a 3-0 halftime lead was not enough against the students! So we carried on pressing and were very unfortunate not to go further ahead. A save off the line, keeper nutmegged, a post hit and a few decisions that should’ve resulted in short corners or even more.
Generally, the game was played in a decent spirit, however some of the oppo were very lucky to escape punishment in the first 60 minutes; Yet as we approached the last ten minutes, certain people felt it was time to dish out more cards than Moonpig – and unfortunately THD were on the receiving end of these cards. Despite being down to 10 and then 9 men towards the end of the game, we continued to dominate until with seconds remaining Oxford snuck a consolation goal.
Overall... 3 points and a good base to build from, but the yellow cards were disappointing. Still a lot of hard work lies ahead; yet I believe that the team is worth a lot more points and will be getting these in the weeks ahead.
Team:
M Pigden, J Goldsmith, C Smith, A Brown, M Hopkins, J Wilson, L Ferron, M Hann, S Hiley, R Heath, W Nurse, S Broadway, J Huntley, T Alford, N Gough
MOTM: M Pigden (TV dives....)
TFC: R Heath (2 cards more than I received last Valentines day)
Next match: Home vs. Brighton & Hove
Mens 2s vs. Chelmsford 2s: Drew 1-1
Saturday’s encounter with Chelmsford was always going to be a close one on paper, we’d had some pretty similar results thus far and were sitting beside each other in the table. – still, it must be said that being at home against a team of youngsters we were always going to back ourselves to take three points from this one.
As with pretty much every game so far this season we started brilliantly and had chance after chance, which, true to form, we failed to capitalise on. Chelmsford soon found their feet and challenged occasionally but never truly looked like they would take the lead, and we went into half time deadlocked at 0-0.
It took a slick short corner midway through the second half to put us in front, Gavin passing to Andy at the back post for the simplest of finishes. Sadly, rather than spurring us on to work harder and consolidate, this simply galvanised Chelmsford and the rest of the half was definitely theirs. We conceded a very sloppy goal with 10 minutes left and spent the remaining time desperately clinging on for a share of the spoils.
Next week, we’re away to title-challengers Hampstead & Westminster and will need to remember the form we displayed against the likes of Reading and Southgate if we’re to bring anything back with us.
Team: Sheldon, Coleman, Robby, Guy, John, Matt, James, Gavin, Jarratt, Mike, Paul, Bungle, Potty, Fez, Timmy
Scorers: Andy Jarratt
Umpires: Aido and Jonesy, thanks guys
MOTM: Not sure, think it might have been Gavin.
Next match: Away vs. Hampstead & Westminster 3s
Mens 3s vs. H&W 5s: Lost 1-2
Unlike notes written by the Prime Minister, this one’s been carefullyconsidered and will get the correct point across; we lost. However, thisheadline doesn’t quite do the TH&D Men’s Third Team justice, for on theday we played some of our best hockey of the season to date; we controlledmuch of the game and went into half time 1-0 up thanks to a clinical goalfrom Darren. Joe provided a great outlay on the left-hand side of thepitch, contributing much to our attacking moves, and in doing so earnedhimself Man of the Match. Unfortunately, however, we let our concentrationslip for 45 seconds in the second half and in doing so conceded 2 goals,and the scoreline remained 2.1 to them on the final whistle. Next week weface a team from the same club, and if we play the same way, revenge isdefinitely achievable.
Team: Steve, John, Tim, Wes, Alex, Snowy, Foggy, Joe, Ducky, Sparky, Darren & Rob
MOTM: Joe
Scorer: Darren
Next match: Home vs. Hampstead & Westminster 4s, 1100hrs, DC
Tornados vs. Richmond Stags: Won 5-3
A win would (probably) put us top of the league. The oppo had a series of weak results. No surprise that we were 1-0 down within 5 minutes. A hefty ball through the inside right channel, a strong finish. Oops.
I think i'm right in saying we started playing a bit better and, after a while, Zesh scored a really good goal, showing the value of a direct striker playing to his strengths. He's in a rich vein of form.
Half time happened at some point. We felt, well, neutral. Pete was a bit more complementary than the team, but we listened and cam out for the second half.
We dug in, concentrated and started to play some hockey, passing it round and really enjoying ourselves. Rob scored three (although one may have been before half time?), one of which was a truly fantastic finish, hitting the far top corner from a good pull back. The other two were great team moves that showed we're actually okay at this game when we want to be.
We conceded some short corners. We defended them. Then... A hefty ball through the inside right channel, a strong finish. Oops. Another short corner at their end, the ball breaks left, they relax, knowing it's not going to Pully, only the well-built grizzly chap. 5-2.
With seconds left, we break fast, pushing up the right. Pully finds Wilsh on the byeline, who crosses just behind Charlie, who had overstepped the top of the D. They play hefty ball through the inside right channel, a strong ... you know the rest. 5-3.
Another great half somehow saw us finish only two goals ahead but hey-ho. Away to newcomers Blackheath next week... (CK)
Squad: Sheldon, Charlie, Pully, Toby, Tom, Fish (1), Fish (2), MJ, Wilsh, Rob, Zesh, Ben, Harrow
Scorers: Zesh Sadique, Rob Tuer (3), Tom Alexander
MOTM: Rob Tuer
TFC: Ben Protheroe. You never touched that.
Umpire: C Coleman Esq
Next match: Away vs. Blackheath Heathens
Diamonds vs. Surbiton 5s: Won 2-3
A mere two teams below us in the division before this game, and Surbiton were one of them, so this was an early-season relegation battle.
Scoring in the first half went with the award of short corners – we had five and scored three; power and accuracy from Trem (twice) and Irfan left the Surbiton defence waving their sticks at fresh air, and vindicated the practice sessions. But they kept coming back at us, scoring from their own first short corner and then adding one from open play to make it 3-2 to us at half time.
The second half saw the nerves creep in; we gave the ball away regularly, defended deeper and allowed them to come at us. But Surbiton failed to take their chances, with James in fine form. At the other end, we had plenty of our own opportunities to increase the lead to something more comfortable, but failed to supply the killer blow – another five shorts, this time no success. It didn't matter in the end, but it so easily could have done.
The three points earned here lift us three places to mid-table. We’ve so far played two of the top four sides, and drawn both games – this weekend sees us up against another one, Spencer, and we’ll need to turn in an exceptional performance to take something from this one. (BD)
Team: James Fuller, Tarek Abdulla, Trem Parvin, Graeme Evans, Adam Smith, Marc Antoine, Stephen Ireton, Olly Walton, Zesh Sadique, Irfan Begg, Joe Del Greco
Scorers: Trem (2) and Irfan
Umpire: Billy Dowie
Next match: Home vs. Spencer 6s, 1230hrs, DC
Royals vs. Richmond Redoubtables: Won 2-1
The Royals have now as many points after seven matches as they had through the entirety of last season. One more win on the pitch will equal the total on-field haul of league victories between September 2007 and May 2009 (St Albans January 2008, Richmond October 2008, Southgate November 2008, Maidenhead March 2009).
Statistics are never clean cut though, and the bare result would not do justice to the thrusting effort your very own club-mates conjured up, the fighting spirit their opposition brought to the table, and above all the determination that finally won the match with minutes to spare.
Before this match, the Richmond captain mentioned how his team was struggling to fill the ranks and that his side would very much be a scratch effort - and the Royals countered likewise, making ends meet by recalling Paul Reid from retirement back into goal and Aidan Brock from Thailand for the occasion. Total Hockey was also about to press Charles Norris into service as umpire along with a "don't worry, we'll tell you about the new rules as we go along" moments before the starting whistle.
As it turned, the match was a thoroughly invigorating affair, full of attack (by us) and hitting back on the break (by them, and then us). Long periods were had where scarce a stoppage was required, but for equally long periods not a goal was scored.
One nil up in the first half, the Royals appeared to have the better of the play, but - a worthy Slater slap aside - could not find a way through. Richmond continually threatened though, and it had taken some experienced work at short corners to keep them out, and they levelled proceedings midway through the second half via a breakaway and thoroughly hit ball into Reidy's nearside.
It is testament to our new-found determination not to concede goals that we came back from this and - one or two failed short corner efforts later - lulled the Richmond defence into allowing Adam a free run in at the post and a simple slot in with three minutes to spare.
From then on, it was a matter of keeping calm and feeling like it was St Albans 2008 all over again. (MA)
Squad: Mark Annear (c), Adam Bond, Adrian Leung, Keith Howick, Aidan Brock, Paul Reid, Ben Slater, James Perrott, Oli Carruthers, Ollie Norris, Ollie Furlong, Robbie Fleck, Ed Taylor Jones (13)
Scorers: Ben Slater, Adam Bond
MOTM: The excellent Robbie Fleck intercepted numerous Richmond passes and played well both in midfield and defence, and Keith Howick earned plaudits also for solidity at the back and playing wilfully with the minds of Richmond's short corner defence. Honourable mentions for Adam Bond's match-winning effort, Ollie Furlong's resoluteness in midfield, Aidan Brock and Paul Reid's splendid defensive work and James Perrott's work upfield.
TFC: Few and far between as excellent games were had by all - when pressed for an answer some mentioned Aidan's dribbling in our D two minutes before the end with Richmond pressing for the equaliser, and others remembered JP's single-mindedness (and passing) in midfield. More specifically, Ben Slater's sacrificial tumble up front won recognition, and Keith's sacrificial attempt to fix the vote gained appropriate admonishment, while Reidy's sacrificial post-match modesty and Rob Thomas' sacrificial attendance at a matinee performance were among the more surprising mentions. A certain guest-starring-centre-forward won a vote for sacrificially playing up front and sacrificially not scoring. Alas.
Supporters: Charles Norris
Umpires: Tim Sylvester and Alanna Macintosh - many thanks to them both
Next match: Away vs. PHC Chiswick 5s
Saracens vs. PHC Chiswick 5s: Lost 2-8
Saturday saw a crunch match between the top 2 teams in our league, and so we rolled up to White City's premier sporting venue (the much lauded Linford Christie stadium) with a quiet sense of optimism; we were a mere 70 minutes from going top of the table.
Sadly, we also rolled up with only 10 players against PHC's 15 and so the dream that was so close was cruelly snatched away from us. We went 3 goals down within the first 10 minutes before we figured out how to fill the gap created by the missing player. After that it was very much a 'winning loss' if that is an acceptable turn of phrase. We played some excellent hockey in places despite being a man down and actually drew the second half 2 - 2. Tremendous work rate from everyone combined with a MoM performance from Ali at centre back prevented a complete disaster. People were moving well to support the man on the ball and Ben worked tirelessly on the left flank before opening our account with a sweet shot past their keeper. Nick J got our second with some reverse stick trickery and we left the pitch with heads held high.
If we have 11 (or maybe even some subs!!) for the return fixture then it will be an entirely different game. Top of the table will be ours, oh yes, it will be ours. (OC)
Squad: Joe (GK), Oli C, Ali B, Mark H, Ben L, Nick J, Ian T (C), Ladi O, Nick W, James T
Scorers: Ben, Nick J
MOTM: Ali for sterling defensive work
TFC: Charlie, for not being allowed to play because his girlfriend made him go to Ikea
Next match: Home vs. Southgate Goblets, 1400hrs, DC
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Womens Section
South Clubs' Women's Hockey League Division 2
Womens 1s vs. Wimbledon 1s: Lost 1-0
We were rather excited about playing at fortress Dulwich College in a few weeks and were champing at the bit to get stuck in to Wimbledon. We started well pinging the ball around through the midfield and attacking strongly down the flanks. But we did everything but score a goal. At this point I think it might be a good idea to remind the reader (and the team) what a goal is:
goal definition
goal (gōl)
noun
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the line or place at which a race, trip, etc. is ended
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an object or end that one strives to attain; aim
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in certain games,
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the line, crossbar, or net over or into which the ball or puck must be passed to score
-
the act of so scoring
-
the score made
And so there we have it. We were definately missing "an ending" to proceedings but am sure now that we have reminded ourselves what a goal is there will be no stopping us....
Team: Dulcie, Alex, Clare, Sophie, Annabel, Faye, Wheels, EJ, Rebecca, Sharon, Angela, Bee, Cathy
Scorers: None, that was the problem
Player of the match: Jen (with Sophie a very close second)
Thanks for coming: Hotly contested but think the Rocky Roads nudged it.
Next match: League, Away vs. Teddington 1s, 1300hrs
HA Trophy
Womens 1s vs. Henley 1s: Won 1-0
No time to dwell on mistakes as a Ladies 1st XI player; we were back at it on Sunday morning in Henley in the first round of the Trophy. Unfortunately we continued in exactly the same vein as the day before and decided to dominate play completely but not score any goals. Piggy came to support (having decided that sitting on his sofa drinking by himself was unacceptable, but drinking on the sideline in Henley was ok) and I think was mistifyed by our reluctance to finish things off as time after time we went really close, but no cigar. As the match went on the opportunities for goals got more frequent, we got more tired and the reasons given my the umpires for blowing their whistles more bazarre. Into extra time we went, and finally the stick tackling went too far and we won a flick! Annabel made no mistake and we all rolled over feeling warm and peaceful, finally satisfied. I am still smiling.
Team: Ellie, Alex, Clare, Sophie, Jen, Annabel, Wheels, EJ, Sharon, Angela, Bee
Scorers: Annabel
Player of the match: Ellie - who was fabulous in goal
Thanks for coming: Hotly contested by EJ for "manufacturing fouls" and Wheels for "leading with her leg", and Mr Carter for doing his shopping in Tescos during the game and then not having enough room in the car home for Ellie's kit, but think Piggy and his 6 pack of strongbow wins.
Next match: HA Trophy, 29 November, Home vs. Banbury 1s
Womens 2s vs. Woking 2s: Lost 3-1
From time to time, Life can throw unexpected curve-balls at us. Whilst we may attempt to duck, dive and dodge around them, the ultimate test of our resolve, is how deep we dig to confront them.
As it just so happens, on Saturday Life threw one such curve-ball, a right whopper I might add, at the Ladies' 2s. It came in the shape of Woking Ladies' 2s, well disguised as unassuming, potentially lacklustre and although steady, by no means a silky formation.
Having conceded only 15 minutes into the first half however, THD were forced to recalculate the might of the beast that confronted them. Yet, undeterred, this was a challenge to which they rose with vigour. Uniting as one force, solid, defensive manoeuvres from the back line, aka Rach, Lucy, Ellie and Kate and spearheaded by Olivia, were combined with interspersing moments of brilliance from El Capitano and her omnipresent interlinking midfield chain, including Sarah and Harriet, to deliver the ball through to the arrows of attack, namely Cathy, T-bone and Jo.
This concoction of reactive venom was effective in momentarily disabling the beast such that the textbook "double 1" short corner allowed Cathy to calmly chip the ball decisively over the keeper ten minutes before half time.
However, the second-half witnessed the curve-ball pick up pace as the beast raised its ugly head once more, having by now had time to develop an immunity. This was an immunity with which THD met their match and such was the strength of the beast that no variation on attacking dynamic, nor short-corner strategy, was sufficient to outwit.
Perhaps sensing a degree of despondency and a lack of urgency on the ball, Woking Ladies 2s required no further incentive to harness their power and cream two shots through our defensive infrastructure, bringing the final score to 3-1.
On reflection, Saturday's match was certainly no fairytale. Yet, there is no shadow of a doubt that THD Ladies' 2s have the fundamental skills and the cohesive dynamic to dispatch any future curve-balls that Life might choose to unexpectedly smack in our direction. The ultimate test of our resolve is how deep we dig to achieve this; so, one and all, let us kick our current despondent and flattened state and reveal the steely core that truly defines us so that we may re-inflate the force of the Ladies' 2s once more. (JW - not to be confused with Jack Wills).
Squad Anchor-(wo)man, Sooty, Trojan, Rock, Priceless, Abstemious, El Capitano, Whippet, Opportunist, Arrow, Wing-man.
Scorers: Cathy Volsteedt
Umpires: Lou Campbell and Mark Annear
Next match: Away vs. Guildford 2s, 1530hrs
Womens 3s vs. Spencer 3s: Won 2-1
With many players witnessing a range of firework displays throughout the week, the late afternoon match took an explosive theme.
Spencer the local team to beat, arrived hungry for a win, with a barrage of subs. However it was evident from an early start this was not going to be an easy win for the top of the league team. There were many nice set ups and rocketing balls from McLaren picked up smoothly by Sunny linking impressively to Julia. Georgie returned bejewelled from a recent eventful trip away, to bring pure channelled aggression with many a tennis style grunt to rile the opposition.
There was a goal somewhere scored by Spencer - that spurred us into action, with a sparkling equalizer scored by Sunny. There was a shuddering display of clean purposeful passes, whilst Alice ran spinning circles around the less-than-happy visiting team. Close to half time Helen scooped a goal from a short corner to put us in front just before half time.
There were several dynamite breaks from Julia which almost reached the backboard. Towards the end the defence and super Ellie successfully managed to block some banger shots from a couple of short corners. End result 2:1 THD. After sampling this WINNERS feeling and we intend to win win win from now on!! (EB)
Squad: Julia Butler, Helen McGuiness, Emma Billsdon, Kate Anderson, Ellie Johnston, Kat Fullerton, Georgie Phillips, Sunny Jun, Emma Parker, Lindsey Mclaren, Lucy Snell and Alice Handy.
Scorers: Helen McGuiness, Sunny Jun
MOTM: Georgie Phillips and Emma Parker
Next match: Away vs. Surbiton 3s, 1300hrs
Womens 4s vs. Surbiton 5s: Lost 3-2
It really was a game of two halves this week for the 4s – with the least said about the first half the better.
A shambolic start against a well drilled Surbiton team saw THD down 2-0 within a matter of minutes.
After some shouting from Felix on the sidelines reminding us to do things like, well, actually mark players, the team steadied a bit and actually ventured outside our own 25, with a breakaway leading to the first goal.
And then they scored again. Damm.
But the second half was a different game. Surbiton were packed full of once-good players meandering there way down the sides, and whilst the skills were there, the fitness wasn't.
After a stern talking-to at half time by Kath, we came out determined and started playing some nice hockey, and camping out in their 25. But that goal just wouldn't come – we had woodwork hit, goals missed and dramas aplenty before a mêlée saw Alanna's shot go in – but had the umpire blown for a short before the ball went over the line? No-one was quite sure, but the goal was eventually allowed.
We kept trying but the equaliser just wouldn't come. So a disappointment, but the 4s are still in 3rd place in the table, so there is still plenty to play for in the coming matches.
Team: Emily, Hattie, Lucy, Abi, Kath, Suzi, Suzanna, Helen B, Helen F, Alanna, Ali, Michelle, Mary
Scorers: Alanna, Helen B
MOTM: Hattie
TFC: Ali, for failing to remember that keepers can only use their feet in the D... and me for failing to read emails and turning up oh, 30 seconds before push-back
Next match: Away vs. Camberley and Farnborough 2s, 1130hrs
Womens 5s vs Woking 2As: Drew 2-2
Well, they say every story must have a beginning, middle and an end, so here it goes.
It was Crystal Palace, bright, sunny, if not a tad fresh, and with only slightly less sand than found at Eastbourne beach! With very little time to warm up, we got off to a confident start with much of the winning team line up from the previous week's match starting the game. We soon warmed up and from my vantage point on the forward line I was ever so impressed by the flow and zest of our passing and our teamwork. We soon scored our first goal, with congrats going to Heidi for hitting it past the post and to all the team who worked so hard to get it there.
So, 1-0 up and we were doing very well - particularly with them being 4 places above us in the league. The defence was superb, each time Woking - and their England 400 m runner - tried to zip through our defence line, we held our nerve and our score line - with a special mention going to Claire for her tireless and hugely successful efforts and Flo for her timely and very essential second-to- last-man-standing-get-out-of-jail-tackles! [And of course for finishing the match without a repeat of Breakfast at Tiffany's!].
But then, Woking scored to equalise 1-1, poor Ali, and we finished for half time with no further goals scored. As ever, an animated half time team talk and pat on the back meant we started the second half with renewed confidence, drive and focus.
Neither team was prepared to settle for a draw and both continued to drive for goal. We significantly reduced the number of defensive short corners given away and began to increase the number of attacking short corners won. And after a hard drive up the pitch and a melee around the "D", we soon scored a second goal and were winning once again!
But we were getting visibly more tired and the increasingly troublesome England 400m player seemed to have been fitted with Duracell's 2012 longer lasting batteries! Thus, breakaways and drives on our goal became more frequent and, sadly, they scored again to equalise once more.
But, we were still not willing to settle for a draw! We continued to push forwards with tenacious endeavour, testing their mid-defence line and supporting each other - with the second special mention going to Heidi and Katie for an inspired piece of 2 on 1 play (Felix, Gemma - you would have been proud!), which saw the ball safely to the forward line and almost, almost. but for the merest ball contact with Emily's foot, a third goal. And whilst we would have sooner kept the ball contact a 5's secret, impartiality ruled and our efforts were consigned to a near miss!
And so to the end..
Our defence held strong for the remainder of the match, we conceded no further goals, and we ended the match with 1 point in the bag and a hard earned 2- 2 draw.
Great play by all. (VS)
Squad: Vicky Stanley, Katie Stone, Kate Straker, Heidi Hughes, Ali, Sarah Wykes, Flo, Rachael, Sarah Riggs, Sarah Newitt, Clare Montague, Emily, Zoe and Andrea.
Scorers: Heidi (1), Vicky (1)
Umpires: Ferret and Sunny
Next match: Away vs. Croydon 2s, 1200hrs
Womens 6s vs. Old Cranleighans 2s: Lost 2-6
A beautiful sunny Saturday and the 6s were feeling very positive. With some pre-match tactics discussed in full – shout ‘snakebite’ whenever they get ahead to spur us on! This worked surprisingly well and we managed to equalise their first goal within minutes, with a fair whack from Sinead. A pre half-time lapse (I think a few of us were trying to decide whether it was in fact too early in the day for a snakebite) they rapidly swept 4 goals in. The second half was much better and with a little help from their defence we scored a second and much deserved goal. Not to be outdone by her fellow countrywoman, Mags took a terrific short corner, alas slightly lifting it, but at least she took out one of their players.
There was some great passing throughout the match and plenty of support, we’re really starting to work well as a team and I sense a snakebite fuelled win this coming weekend!
Team: Jess, Sinead, Emily, Len, Alison, Lizzy, Katie, Mags, Jenna, Gemma, Bridget, Claire, Ellie
Scorer(s): Sinead (2).
MOTM: An Irish tie – Mags and Sinead
Next match: Home vs. Reigate Priory 4s, 1100hrs, JAGS
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Mixed Section
Dragons vs. UCL Academicals: Won 4-2
The beers were flowing on Saturday night for MJ/Lind's combined birthday drinks which meant our honourable leader turned up for the game absolutely trolleyed. Still, let it never be said that he would allow alcohol to get in the way of some inspired tactics, of which my favourite was "Let's all just stand in a circle and play like that - they won't know what to do!" It turned out that they did know what to do, which was score, and so they took an early 1 - 0 lead. Surging runs from Tim and Nick in the middle got us into their D several times but a few short corners went begging and so it remained 1 - 0 at half time.
The second half saw a bit of a see saw with both sides building attacks and it was only a matter of time until one team cracked. Mark took it upon himself to ensure it was the oppo that cracked (quite literally) but whacking their unsuspecting centre forward across the ribs with one of the biggest air-swings ever seen on the field of play. Eventually a bit more disco hockey feet from Nick got him into the D where he offloaded it to Susannah (I think!) who slotted it home to level at 1 - 1.
After that we remembered how to play and the champagne hockey came out. Some sterling work up the wings from Ellie and Helen linking up with Ratty in the middle put the forwards through for lots more sweet goals. Special mention also goes to Snowy who managed to make it through the entire game without chundering. (OC)
Squad: Aido (GK), Nick J, Oli C, Ratty, Snowy, Tim S, MJ, Sunny, Furlong, Ellie, Alanna, Cat, Stoner
Scorers: Susannah x 2, Tim, Nick
Umpires: about 7 different people over the course of the game
Next match: Home vs. Wanderers Daquiris, 1330hrs, BP
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