Match reports November 21 2009

The 1st XI remained top of Surrey/Hants 2 with a stop-start 4-3 win over Southampton Uni, but the 2nd XI went down 1-4 at Merton. The 3rd XI romped to an 11-0 win over Surrey Old Boys and the 4th XI won at Addiscombe by the only goal of the day. Despite the 3rd XI’s goalfest, the performance of the week came from the Ladies who played some sublime hockey in a 3-0 win over Reigate. The Vets went down 1-4 at Oxted.Chris Valentine fires the 1st XI into the lead against the students
Click here for this week's match photos

1st XI 4-3 Southampton Uni
A cracking game and all credit to Southampton Uni for making it such an entertaining match.

We knew it was going to be a tough one and that the league table did not prove to be an accurate indication of the University's ability.

The early exchanges went in our favour even though we did not create as many chances as we should have with our failing to capitalise on the territorial advantage that we had. However we did take the lead following a good save by the Uni keeper saw the ball come out to CV who just squeezed the ball home for us to take the initiative. The advantage lasted two minutes when the Uni countered and caught us on the break with sloppy marking allowing an unchallenged run into the circle with the resultant cross deflected home on the near post.

Cookiey restored our advantage clipping home the ball after a good move set him up and so it remained until half time following Trickster making a number of good saves.

At this point we should have made our experience count but instead we played ping pong with the vibrant Uni side and were pulled back conceding a well worked short corner 10 minutes into the second half. As the half progressed we did put the oppo's defence under pressure but were thwarted by a super performance by the Uni keeper and our not making the most of the chances we created. Hunter restored our lead with a flicked short but a minute later we were undone by a carbon copy of the second goal with 10 minutes to go. Our short corners were dire in comparison with the Unis that was well drilled.

Marshalled by their skipper at centre half who was outstanding and certainly the man of ther match Southampton looked dangerous each time they broke and at that point the game could have gone either way but as it was a liong aerial from Wobble enabled Rory to dart into the D and finish well with five to go. We held on to run out winners and gain three valuable points in what may prove to be a vital win.

As with all Uni sides they will improve as the season goes on so the next match in March is eagerly awaited. David Knapp

Ladies XI 3-0 Reigate
The Ladies will win games by bigger margins but rarely will they play better. The result against a side level with us in the table was pleasing and the victory was never really in doubt, but the slick passing play, rock-solid defence and two sublime goals will take some bettering.

We were one up in five minutes with a quite superb goal, starting in our own 23 and finishing second later with a cracking strike from May after some lightning-fast one-touch passing. We continued to press hard but the second didn’t come until six minutes into the second half when May tucked home a poorly-defended short corner, and Anna notched a third midway through the half which was almost as good as the first.

It’s almost invidious to single out individuals from such a great display, but Rosie Marriott was quite outstanding, her tackling and distribution almost faultless. Vikki Mottram, who has had a new lease of life since the arrival of Diesel, was also tireless in her running at the opposition, causing no end of panic even if her tackling remains interesting.

The parenting award goes to Helen Hawes who set a fine example to young Zac with a bout of toddler-tantrum stick lobbing when green carded and followed with an “oh f*** there’s no-one there” when she swept a pass from the halfway line towards her own defence only to find nobody keeping Julia company in her own half. In between she was as solid as ever.

Merton 4-1 2nd XI
Report to follow

The 3rd XI after their romp

3rd XI 11-0 Surrey OBs
There are some weeks when the match report pretty much writes itself even though the events were too many for me to be able to remember the sequence I at least have a record. The day started with confusion all over the place with regard to umpires - we had had three potentials laid on the night before but as SOB had stated that they had an umpire we had stood down our two spares. Unfortunately then SOB’s day did not start well as they actually turned up with 10 players and no umpire. Thankfully the umpire for the next match was good enough to stand in for them and they at least didn’t play with nine.

This was not to say that their day was going to improve at any time soon. We were looking to extend a five-match unbeaten run and had recently played so well but without our just desserts and were hungry to grab the advantage and make hay whilst the sun was shining (yes it did appear for five minutes!!). The game started at an unusually frenetic pace and there was some brilliant passing hockey being played with good runs off the ball being made all over the park.

Very soon we were 1-0 up and this was the way that the 1st half was going to progress. During the course of one of the best 1st half displays that I have ever had the pleasure to witness ( being in goal I had plenty of time to watch, especially seeing as I did not touch the ball in the whole half). After an extreme pummelling of SOB we went into halftime at 8-0 up. As you can imagine our halftime talk was mainly about just keep up the good work and let’s not let them score etc, etc. all I asked was that I wanted my team to ensure that I didn’t touch the ball in the 2nd half either. SOB’s halftime talk seemed to be a touch different as I don’t think I have ever heard quite so much grunting, growling and hyping up from an opposition goal in my life.

With us providing SOB’s umpire for the 2nd half we didn’t seem to get anywhere for the first 20 minutes of the 2nd half maybe all of the grunting had worked at half time. It must have been this as it definitely wasn’t because we were missing Armo who was umpiring for 15 minutes. SOB’s did seem to be attacking better and I have to say I was very disappointed in my defence in that I had to touch the ball once in the 2nd half during SOB’s only short corner of the match. Nevertheless we finally got going and managed to put another three goal past them before the end.

The goalscorers during the match (as I said I have no idea what order??) Preston 4 (a great return to prolific goalscoring), Doug 2 (a nifty display from centre Mid), Andy (a great first half and supplier of a number of assists), Ross (solid solo effort with a sweet strike just inside the D), Ed (This is becoming a habit from the new boy), Chris (OMG we can’t believe that he has finally scored – the time taken must attract fines of some sort at the next team drinks) and finally Armo (who now owes Chris drinks and also how do I keep scoring when I should be in defence?).

As I have already covered the goalscorers may I also commend the others who played their part in our epic pummelling Stuey, Tim, CD and Rich (our rocks in defence i.e. a defence which has pretty much stopped conceding goals ); Tissy (with this type of trouncing I can’t believe he didn’t score or get carded) This now put us up to third in the league and only one point off second. With the top two playing each other next Saturday … watch this space! Nigel Hawes

Addiscombe 0-1 4th XI
There were a few team members (esp. Crumby),who were worried about interacting with the Croydon population, so it seemed a poor omen when during our warm up Steve (bless him) asked one of the Addiscombe players to “flash us your top”, then proceeded to carry out some dynamic stretching that didn’t help our manly image (“ponsy” was a comment I heard!).

This aside the match started well, with us forcing five short corners. Nick J managed to convert one of these which was fortunate as this was the only score in the match.

The rest of the time, although there was good build up work, we couldn’t get the final shot lined up or on target. I think Dom was stunned when an Addiscombe 16 hit went across their goal to his stick. His shot on goal was stifled by the onrushing keeper. Dom’s excuse .. “He was so big!”

Addiscombe didn’t put us under sustained pressure, but always looked able to snatch a late opportunist score. So all in all a deserved win but hard fought – we must get the free hit rule clear as many good positions were lost through technical infringements.

Cakes were an issue for me as after dismissing my wife’s help, I made brownies without eggs!! – Flat and sticky. So, ever resourceful, it was down to Waitrose for additional backup. Strangely the team seemed to tuck in to the lot without a care. Anyway after an increasingly high set bar for the cakes there has to be a downturn at sometime.

To Crumby’s and others relief we managed to finish before it got dark and it was back onto the tram (?) before the vampires rose. Kevin Smith

Frustration and elation

Wanderers 2-2 1st XI
How important will the 2 points dropped against our nemesis Wanderers be in 6 months time ?

The last five games against Wanderers have seen us draw three times, 2-2, and lose 3-2 and 2-1. Having had a heavy loss last week and a number of players down from last year this seemed an ideal opportunity to gain revenge over the home side. The first 20 minutes were played in the Wanderers half and but for some poor final choices we should have been three or four up and in clear water. As it was the only short corner we forced in the first half on 20 minutes was powerfully flicked home by Johnny Hunter to give us the lead. By half time Wanderers were even with one of their first attacks producing a soft goal just before the break. Our defensive problems were caused by a loss of shape and failing to attack down the flanks that we had done so well in the first part of the match and our intense full press breaking down at their 16 yard hits.

The second half saw Wanderers dominate with their full press being very effective and causing us difficulties in releasing the ball out of the back. However our second short produced our second goal with Johnny Hunter picking up a loose ball and rifling it home. We should have held out but did not, allowing Wanderers to force a number of short corners and although missing some gilt edge chances equalised with a soft corner finding its way home three minutes from time. Indeed, we could have lost it with an open goal being missed and then in the last minute our failing to convert a good chance that would have given us all three points.

Chris Valentine was the pick of our players with a simple and effective performance at right midfield and Dan Poulson fitted in well in his first game albeit slightly out of position.

Southampton 1 next week at home with our needing to fire a little better than we did this week if we are going to take the three points. David Knapp

Ladies XI 1-0 Epsom
After a disappointing result last week against Surbiton, we were determined to take nothing less than three points from our second league fixture. With Epsom yet to be beaten in the new season, we started as we meant to go on, linking up well to create some good chances early on. The first half was played at quite high tempo, using the new rules generally to good effect, and we probably just edged the best of the possession. Some great periods of play including successfully 'sagging' in to place to defend efficiently and effectively, keeping the ball out of our defensive half and pushing forward as much as possible. A few silly mistakes at the end of the half contributed to some good chances for Epsom, but the first half ended goalless.

The second half was again close and quite even. We maintained our form, however unfortunately conceding a few shorts, and a number of free hits outside the 'D'; All were defended well, and we produced some great counter attacks, and generally used the space of the pitch well. The persistent pressure won us a number of chances and attacking shorts. Six minutes from time, and with another shortie - the push out from Rewa and an excellent move between May and Sarah Mann resulted in (what looked like) a textbook goal. The last few minutes were played defensively, but we managed to hold on and get the whole three points.

So many good performances on Saturday that are so encouraging and exciting for the rest of the season: Hulio with some absolutely fantastic saves, and a noteable performance from Lucy in defence meant we kept a clean sheet. Jax and Hels as always completely solid on the left and Jerry also had a great start to her life as an OC with some awesome balls through to link up midfield and attack.

All in all a great performance, including by the coach - who was as passionate as the players on the side line there, lets hope it's onwards and upwards from here girls! Rosie Marriott


2nd XI 1-3 Wanderers II
Our second match saw us take on the league leaders (albeit after one game!) at home. Tom Merry who was awarded the dubious privilege of recruitment secretary at the committee meeting last week, proved his pedigree straight away by finding three new players, all of whom proved to be very useful. We also welcomed back Christopher O'Neil-Dunne, an ex-studio player who has been abroad honing his skills. This provided us the luxury of 13 players and on a hot day made a great difference.


The game started extremely brightly with us playing a very controlled brand of hockey and zipping around the back four with ease. However we were unfortunately the first to concede – a good finish after our first real defensive lapse. 0-1 but we still looked to be slightly ahead on playing terms and so it remained at half time. Our new crop of players all played an important part in this – Chris looked composed at sweeper, made several key tackles and pinged the ball around; Sam Blackmore was industrious in the middle and linked well with Andy Selby and James Bents; Nick Phillips was feisty down the left and gave several killer passes to the guys up front; Tom Quy had several deft touches and linked very well with the other forward. We were patient in attack and we looked much better in defence, with our full press putting pressure on them throughout.

Almost straight away in the second half a quick break down the middle lead to a short corner. With Jon Heard at the top of the d everyone expecting a crashed strike. The first wobble was a shock the second shimmy unheard of. At that point the umpire was shocked into blowing for a foul as Jon slotted it home. Rolf had had an excellent game and apologised straight away to the crest fallen Jon. Fortunately the damage was short lived as we scored immediately from a further short. Tom Quy was surprised not to find someone to help him on the P spot, following a break down in communication. Surprise quickly turned to despair but he calmly stuck it away to get his first OC goal.

At this point we really looked like we might well snatch the points. They were lucky that one of their players was not yellowed, having been shown a green just before for a similarly poor challenge. Both sides had chances and we were saved a few times by excellent tackling by the ever dependable Dodie Kurshid and Jon Heard, and by more first class keeping by Ross Kingsnorth who made a number of extraordinary saves. We were then guilty of being slightly naive. As their player dribbled it off the back by the near post we all stopped and he calmly passed it to his team mate who slotted it home – neither umpire was really in a position to see either way and we went 1-2 down, despite our protests. As fitness told, despite having 13, we then conceded another goal after some sloppy defending.

The game ended 1-3, despite us playing arguably the best hockey we have played over the last two years. We should really have held on when we equalised, but we have proved once again that we are capable of playing at the higher level and in three or four weeks once a relatively new side has settled we should be a force to be reckoned with.

Our thanks once again to everyone who made themselves available to play. The umpiring was once again excellent – our thanks to Rolf and Shaun. It was also extremely pleasing to see most of the guys sticking around for a beer after the game and several of us supporting the OC rugby after that. We have been traditionally poor at this but the first two games have been very encouraging in this aspect, long may it continue!

Next week a trip to H.A.C. sees the return of a number of players and hopefully winning ways... Tom Merry

Oxted 6-3 3rd XI
Unfortunately a disappointing result at the weekend in going down 6-3 after being 2-0 up in the early stages especially after winning the previous week. I think we all have our views on where we might have gone wrong but at the same time Oxted were a pretty well drilled side with some skillful, fast and fit youngsters. We just need to pick ourselves up and try and ensure that we get the results going in right direction again. Nigel Hawes

4th XI 6-1 NPL
Fresh from our bi-annual bruising encounter bashing the high-flyers Barnes Beavers in a hard-fought 2-2 draw, this week saw the turn of fellow promotees NPL Bees. After a week of autumn drizzle and grey skies, the sun finally came out and with it the buzz of the Bees: who had proved a fiery bunch in previous encounters meaning scores to settle. But with Mrs Crumby’s finest chocolate brownies waiting for the winners (and double helpings for the losers) and Steve "They’ll never take our freedom" Harmer’s pre-match eulogies (so long they left little time for warm-up) still ringing in our ears, battle commenced.

Despite some crisp passing and fancy stick-work from Oxo, Dom and Howie, it was NPL who struck first against the run of play. But we rallied and quickly evened the score with Dom finding space and time for some trade-mark Banana runs down the right and the grabbing a well-deserved lead by half time.

The next ten minutes were to prove crucial with the Bees looking more than capable of scoring and coming close several times, but for the valiant defensive efforts of Messers Archer, Aston, Smith and Crumby. With no Louis this week, hopes rested on our super-signing ‘Jekyl and Hyde’ Jamal to put the result beyond doubt. But before he had a chance, the ever watchful Martin intervened and sin-binned him for a moment of madness that saw us reorganise and consolidate.

Despite being down to ten men, we extended our lead and with Jamal back on, we went into overdrive with Jamal hitting a succession of sweet strikes that found the roof of the net to finish the game 6-1, but not before goal-hanger Harmer stole forward and joined the party with a scuffed shot.

So, the 4ths cruise up to mid-table with one of each, a loss, a draw and a win and with win-less Old Georgians next up, a top 5 spot beckons. The spirit of Bance is alive and well. Long live Jamal. Robin Crumby

Tring Vets 3-4 Vets XI

Eleven good men and true turned up at Tring on Saturday and with only one forward in the team, our annual beating from them looked on the cards. But oh what a bit of anger and injustice can do for motivation. Having one goal scored against you when there was blatant interference by the footballer in the D before hand who trapped the ball wonderfully well with his foot before playing the ball in the net was bad enough. Given the opportunity to admit his guilt by that practiced court-room expert Dave Burles the culprit skulked away hiding his head in shame. Oh no things got worse. Matt Spears made a fantastic goal line stop with his stick marginally above his shoulder and Tring were awarded a penalty flick for dangerous play – which they converted. So we found ourselves unjustly down 2–0 at the break.

Changing tactics for the second half with the midfield five all pushing forward to support our excellent and tireless centre forward – Miles, we were able to score a well worked goal via Andy Eve which really sparked the motivation. There followed the sweetest quick fire hat trick from self publicist Tommy T, with two short corners and a penalty flick to secure the win which the efforts of the team deserved despite a consolation goal at the end of the game to make the score 4-3, a win secured by a fine penalty save in the second half by our rock at the back Pete Shanks. And by the way the questionable umpiring came from the Tring umpire - who otherwise was very good - not our fantastic umpire Mr Tim Cook who, thanks to the help of a number of Tring players, now knows the new rule that you can’t hit a ball straight in to the D from a free hit inside the 25 without the ball first moving five yards! Tommy Trinder

Match reports - November 15, 2008

The 1st XI maintained their 100% record and top place in Surrey One with a 4-2 win over Cheam, while the 2nd XI scored four second-half goals to defeat Walton 5-2. The Ladies drew with Old Georgians 1-1, and the 3rd XI recorded their first point of the season with a 1-1 draw, courtesy of a goal two minutes from time, against NPL. The 4th XI beat Teddington 2-0 while the Vets went down to Bromley 0-2.



1st XI 4-2 Cheam
The proverbial game of two halves in which we were scintillating for 25 minutes of the first 35 but inept in the second once the game was killed off.

Having been pumped up by the ghetto blaster in the Cheam dressing room and making the most of a Brucey warm up we knew that plating short passes and crisp hockey and wanting rather than expecting to win would enable us to dominate and dominate we did. Chris Valentine was outstanding in the first half benefiting from a solid display from Nick Lewis whose timely runs from the back caused all sorts of problems for Cheam and gave Chris the space to open up the Cheam defence time and time again. Trickster was redundant in the first half due to our domination and at the break we were 4-0 to the good. Chris set up Knapp for the first, Ed Breton scored at the third attempt from a short for the second and Chris tapped home the third a fitting reward for his first half display. The fourth was the product of a cracking ball out of the back, a sublime dummy by Gavin leaving Knapp with the task of beating the keeper in a one on one and slipping the ball home. In between times we created a fair few other chances that were not converted.

Now to the second half - was it the same two sides playing? For some reason we stopped running and probably felt the game was over and so took our foot off the pedal. A spirited Cheam side cam back in the game with two goals, the second a product of a short corner given away for a clumsy tackle in the 25 and a straight strike deflected over Trickster - sadly by one of us. Although we continued to create a number of chances that looking back were on occasions easier to score than miss it was Cheam who came closest to scoring again with a couple of deflections going narrowly past the post.

Although not as tight as last week we do have to learn how to kill off games in the second half otherwise we will come a cropper.

Great umpiring from Ebs and Ian Jolly - the best combination we have had this season with no cause for complaint from any of the players during the 70 minutes.

HAC away next week - never a happy hunting ground. David Knapp

Walton & Weybridge Hawks 2-5 2nd XI
It was raining goals at Sunbury as we got back to winning ways in style on Saturday afternoon. Considering we had only scored eight goals in five games in the lead up to the match it was pleasing to net five times in a single outing. It was not all plain sailing though. With 15 minutes left on the clock we were leading by a one-goal margin after the hawks had dispatched their second of the game. However a combination of calm heads and clinical finishing ensured we killed off any chance of a shock comeback, with three goals in quick succession. In truth the 5-2 score-line did not flatter us such was our dominance in terms of territory, possession, fitness and skill.

After a high tempo warm up we started the game well and settled into some decent passing and good spells of possession. Andy Selby (looking far more at home in the centre of midfield) linking play well. The tactic of playing Paul upfront with James was playing off with both players moving well and providing targets for our midfield to hit. It was only a matter of time before our pressure translated into a goal, which James Wood provided clinically after 20 minutes.

At half time everyone was shouting about 16s and how to defend them, which I found particularly boring. It was a shame because we could have focussed on one of best halves of hockey so far season. We were confident on the ball, our movement was much improved and our passing crisp. I can't remember the opposition having one clear cut chance during the first period, a testament to our back four's concentration and determination.

Anyway second half and W&W came out with renewed vigour and managed to nick an equaliser, beating Mike on his near post after a significant deflection. Thankfully we did not panic and restored our advantage almost immediately. A great run from Paul led to Rob Merry (who must have been on oxygen he was so high up the pitch) slamming home from the top of the D! Then it was over to Paul to grab an excellent brace to continue his great goal scoring form for the club. Clearly relishing playing higher up the pitch his class shone through, with one thunderous strike which gave their keeper little chance.

We did have a little stutter at 3-1 as hawks grabbed second (again from a short corner) that briefly got the score back to 3-2, but Paul's second and then our 5th, a slick finish from Nick Wood after a perfect cross from his brother, finally clipped the hawk's wings for good.

Ok the opposition were fairly average but we played really well. Crucially the side looked and felt much more balanced. The back four looked settled and assured the midfield were passing and moving and closing down well and we carried a genuine threat up front for the first time this season. There were a number of performances that deserve a mention...Our captain played his best game of the season - a goal, a goal-saving clearance and some marauding surges up the pitch to help out in attack, its clear that full back is a better position for him than left half. Paul Acutt held the ball up well, made intelligent runs and gave us a much needed cutting edge scoring two goals (shame he didn't pass to me with the goal at my mercy late on - these South Africans eh?). "The Woodys" have clearly found their feet now. Both looked sharp and dangerous throughout -a goal each and valuable contributions in general. Andy Selby also had a good game, looking far more comfortable in midfield where he linked well with his teammates and snuffed out any threat coming from their playmakers...

Good result - lets ensure we keep the momentum going for next Saturday's showdown with league leaders Whitgift. Also welcome back to Neil Grimes, who can only help strengthen us further...

And finally... Good to see Martin back umpiring after a few weeks off. He clearly hasn't forgotten how to dish out cards; especially to yours truly. Chris "I got the only card of the game" Porter

Ladies 1-1 Old Georgians
We found ourselves playing our home match against Old Georgians at Surbiton! We had only one sub so knew it was going to be a hard match as we didn’t have the five pairs of extra legs on the bench that we have become accoustomed to! The first half was pretty evenly matched with some close calls from both teams with both our defence and forwards working hard. OG’s won a penalty corner but nothing came of it. Their goal came from a bit of defensive confusion on our part and we let in a sloppy goal. We went into half time 1-0 down against the bottom side in the league.

We knew we had had the better game in the first half and were determined to get something out of the match. The second half we played much more attacking hockey with Muriel and Tux playing fairly high allowing our midfield and forwards to push higher still. OG’s however were not going to let their lead go easily and continued to put us under pressure and again we conceded several penalty corners but held strong defending them. OG’s began to tire and our fitness began to pay off. We found ourselves with much more space but were struggling to put the ball in the goal. Eventually 10 minutes from the end and after some good fast passing through the midfield, Vikki had a shot on goal which she roofed into the left hand corner leaving Jules (our ex keeps) standing. It was a fantastic goal which will be in for a very good chance of goal of the season and brought us back to level at 1-1. We tried hard for another but at full time the score finished 1-1. Next week will be a real test as we face top of the table Guildford. Thanks to both umpires for their time and good consistent umpiring. Jackie Waite

3rd XI 1-1 NPL
Before the match started it looked like it could be another one of those days with various members turning up without shirts including an ex-captain (naming no names Armo), and Ross even turning up without any kit. Nige had also managed to forget to bring and balls so all-in-all our hour warm-up was pretty successful.

It initially looked like this was going to continue into the game with NPL pushing back as we managed to keep giving it away too cheaply and in so doing we managed to put ourselves under a little bit of pressure for the first ten minutes. We seemed then to start getting a control of things with Richard taking over up front from Danny and Chris B dropping back into midfield to partner Armo in the centre. As we kept pushing, NPL caught us on the break and Nige could not stop the ball from going past when left with a one on one.

Although a couple of times this season going behind has been the point where we have imploded, this was not one of those days. Stu Steele took the game by the grip of the neck manufacturing great pressure from the back with assistance of Tim, Ollie and Stefano. With Chris Scott and Chaz making some great runs down each wing the pressure on NPL was constant. Pretty much the last 20 minutes of the half saw us camped in their half and despite constant pressure we were unable to capitalise on this and went into half time still 1-0 down.

The second half started back pretty even with NPL trying to keep us out of their half and making a couple of breaks. Either the defence or Nige Smith, (who commanded his area) were far too strong for them. The pressure then continued to build and it looked in the end as if NPL had decided that the only way forward was to put 11 men behind the ball.

It looked as if we were not going to break this down but with only a couple of minutes to go we secured a short corner. We had had a number through the game but had not really threatened that much with any of them. We still had a never-die-spirit and we were not going to give in on this one. Rich injected to Armo who stopped and Ross struck sweetly. Just as the NPL keeper thought he had it covered Rich swept in and the ball flicked into the roof of the net. With the remaining time left we continued to push but were unable to achieve the elusive win which all considered we did deserve.

Thanks to Jon and David for covering the umpire duties. We came off very proud that the team was starting to gel together and play as a team. The result we have been searching for can only be around the corner. Nige “Cripple” Hawes


Teddington 0-2 4th XI
We returned to winning ways with a 2-0 away win against Teddington Mens VIs. It wasn’t pretty, but we came away with the three points. With various players away watching the rugby, the team was juggled slightly and thanks go to CD who raced back from Hereford to complete the starting XI.

A little over six months ago Teddington Oaks thrashed us comprehensively to win the league title. They bore the same hallmarks of that team; a mixture of very young, energetic, skillful players and a trio of experienced ‘guiding elders’. They were very much a developmental XI and despite their lowly league position we were keen not to be taught a lesson this time around.

We started the game well and played some flowing hockey. Steve Harmer distributed the ball excellently from pivot, enabling CD, Rob Jonker and Smeer to put together some flowing moves down the right flank, and Oxo, Bertie and Adam to do similarly down the left. Smeer in particular always looked dangerous loitering on the last defender, if only the ball would fall kindly for him. At the back, Nick, Rob Crumby and Grant dealt well with an energetic and slightly unpredictable set of Teddington forwards.

A period of good possession culminated in a short corner which ended with CD scraping the ball home from very close range (1-0). After that, our performance went very flat and we hung on for half time for what seemed like a decade. (Half time 1-0).

Play resumed and life returned to our performance. Bertie Bance, inspired by Steve’s new knockers and a trip down memory lane in Richmond Park (where he used to walk his Cat), put in his best performance of the season and scored a deserved goal, passing the ball across the area and into the goal (2-0).

Unfortunately, whoever was responsible for turning on the floodlights must have been watching the rugby, and forgot to do so. Night fell and the game increasingly became unplayable, eventually being halted and enabling us to escape with a two-goal lead and the three points. Dom Tucker


Veterans 1-1 Bromley & Beckenham
Report to follow