2nd XI secure Open League title

2nd XI 2-0 Surbiton
Match photos
In almost summer-like sunshine, the season finally ended with a 2-0 win over Surbiton for the 2nd XI, a result which gave us the Surrey Open League Premier Division title as well as promotion into what is now Surrey Division (although what it will be once the post-season-reshuffle dust settles nobody knows).

We started knowing we had to win to sneak past Old Whitgiftians for the first time all season, and with only Will Stephens missing from the usual line-up and a Surbiton side who were bottom, we were confident. Perhaps too much so. For the first 15 minutes we were dreadful, off the pace, not pressurising the opposition and looking as if we would struggle.

James Robson was called on to make a couple of saves as well as a timely interception, while at the other end we started producing shots but not on target. We gained a few shorts without threatening off any of them, while with Pies, making a welcome return for Surbiton, was always a danger as he sucked in defenders. Fortunately, he was left with little support, although he managed to earn a frustrated/bewildered Andy Duff a green card early on from a novice umpire.

Ten minutes before the break we got the breakthrough, Rob Merry rifling in an absolute bullet across the keeper from the right-side of the D. Rarely can he have hit the ball harder.

That settled us, and for the second half we controlled the game, with Robson’s only significant role being to earn a green card for abusing the distant umpire for a decision at the other end of the pitch.

Duff and Jon Heard dominated the defence, Duff even making a very rare surging run the length of the pitch, while the Merrys showed the good form they have been in all year. Chris Porter played as only he can – brilliant at times, combatitive at others, and happy to argue with players from either side. He was for once the innocent party when he accidentally clipped a defender in the face with his stick only be hauled off by Surbiton’s diminutive No. 10, who was clearly spoiling for a fight, as he bent over the prone player to apologise.

We could have had half a dozen, and Duncan Mottram deserved a goal for all his hard work but with only the keeper to beat, he undercut straight into his helmet for the least intentional save of the day. Minutes later the defence was finally stretched too far and Paul Acutt slammed the ball home after finding himself in acres of space in a move which started with a double foul from Duff on Pies which left him spreadeagled on the ground.

The rest was fairly unthreatening. Ed Breton, after a quiet first half, ended the season in the hustling, bustling, battling way he approaches every game (as well as the post-match BBQ), Neil Grimes carved holes in the right side of the Surbiton defence, and Dodie Khurshid briefly looked as if he might be on for his second goal in 19 seasons until David Knapp, taking a commanding/dictatorial touchline role, removed him from the fray. Preston Rutt looked in form until he received the most bewildering order of the day from Knapp who barked at him to “keep up” with Cookie.

The promotion secured, we enjoyed some champagne in the clubhouse and the celebrations went on late into the afternoon. It is quite possible Duff is still there.

The side deserved its success. We had only lost once all year - a miserable away day at Wanderers – and had taken eight points against the sides in second and third, with the two wins against them coming away from home. We undoubtedly benefited from the release of several stalwarts from the 1st XI but all blended in well and, crucially, it was an enjoyable season and a happy side. For that, Rob Merry deserves huge credit.

Match reports - April 4, 2009

The 1st XI booked their promotion with a 7-2 win over Addiscombe in a match that was closer than the scoreline suggests. The Ladies beat Woking but other results went against us and so we are relegated, but there were two wins for the 2nd XI at Epsom (yes, two) meaning that a win in the final game will win them the title. The 3rd Xi lost an ill-tempered game against Goan 2-4.

1st XI 7-2 Addiscombe
Match photos
Possibly the best day in the club's history started at 10am and ended at approximately 2.30pm with wins for the 1st XI, two for the 2nds, one for the ladies, two promotions and a real chance to avoid relegation. The ladies gritty and impressive performance takes pride of place coming as it did against an experienced and well drilled Woking side and of the four wins the one against the highest odds. A couple of other results going in their favour could see the relegation battle won.

Promotion for both the first and second XIs is a first for the club with the 2nds having the chance to win the league if they win on the 18th April at TD, a remarkable achievement having regard to their sweating on the last few weeks last year to avoid the drop themselves by winning 4 of the last 5 games they played.

So, why the change? At last we are playing as a club. 6 of today's starting line up were not even club members at the beginning of the season but working through the teams have ended up being key players in the 1st XI but more importantly the guys displaced are all playing for the 2nd XI. Being only one league apart there will be fierce competition for places next season and with both teams playing a similar standard the transfer of players between sides will be far easier and have much less an effect on the balance of the teams than would have been the case in previous years.

The biggest disappointment of the season has been the loss of Nick Lewis to his horrific injury and it is this that has been the main dampener on the success on the pitch. Fortunately it coincided with the arrival of Wobble who has been outstanding at the back with his arrival completing the transformation of the side following the introduction of Nick and James Wood, Jonny Hunter, Trickster and Rory. All have played key roles once settling down and into our style of play.

Today's result was a great deal closer than the scoreline suggests. Dave Cresswell's influence was evident in the first 5 minutes as we settled down and played the ball around the team without allowing Addiscombe a touch. Addiscombe were themselves in need of points to avoid the drop and had run us close in November when we squeaked home 3 - 2, scroing late on. As it was we took the lead when Rory at full length steered home a cross but we were unable to add to the lead allowing Addiscombe to level mid way through the first half. A Jonny Hunter short corner drag restored the lead but we did not look convincing as we allowed the oppo far too much space in the middle of the pitch. We did have chances but a couple of good saves from their keeper kept us at bay with Trickster making one fine save with his stick - before he broke it - from a short corner.

2-1 at half time became 2-2 in somewhat chaotic circumstances and there was a tension in our play that was beggining to cost us our domination. We have to stop criticising each other on the pitch and instead support those going through bad patches and pull through. Lack of fitness is a key element in our attitude preferring as we do to grumble as an excuse to make the 10 yard cover run to break down the play.

As it was Eds smacked home a corner closely followed by Gavin deflecting home a James Wood cross having in turn been set up by a superb cross field aerial by Wobble and Rippers scoring a rare goal to make it 5-2 and game over in the space of five minutes. Rory then slapped home a Rippers cross ( his 10th or 11th 1st team goal) and Knapp tucked away the last goal two minutes from time.

A successful conclusion to a good season and one in which we regenerated the side thanks in the main to Cookiey who introduced James, Nick and Jonny. We now have a side that should be able to stay together for a few seasons and work its way up the leagues.

However we have to recognise that to become a more efficient unit we have to work at our fitness and have as full a turn out at training as possible. An increase of 15% in our fitness will increase our ability on the pitch by 30% and this will be needed if we are intent on challenging at the top of the new league next season. David Knapp

Ladies XI 2-1 Woking
Report to follow.

Epsom 0-1 2nd XI
A game which should have been played last weekend had Epsom internal politics not meant they failed to raise a side and were docked points as well. That left them embroiled in a relegation fight and so we expected a tough game and got just that. In the heat, the pace was slow and that enabled us to dominate possession, although both sides created chances. The one goal came on six minutes through Ed Breton, but James Robson had to pull out two excellent saves, one in each half, to keep us ahead. Chris Valentine created no end of problems for the Epsom defence, and in the end we were good for the points.

2nd XI 2-0 Epsom
A result which meant the season and the title hangs on our final game against Surbiton in a fortnight. The win meant we gained promotion at the least, and given Surbiton pulled off a remarkable win at Reigate today to lift themselves off the bottom, they appear to be hitting form at the right time.

This game was decided by two goals from Ed Breton, the first a brilliant solo effort which started on the halfway line and ended with an easy slip past the keeper. The second, shortly after half time, knocked the stuffing out of an Epsom side who looked better than relegation candidates. Andy Duff and Jon Heard were outstanding at the back, Will Stephens tormented the Epsom backs, and Chris Porter did the same to the umpires.

3rd XI 2-5 Goan
Report to follow.

Match reports - March 21, 2009

Although a Rory Alexander goal five minutes from time secured the 1st XI a draw with leaders Wanderers, it was not enough to put the league in our hands, and we now have to win our remaining games and hope they slip up. The 2nd XI thumped Reigate Priory 5-0, and the Ladies recorded their second win in six days with a 2-0 victory over Tulse Hill. The 3rd XI went down 1-5 to Reigate, confirming their relegation, but the goals rained in at Aldershot where the 3rd XI lost 6-10 and at Surbiton where the Vets lost 2-8.

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1st XI 2-2 Wanderers
A great day, great umpiring and a great game of hockey which was by far and away the best game we have played in all season and doubtless the best since we played against Wanderers 12 months ago and drew 2-2 on that occasion too. Both sides wanted a win, Wanderers to seal the league with two games to go and us to keep alive our faint hopes of winning the league. The first game of the season against Wanderers was one which we felt we had let slip having been 2-0 up and losing to the last hit of the game but there is no question that Wanderers will be going back up the A3 wondering how they failed to win the three points today

We knew the first 10 minutes would be crucial as Wanderers would not want to allow us a head start like last time and so it proved to be. Wanderers tore us apart in the first 10 and could easily have been two, maybe three up. However their shooting boots had been left at home with only two goals from their shot count of 27. We made a series of big tackles and for all their pressure and shots Trickster had very little to do with the shots either being blocked or being shoved wide. As the game wore on we came back into it and in the final analysis made our corners count with two from 10 whilst the oppo converted none from 15.

David Knapp had a good chance after 15, picking the ball up in front of the keeper, taking it wide but hitting the post when he should have done better and Rory, who scored both, failing to convert Adair's cross following his best run of the season down the left. That would have made it 2 - 0 at half time Rory having put us one up deflecting home Eds’ sweetly-struck shot. Our corners looked dangerous their keeper dealing with two Hunter powerflicks with ease but Wanderers threw huge aerials that continually released the pressure and gave us plenty to think about.

1 - 0 at half time should have been made two by Eds from the top of the D, Cookiey who hurried and snatched at a spanking through pass from Gavin and then again by Cookiey two minutes later who tried a reverse stick strike from the bye line when we had two at the top of the D waiting for a pull back with the goalie and last defender out of position.

A couple of minutes later Wanderers deservedly equalised with a quick free hit that was rolled home by the striker as we stopped, argued and then looked at the umpire as an excuse - unprofessional for what was a perfectly legitimate goal. Five minutes later an uncharacteristic error by our man of the season thus far, Cato, gave Wanderers a 2 on 1 against Trickster and we were up against it. Shades of December 6.

Not to be outdone we forced a short corner and an intricate move that was not quite off the training pitch enabled Rory to tap in from a foot and it remained at 2 - 2 for the last five minutes. Wanderers were without a doubt the happier at the end with a point but to have won the league we would have had to thump Wanderers and then have two weeks of strange results.

We wish Wanderers all the best next season and they have definitely been the best side in the league for arguably two years. My biggest complaint is to question why they lost the play off last season thus resulting in our having to play them this season !!

All to play for in the last two games with two wins securing us second spot. David Knapp

Reigate Priory 0-5 2nd XI
A routine win over a side who started the day nibbling at our heels in which our defence remained unflappable against the huff-and-puff approach of Reigate. The first quarter was evenly fought, Reigate creating several half-chances, but a superb Ed Breton flick from a short corner gave us the lead midway through the half, and then Chris Valentine swept in a second on the stroke of half-time. The second half was scrappy with some indifferent tackling, and as we took our chances Reigate’s composure fell away, culminating in the their captain being yellowed for dissent. We continued the break down attacks while taking our chances, and could have had a sixth but for some generous umpiring when the keeper took out Paul Acutt.

3rd XI 1-5 Reigate Priory
Despite the scoreline, we were not overwhelmingly outplayed, but we gave away the ball too much, shipped some fairly tame goals, and failed to use our width. Three goals in seven minutes midway through the first half killed the game, and from then on it was fairly low-key stuff. The Reigate keeper’s clean sheet disappeared with the last hit of the game. The result confirmed the relegation we all knew was inevitable from before Christmas.

Aldershot 10-6 3rd XI
Report to follow.

Ladies 2-0 Tulse Hill
Report to follow.

Match reports - February 28, 2009

A good day all round with wins for all but the 3rd XI, with the highlight being the Ladies’ 3-1 victory over Teddington, our first win in more than four months. The 1st XI eased past Cheam 5-0, the 2nd XI beat Walton & Weybridge 2-1 and the 4th XI edged out Teddington 1-0. The 3rd XI’s miserable campaign continued with a 0-5 loss at NPL

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Cheam 0-5 1st XI
We set out to obtain three points with a healthy win, win short corners and keep a clean sheet all of which were achieved. Cheam had surprised us all last week with a 0-0 draw against our nemesis, Bank of England so were not to be taken lightly.

With a settled side, save the unfortunate Nick Lewis who has a long time on the side lines following his brush with a plate glass door, we took the game to Cheam with Jonny Hunter impressive - again - in the deeper of the central-midfield roles and the instigator of most of our early openings. The pitch was a little skiddy and although we scored after about 10 minutes when one of Cookiey's famous reverse stick shots somehow looped over the keeper and ran over the line. The goal at that stage was a deserved return for constant pressure. For the remainder of the half we spent most of the time in the Cheam half without creating any clear chances but instead flailed at bouncil balls with any goal bound efforts handled capably by the keeper. Our 6 short corners came to nought but there was one of the Alexander exocets that the Cheam defence knew little about even though they kept it out. Cheam did look competent on the break so a 1-0 half time scoreline was never going to be enough.

Ten minutes into the second half we notched our second following more pressure play, forcing a short that Nick Woods tucked away after a somewhat unorthodox routine. We had learnt from our first half performance and were spreading the ball wide and up the lines. The third came soon after as another short was converted by Knapp followed by one of the moves of the season and one that has been 14 years coming ! Cheam's only short of the match ( they were unlucky not to be awarded at least two others ) was capably dealt with by our solid defence, played out left, picked up by Knapp, swept up the line, a sumptuous dummy by Wobble to Gavin who laid it on a plate for Rory to slot home. 10 seconds from one end to the other.

Our final goal was from our final short and a wicked flick from Jonny Hunter capping another good performance save the harsh yellow for his first and only foul in the three games he has played for us.

This was a good second half performance on the back of a scratchy first period and one that adds to our goal difference that could be crucial at the end of the season.

Unfortunately no Hunter or Valentine next week but James Wood returns and there will be a recall for Ed Breton having served his time. David Knapp


2nd XI 2-1 Walton & Weybridge Hawks
Given the records of the two sides, this was never likely to be a goal-fest and so it proved, but at least we did enough to banish memories of last week’s loss at Wanderers. Walton may be bottom but they are far from pushovers and they gave us a tough workout. We played far more controlled hockey, Heard, Stephens, Khurshid, Breton and Grimes combining well in some slick moves but chances were not plentiful. Despite dominating the first half we went behind three minutes from the break when a short corner squeezed under the keeper from what was Walton’s first real shot of the game. We started the second half with more purpose, Breton causing problems and stretching the Walton defence, although winning short corners was hardly advantageous, so poor was our routine. We drew level when a neat ball from Breton was well converted by Preston Rutt, and seven minutes from time he scored the winner from close range after some sloppy defending. Our best hockey followed as we stretched Walton’s defence as they pressed for the equaliser, and Breton contrived to fire wide from five yards to tarnish an otherwise good performance.

NPL 5-0 3rd XI
Report to follow.

4th XI 1-0 Teddington
Teddington might be bottom but they gave us an entertaining and enjoyable match. On another day we could have won by a hatful of goals, on this one we could have even been held to a draw. With more subs than the Russian navy, the comings and goings, especially in the second half, undermined our continuity and for the last quarter of the game we were on the backfoot. The one goal came from Steve Harmer who rifled in a strike from ten yards eight minutes into the second half, and Harmer soon after cleared Teddington’s best chance with a overhead tennis smash from a goalbound shot.

Ladies 3-1 Richmond
With new aerodynamic shirts the ladies were feeling confident of a win on saturday. Looking exceedingly smart we took to the pitch to play Richmond, the only team we hadn't played yet this season.

We started well and were in control of the match from the start,passing the ball around and distributing well from the backs of Ros, Rosie, Tux and Rewa. Within 10 minutes however we saw our first casualty of the match as Caz on the right Wing tweaked her medial knee ligament, an injury she has been battling with since November. Reinforcements were at hand in the form of May who had made her usual late appearance having gotten lost on the way to the pitch.........(we were playing at home....) May subbed on for Caz and within minutes was using her pace to aggrevate the Richmond defence and along with Dora putting pressure on the Richmond GK who we suspected was a stand in and not their regular keeps. We had plenty of shots on target and the GK did a great job of keeping them out but before long we broke the deadlock and from some quick passing Dora managed to put the ball away. We were 1-0 up and the first time we had taken the lead in a match since I can remember this season!!!! Still only 1 goal up and still a long way to go we new it was far from over and kept pressing hard. Richmond defended well and caught us several times on the break. At one point Ros being last in line to take a loose player on a break was passed by the player leaving a one on one with Steph in goal, but somehow Ros managed to get back and get a crucial touch on the ball to clear it and prevent a likely equaliser. Before long we thought we had another injury as Dora received an elbow in the face from her opposing player, but managed to regroup and play on. We conceeded a couple of shorts but so did they.We we were the first to capitalise on this as a shot from Nina as right slip was deflected by the keeps into a circle of OC players all waiting like vultures to finsh off. After several more deflections it was eventually Viks that managed to secure our 2nd goal to take us 2-0 up. It looked like we would go into half time in the driving seat until a short blown right on the half time whistle was converted by Richmond to keep them well in touch in the game and we went into half time 2-1 up.

We were not going to let this win get away from us and took to the field in the second half, the midfield of Manny, Viks, Nina, Jax and Liz as usual were working their socks off with Liza and Mez subbing up front and in the defence to provide fresh legs to run around a Richmond side with no subs.Steph I recall made a crucial save 15 minuites in but apart from that was not really challenged. Eventually a match securing goal came for us in the form of a super strike from Manny taking us 3-1 up which Richmond were never going to come back from. A couple more shorts each end but no more goals. The match finished 3-1 a very long time coming, much deserved win for the OC ladies! The new shirts did their job and hopefully if we keep up our hard work our luck will finally have changed. Although we are still bottom we are by no means down and out and a winning streak that we are more than capable of could see us to safety. Come on the ladies!!!!! Thanks to Martin and the Richmond Umps who did a great job. Thanks to the pregnant possy on the side and Snoops and the boys for their support! Jackie Waite

Match reports - January 17, 2009

Old Kingstonians 3-3 1st XI
Two great mid season games, but boy did we slip up today, pressing the self destruct button on a couple of occasions.

The best time to concede is in the first minute and so having gone one down after 55 seconds we had plenty of time to respond. Matters were back on an even keel by the 5th minute when Ed Breton popped home our first corner and for the next 15 minutes OKs could hardly get a touch and it seemed only a matter of time before we scored and so it proved to be with Gavin sweeping the home expertly to make it 2 -1. This followed great work down the right flank. Perhaps we became over confident because our game deteriorated dramatically and we became sloppy, giving away possession time and time again and putting ourselves under pressure. We again failed to clear the ball leading to the oppo's first short corner that was beautifully converted. Knapp had the chance to restore the lead just before the break but somehow contrived to put the ball over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

At half time we seemed to have nailed the problem and although Ed B received a yellow that had been coming we regained the lead with Ed C cracking home a short. Another goal was key and would have put the game beyond OKs but as they showed in September they were going to fight all the way. Disappointingly we failed to convert two or three good chances at 3-2 and then conceded an unnecessary corner leading to Ed B's second yellow and a shot which bobbled home to level things up. We still had time to score from two more chances but it was not to be.

Territorially and chances wise we deserved to win but attitude wise we did not and OKs won this side of the battle hands down and fully deserved their point.

Quite simply we have to be cleverer. At the end of both halves we had the ball in the circle with a minute to go and instead of rolling it on a foot tried to create a chance. Our corner routine looks dangerous so we need to win corners in such situations. However having squeaked past OKs in game one with a last-minute strike the chances of doing so again were minimal.

A fair result with a bag full of work to do in the next 10 games if we are to win the league. Well played Nick and James Wood on their debuts with some plus points coming from the game. David Knapp

OKs v 2nd XI
Report to follow.

Purley Walcountians 2-4 3rd XI
New year, new start probably the Saturday that the whole 3rd XI has been desperate to arrive finally we have our first win of the season. Turning up to Purley at 4pm on a cold dark Saturday afternoon was not what anyone would have chosen but as you can see it was all worth it because of the result.

The match started off fantastically when only a few minutes after a great cross from the right Preston slotted an absolute corker in to take us 1-0 up. The whole team was buoyed by this and some the best hockey this season was to follow. Andy and Tom were making some great runs up each wing and Ross and Armo were controlling the midfield. Although the next 10 minutes was a bit end to end, eventually a short corner was won from another good attacking move. Using a route one tactic with the straight strike this was too good for the Purley Keeper and we went 2-0 up. The first half continued in pretty much the same vane with defence holding strong. We welcomed Jock back after a long absence and it was a really strong performance from him at right back with a number of good runs from defence and solid hit outs it did make a difference (Please do not tell Jock that we praised him). The rest of the defence was also holding strong with Ewan having a strong tackling performance at Left Back (before Rich admirably covered for him – when he wore himself out) Tim also seemed to relish his man marking role whilst Andy stood solid as a rock at sweeper. Despite all of this strong play unfortunately it was not enough to prevent Purley pulling one back with a scrappy goal. This unlike other times was not enough to force the heads down. Preston was again in the right place at the right time and managed to stick his second away to give us a half-time lead of 3-1.

After possibly our best half of the season there was not much other than encouragement required at the break. The second half got going and continued in the same way as the first we continued to make some good chances and were unfortunate not to go further ahead. Just as everyone had started to look at their watches to see how much longer we would need to hold out for our first win, Purley got their second this could have meant a dodgy nail biting last 10 minutes. Our heads momentarily dropped and Purley seemed to have got the idea of a draw into theirs. Thankfully for us though Ross had different ideas and was not in the mood for any nail chewing. After a great run and looking at a one on one with the keeper it looked like he had pushed the ball far too wide. Nevertheless with the deftest of touches he managed to cut the ball back and into the goal. Even though Ross was not even aware of it we were 4-2 up. This is the way it was to stay and as I have previously mentioned we finally had our first win of the season. All I need to say to finish this is, Please can we ensure that we don’t have to wait so long for the next one. Thank you to all who turned out for what was probably not the most inviting match in history. Nigel Hawes


4th XI 2-3 Walton & Weybridge
A breezy game to start the second half of the season, with plenty of good play from both sides, no end of goalmouth action and a late and cruel twist. Walton put together some slick passing moves without converting them into clear-cut chances, while we tended to rely on the indefatigable Louis Strover ( a word that he has never been called in his entire life before today) who created problems for the Walton defence throughout. We took the lead on 25 minutes, and conceded 45 second later from a poorly-defended short corner. We restored the advantage with what one of the Walton defenders described as “complete ***ing powder puff defending” ten minutes into the second half and looked good for that lead until we shipped an oh-so-soft equaliser ten minutes from time. Both sides continued to attack, but we gave away a short corner a minute from time, failed to take one of the three chances we had to clear the ball and paid a heavy price as one of several unmarked forwards rifled the ball home. A good performance even if the outcome wasn’t. Also, full marks for astute reading of the game to Steve Harmer. Standing next to the umpire when two minutes were signalled and shouted before the interval, he turned to one of our subs and told him to “warm up … you’re on in two minutes”.

Cheam 1-0 Ladies
Our first match back after Christmas, we were raring to go and had a strong side. Rewa had kindly stepped into goal for us and Ros was back out of retirement (her recent engagement to Baz clearly giving her a new lease of life!), sweeping for us again! We had scraped a draw against Cheam in our first match of the season and were determined to go one better second time around.

We started well with good distribution from the back through the midfield and pretty much dominated the first half, pressurising the Cheam defence well and giving them very few chances. We had several shots fly past the goal, free hits just out side the area and a short corner cracking first strike saved by the Cheam keeper. Cheam had a couple of near misses but it was safe to say we were the dominant side and by half time we clearly had Cheam rattled – it feels good when you see your opposing team bickering at each other!

Our work rate had been good in the first half and our defence pretty tight and we knew more of the same hard work and eventually a goal would come. Unfortunately it was the story of out season so far in the second half. Cheam had restructured slightly at half time and this appeared to have made quite a difference. For the first 15 minutes they had us on the back foot and we never quite regained our momentum of the first half. Cheam were moving the ball around much better and putting our defence under far more pressure. They won their first short corner of the match which we defended well and cleared but minutes later all our hard work so far was undone as we saw Cheam scramble a weak ball over our back line to take them into the lead.

Keeping our heads up we knew we were more than capable of getting ourselves back in the game. From this point on we began to take control again bar giving away another short which we cleared before Cheam could get a shot in. We managed to get the ball back into Cheam’s half and once again began putting the Cheam defence under pressure. Unfortunately despite our efforts we just couldn’t seem to get the ball in the back of the goal. Although we started the second half of the season with a loss, probably a harsh result, we did put in one of our strongest performance of the season so far, which bodes well if we can maintain this standard and hopefully score a few more goals in matches to come. Thanks to Helen and her bump for umpiring for us! Jackie Waite


Veterans 1-1 St Albans
Report to follow.

Match reports - November 29, 2008

The 1st XI returned to winning ways – and the top of the table - with a 4-2 victory over Surrey Old Boys, and the 2nd XI maintained their title ambitions with a 3-0 win at Barnes. But there was less to smile about for the 3rd XI who went down 3-2 to Camberley, while the good starts by the 4th XI and Ladies now seem some time ago. The 4th XI have now lost four in five after losing 1-2 at OMWs, while the Ladies, who lost 1-3 at Tulse Hill, have now taken only one point out of the last 15.

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1st XI 4-2 Surrey Old Boys
After the disappointment of last week it was imperative to bounce back not only with a win but a convincing performance. We welcomed back Duffy from his travels but with Bruce at Twickenham we were thin on the ground - nearly as this as Will's hair. Talking of which Will lasted a total of 46 seconds before doing something to his back and that was the end of his Saturday afternoon exercise. Accordingly Eds was thrust into an alien role and then proceeded to take no chances and perform his duties well.

Cato and Duffy worked well in the middle together and this enabled Ed B to play further up the field with his working well with Rippers b oth having a greater presence than in most games this season higher up the pitch. We kept the ball short and sharp and although Trickster had to mop up a number of bits and pieces we dominated the first period and scored three goals with incisive play down the right, hitting the back line enabling Ed B to score one and Gavin two - all three either tap-ins or deflections. SOBS had some good individual players but perhaps lacked the team work that with their enthusiasm could cause others in the league problems.

The second half saw us a little more ragged but Knapp shot home to make it 4-0 at which point the opposition came back at us and nicked two goals. We created chances but became too strung out and lacked the earlier cohesion and this has to be down to a lack of fitness. There was also the case of an incorrect choice of options at various points but nevertheless this was an impressive performance ahead of the two big ones left before the break.

Last week we lost to HAC, allowing Wanderers to leapfrog us at the top of the table. This week HAC did the same to Wanderers, allowing us to return to the top, two points clear of Wanderers and OMWs. We play both these sides in the next fortnight. David Knapp



Barnes 0-3 2nd XI
After taking on the league leaders the previous weekend it was onto third-placed Barnes, third only by virtue of a weaker goal difference than ours. We arrived at a miserable and cold Chiswick expecting a tough assignment, in truth it was nothing more than a routine victory for a team growing in confidence and desire. Barnes were not helped by the fact that their best player (by a mile) pulled his hamstring after five minutes and had to play up front in the "hobbling around role", but to be honest there was only ever one team in this contest (so ill keep it brief this week!).

We made a couple of changes to the side that drew with Whitgift: Andy Selby filling in at right back for Mez and myself and Duncan swapping roles - I moved to left midfield and Duncan moved to defensive midfield. On the whole the changes worked as I was given more licence to get forward and consequently scored a couple of goals whilst Duncan set about their midfield breaking down attacks and harrying Barnes into errors.

To say we dominated the first half would be an understatement. I can’t remember them ever really being in our half longer than a few seconds, it was one-way traffic. We made multiple forays into Barnes' D and if their umpire had gone to Specsavers we could have had about 10 short corners. We went one up after 15 minutes after the ball was squared to me to sweep into the roof of the net from close range. Minutes later after a short corner (which should have been a flick and a card after their sweeper made a heroic goal line clearance with his foot) and some pinball action the ball broke to Rory who connected sweetly with a reverse-stick strike which whistled past the keeper. I take full credit for this as it was me who during the warm up told everyone not to try anything to flashy in the D and to put the ball on a foot etc - reverse psychology.

2-0 up at the break and it could have been three or four. We never really kicked on after half time which was a bit disappointing, we managed to get a third (I got on the end of a deflection and tucked it away again from close range) fairly early on which effectively killed the game and both sides knew it. Barnes hit a post but that was about as close as they came. Neil Grimes also went close late on but was unfortunate not to score. In truth with the game won our intensity dipped and our passing and movement also faltered - I think we all had one eye on the warmth of the dressing room. If we had maintained our first half form and improved our awareness and distribution when on the break we could have doubled our advantage such was the paucity of resistance coming from Barnes whose league position looks fairly flattering based on that performance.

So we remain hot on Whitgift's heels with two games to go before Xmas. We must win them both so we can mount a serious title challenge in the New Year. Special mention to the defence - nine goals conceded in eight games is by far the best record in the league, keep up the good work! Chris Porter


Tulse Hill 2-1 Ladies
Saturday saw as trek halfway round the south circular to play TH&D away on a cold morning. We had a good warm-up and were revved up and ready to go from the start. The first half was pretty evenly matched with some good attacking plays from us and them. We scored first with some good quick passing up and into the TH circle for Vikki to slot past their keeper to take us 1-0 up. However, it wasn’t long before we conceded our first penalty corner which TH converted with a merciless straight strike. The pay was end to end with TH pressurising us well on 16 and us likewise. We conceded another penalty corner but successfully defended it second time around. At half time the score was 1-1.

The second half saw both teams battling hard but we seemed to be tiring as we struggled to keep up with our TH counterparts. Another short corner conceded by us and converted by them saw TH go 2-1 ahead. It also seemed to be a half of injuries as Rewa in goal was forced to run out and make a save and went down falling on her shoulder. She didn’t get back up and he suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder. We had no subs were one down and I was starting to think about donning the keepers pads and helmet. Fortunately after some time testing the wounded limb she tentatively got to her feet and bravely continued the game. Five minutes later Gayle received a stick in the face, there was no blood and again she bravely continued on. Mez then got a ball in the hand but after a bit of hopping around carried on! We battled on trying to keep the pace high taking quick balls to get ourselves back in the game, but unfortunately we just didn’t mark our players enough and for the second week in a row couldn’t seem to score. After a break by TH they scored a third goal to secure the match for themselves. It wasn’t a good game by the girls and we will have plenty to work on in training this week if we want to end our streak of draws and losses. Jackie Waite



3rd XI 2-3 Camberley
Bollocks ... bollocks ... and more bollocks. Nigel Hawes

OMWs 1-2 4th XI
Report to follow.

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