Zac Hawes arrives on the scene

Helen and Nigel Hawes (well, Nigel did the hard bit) are delighted to announce the arrival of an 8lb baby son called Zachariah (Zac) Stanley Hawes. "For those that don't know he arrived at 2.15am on 15th June after 28hrs of labour," said Helen. "A bit tiring for all!"

Match reports - November 8, 2008

The 1st XI remained top and retained their 100% record with a 4-3 win at Camberley, but nobody is quite sure how we came away with all three points. The 2nd XI remained second with a thrilling 0-0 draw with Wanderers. The 3rd XI were left still looking for their first win after a 0-4 loss at Kenley, while the 4th XI went down 1-3 to leaders Horley. The Vets, despite the rare fielding of a brace of Shanks, lost 0-5 at Southgate but were boosted by a cultural match report (see below) while a double-booked pitch meant the Ladies had a wasted trip to Richmond

Camberley 3-4 1st XI
Holy jamolee - not only was the biscuit taken but the whole factory's supply taken. The factory has shut down.

We knew that Camberley were going to be a tough nut from their results. Giving them space in the midfield and conceding short corners was what they wanted. We had the bulk of the ball in the first five minutes but then went to sleep, lost our pattern and changed our style so it was no surprise when from their first corner the home side went one up with a wicked dipping strike.

The first of the howlers then let us back into the game when Eds’ dying swan won us a penalty stroke and fortuitously we were level when David Knapp popped it home. Neither side managed to create much for the next 10 minutes or so but instead traded passes in the midfield. Cookiey was instrumental in clearing up a lot of loose ball at the back and a change in our tactics saw us beginning to dominate the game and thwart the danger of the two wide-midfield players. Following a strong run and sublime skill from Rory Gavin was set up for our second with Cookiey winning a free hit in our half, making a forward run and picking up the resultant aerial. Back line was again hit and this time Cookiey set up Gavin for our third.

The same style was used in the second half and on winning a short a well-rehearsed move enabled Knapp to pop the ball home. From this point it seemed that it was a matter of how many. Rory had a stinging reverse-stick shot saved but we then lost our shape completely. The injury to Cato hurt us and was evidence of his importance. At this point the fun started. Both sides received two yellows for what were in essence innocuous tackles. Gavin’s was for "being frustrated because I did not blow the two fouls on you before you stick tackled the player"...!! Rippers was for a tackle being of such a high standard that its kind has probably not been seen at this level before. The reverse stick clean nick of the ball was OK but apparently Rippers had the opponent's shirt in his hand. Isaac Newtons theory of relativity would have been oh-so-different had he seen this tackle before the apple fell on his head.

Two quick goals from Camberley, another powerful short corner drive and a cracking shot from the oppo's man of the match gave us a tense last few minutes. CB then went off and we were down to a fit 10.

Nick was penalised and a stroke given for what appeared a clean tackle as the ball went directly off his stick into touch, but this decision did even out the earlier howler. Step up Trickster who worked out the flick taker to save easily. However, not so simple. Feet off the line for Trickster, much questioning and a retake. Ball fired wide so still 4 – 3, and so it remained.

Both sides suffered in equal measures. Camberley were unlucky not to blemish our 100% record and so we were lucky to win but win we did. Twenty-four players baffled in the bar afterwards but still top tonight. David Knapp


2nd XI 0-0 Wanderers
If last week's result opened up some early-season OC wounds, then this week's had the effect of rubbing salt firmly into them. Another game we really should have won but in the end had to settle with a hugely frustrating draw. On a miserable, wet morning at TD we dominated for long periods but could not convert our territory and possession into a goal. Wanderers, who defended stoutly throughout; were clearly the happier of the two teams as the final whistle echoed around our ears like the school bell sounding the end of break - we didn't want it to end...

Once again keeper Mike decided to turn up two minutes before push back which meant that Captain Mez had to get into his fancy dress gear - My constant jibes about his ill fitting gloves did nothing to lift our skipper's rather glum mood. In terms of the line-up we looked really strong, not only did we welcome back Neil and Dodie from their successful exploits with the 1st XI, but were also supplied with Will Stephens and Bruce Davies. We started confidently as you would expect from our league position and the personnel we had on board and consequently spent much of the first period camped in the Wanderers half. The passing and movement was good but as the half progressed it was becoming evident that we were lacking a cutting edge, with our strikers limited to a hand full of "half chances". Wanderers, to their credit; defended well, displaying high levels of determination and concentration. Their game plan was clearly to hit us on the break and we had to be on our toes on one or two occasions in the first half when they surged forward - but these were very much isolated incidents.

The second half was, in reality; a bit of a mess. We became disjointed, our movement lacked real purpose and mentally we became edgy - the thought of not winning playing on our minds. The combination of these factors actually helped Wanderers get more of a foothold in the game which, given their overall lack of skill was hard to accept. However the second half did grant us a few real chances, a series of short corners from which Paul came close at least twice, and another heroic goal line clearance from a defender who "knew nothing about it" after great work from Woody (Woody is now my name for either of Nick and James as I am never going to be able to tell them apart.) and Andy Selby. And much like the fireworks this weekend, the game disappointingly fizzled out.

We are still undefeated but a few alarm bells are sounding in my ears - We have a lot of good players in the 2s this season but there are genuine concerns about the balance of the squad. It became increasingly clear that neither Bruce nor Will are strikers, Will on reflection; probably would have preferred to stay in bed than suffer the ignominy of playing for the 2nd XI but there you go. It is easy to be down on ourselves but it could have been another three points and overall we deserved to win. We do need to work on our shape, movement and structure, especially when working the ball into space in wide areas, but our cause is not helped when faced with five new team-mates every week. A settled team, who are used to how each other plays is crucial - so is finding a real out and out goal-scorer ... Chris Porter


Kenley 4-0 3rd XI
The 3rd XI travelled to the far depths of southern England to play Kenley. Coming off the back of a well-fought and played game last week, a strong team with Duncan Mottram returning to the fray after two years in the lofty heights of the 2XI, we had promise, guile and a fair amount of rain beating down to make for an interesting game.

Kenley started the game moving the ball fluidly and using their flanks. Our defence quickly realised that their game was not going to be quiet and Stu and Tim coordinated affairs with strategic cunning that neutralised Kenley's attacks. As we found our feet, excellent marking at the back and coordination in midfield started to provide opportunities for our own attacks. Two early short corners proved threatening and some luck on Kenley's part prevented us taking the lead. Rich Lawrence was making a nuisance of himself on the right flank with balls being played through to Dave, Chris and as Andy came on to provide new legs, the game was becoming a fast flowing and competitive. Duncan was proving instrumental in midfield with competition for every 50/50 and distribution up both flanks keeping us well in the game.

Our beloved captain, Nigel, felt that there were perhaps a few decisions that were being affected by Kenley's appealing made this opinion felt. After an eternity of discussion with the umpire, an exchange of phone numbers, bit of a hug and a pat on the bum, he returned to the goal mouth without a card.

The first-half continued with end-to-end play and a solid approach. The only criticism would be that the ball was been given away a little cheaply in midfield but 0-0 at half time. After the break both teams appeared to lose their structure and Kenley's attackers started to become niggly … however, the defence held their own. Our midfield couldn't find itself and with some solid play in places, seemed to lose the ball too easily and cheaply that kept the defence busy. Ollie and Stefano were kept busy on both wings however it was Kenley that opened the accounts first with a scrappy play that resulted in a close slap past an already committed keeper. Unfortunately, the second came quickly after from a short corner routine that broke down leaving three Kenley players on the right side facing a man on the line, it was inevitable, 2-0.

The game settled for five minutes before some nice passing from the Kenley midfield cut through too easily to expose our fitness issues we were now facing to score another goal. To our credit, attacks still came forward and Rich and Andy were both unlucky not to put a goal in the back of the net. Midfield had found its structure again and the game started to swing back our way only for a bemusing attack, where the ball went off the back line in front of the umpire, five OC defenders stopped, but the umpire “didn't see it”, 4-0. With five minutes remaining, Armo was called over to be reprimanded for appealing for the ball. Being asked what was he going to do, blow a whistle as he wasn't the umpire, asked the umpire if this was a rhetorical question, diplomacy not a forte obviously.

A very creditable game for us, the score line unflattering and unfair but nonetheless, the score line. A younger Kenley team showed their fitness when it mattered but a well grafted game by Duncan, Stu and Tim with good performances all round. The season is far from over based on the OC's last fortnights play. James Armitage

Southgate 5-0 Veterans XI

And so to Southgate, OC hearts beating with hope on the back of the cliff-hanger that was last week’s win against HAC. But, as Robert Louis Stevenson so aptly observed “to travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive, and the true success is to labour”. We travelled hopefully and we laboured hard and long but five goals later (none ours sadly) we trooped off, heads held high(ish) but, in truth, soundly beaten.
This could almost have been a game of two halves, save that we lost both. We drew inspiration from the heady cocktail that was (a) the re-appearance of Shanks (younger) – in borrowed kit and claiming an improbable Vets goal-scoring average of 2.6 goals per match – (Statto over to you for due diligence on that one please!) (b) the welcome addition of the classy Richard Womack finding a moment before his baby arrives to play beautifully in support of our lonely strikers until eventually limping off mid-way through the second half and (c) the return of the surgically enhanced ‘flying’ Pyne. We battled manfully against a powerful Southgate side and might easily have gone into the break level. Loates and Speers stood firm at the back in front of Shanks (elder), Trinder as ever authoritatively organising the middle and Jon Gray and Tim Neligan tireless in attack. We made chances, we came close, but fatally were unable to convert.. And then the inevitable, a Southgate short corner awarded, a five minute break for 21 players as Trinder debated and re-debated the minutiae of the decision with the astonishingly patient Southgate umpire and then the corner itself, the ball rolling to an unmarked striker in space, with time to line it up and smash it through Shanks (elder), who until then had defended his goal with characteristic determination.

At half time there was still all to play for. An early goal and we would be right back in it. Alas there was indeed an early goal - theirs!

The writer pauses the action at this point to remark on the colourful reaction of Shanks (elder) to this particular Southgate score and indeed to the others that followed. Perhaps it had been a tough week flogging Cruise Liners but big Pete’s response(s) to the goal(s) can perhaps euphemistically be described as ‘colourful’. The only printable part being his command to each delighted Southgate goal-scorer “Don’t say anything!!!” bellowed at point blank range into the nearest ear. As a deterrent against further opposition goal-scoring it proved entirely unsuccessful (although in fairness this was true of much that we attempted in the second half) but I am surely not alone in noticing that the enemy celebrations thereafter were distinctly muted. On a more serious note anyone who was actually at the game will have appreciated that Peter’s therapy-needs are now urgent and all contributions should please be made (as usual) via the website www.ourgoalkeepersisbonkers.com.

Thus the second half passed in a blizzard of Southgate attacks (largely successful) and a handful of OC forays into the enemy territory (all unsuccessful). Eve battled gamely down the left, looking close to fully recovered from his shoulder damage, Bermon came on and tied up their inside right and Butch bottled up their right winger – but all to no avail. In many way we were all winners - we had fun, the sun shone as we played, the post-match chilli hit the spot and some of us even cycled home (sort of). But on the pitch we definitely came second. David Burles

Match reports - October 18, 2008

Another generally good week with a comprehensive win for the 1st XI over Walton & Weybridge Hawks (who have as much affinity to Walton or Weybridge as MK Dons do to Wimbledon) to go top; the 2nd XI beat a feisty/moaning UCL Academicals 2-1, while the 4th XI saw off a feisty/physical Barnes Beavers 5-3. The Ladies came back from Battersea with a 1-0 win over Wanderers, while the only blot was the 3rd XI’s 1-5 thumping by a classy Leatherhead side.


1st XI 4-0 Walton & Weybridge
Click here for match photos
After their previous results we expected a tough game against Walton and Weybridge, our nemesis two years ago. Ultimately our fears were unfounded after a clinical performance with a very effective second half in which we stifled the opponents.

We welcome Trickster Smith in goal after his outstanding performance last week at TD for the seconds and for the second week running he kept a clean sheet albeit with little to do other than in the last couple of minutes.

Walton had difficulties in picking our system early on but it was when David Cresswell changed the formation by putting Ed B in front of the back three that we began to create most of our chances. As so often the case we did not make our short corners count until Gavin Adair picked up a rebound from one and finished with aplomb to score what he described as the all important goal. 1 - 0 at half time became 2 - 0 after half time when Gavin's run opened up the Walton defence allowing Paul Acutt time and space to finish well with a dipping shot. We now began to dominate completely with the back four soaking up whatever was thrown at them, Ed B bringing the ball out of the back with good effect and Cato buzzing around in is usual way. As the game wore on we created a great deal more and could have scored on a number of occasions before Cookiey clipped home our third. We rode out our bad spell without allowing Walton any clear openings on goal with Trickster's one touch coming from a sharp free hit and deflection that came through a crowd of players but was dealt with in an effective and efficient way.

One minute remained on the clock as Nick Lewis finished off a well-worked move starting in the right corner of our half when Ed B beat two and slipped the ball up the line to CB, who fed Gavin, whose cross field pass found Nick in the clear, whose shot from the top of the D rattled the side board.

An efficient performance with Duffy the Man of the Match and a game that saw us missing Rippers, Bruce and Pies. Next week we are light of Pies, Lewis, Duffy, Trickster and Cato but such is our depth that we will be able to fill the gaps with selection becoming interesting when everyone is available. David Knapp




Wanderers 0-1 Ladies XI
Saturday saw us playing away against Wanderer’s 3’s. They had come down from the premier league and were joint top of our league, not having lost a match yet, so we were ready for a tough match! Our bench was loaded with subs so we went out hard knowing we had fresh legs available, and for the first 15 minutes the match looked pretty even with neither team really having any real chances on goal. We were playing well keeping possession, stepping up to the ball with some good attacking play which eventually won us a penalty corner. We failed to do much with it but only five minutes later a lightning quick run from May down the right side had Wanderers on the back foot. She passed it to Jax in the circle. The keeper went down and Jax pushed it passed her towards the bottom right-hand corner with May following it up and making sure it went in. We were 1-0 up after 15 minutes. We knew Wanderers were a good side so were by no means complacent. We continued to play hard with lots of subs to allow us to keep the pace high and rest when we needed. The midfield of Gayle, Vikki, Steph and Caz were doing a great job of supporting each other and passing the ball around with Tux having a stormer as centre back/centre forward, mopping up any loose balls and driving forwards, playing high and pressurising the Wanderers forwards. We held onto our lead at half time.

The second half again was evenly matched with both teams having some good attacking moments with Gayle, Sarah H and Nikki all seeing near misses and forcing the oppo to defend hard. At the same time Wanderers were fast on the break which saw our defence of Rosie, Lucy and Tux having to work hard to get back and cover and Muriel as sweeper having to step in and make some brilliant interceptions. The umpires both of whom supplied by Wanderers were firm but fair and I have to say many decisions seemed to go our way – which makes a change!!!! About half way through the second half we conceded our first and only penalty corner (again which makes a change from the previous matches!). Rosie running No. 1 and fearless (many may say kamikaze) as ever intercepted the strike and and Tux cleared the ball and the danger, for the time being was over. We were aware how close the game was and were keen to get another goal to secure the win. Our forwards of Nina, Liza and Snoops were working hard with lots of movement and supporting play when attacking but then also pegging it back to defend the Wanderers defence now playing high. With 10 minutes to go we nearly lost our lead, another break from Wanderer’s and saw us defending hard in our circle, Steph in goal having to pull off a save and the defence clearing an onslaught of shots from the oppo. We managed to scrabble the ball to safety and for the last five minutes the play was pretty much end to end with those on the side line barely able to watch as we hung on to our lead and secure a good 1-0 win which sees us climb to 4th in the league, and also makes us the only unbeaten team ……..not that I want to jinx us………..Well done ladies a well deserved three points! Jackie Waite


2nd XI 2-1 UCL Academicals 2
It is perhaps positive that despite beating one of the top sides in our league, who the previous week had put six goals past Merton, there was a collective disappointment at the end of the game.

The opposition started strongly and it was a good five minutes before we managed to string some passages of play together and give ourselves some breathing space. UCL generally played three men high which kept the back four busy throughout. When they weren't quite as high they also looked dangerous on the break. Whilst we defended well, aided by some good saves by Mike Norrington, we struggled to get the ball away at 16s - as UCL pressed right up the pitch. Andy Selby replaced Dodie in the middle at the back and grew into the role throughout, making some good tackles and growing more comfortable on the ball.

When we strung together passages of short passes we looked dangerous - Neil Grimes and Chris Porter picking up where they had left off the previous week - linking up well. Chris Tiss and in particular Chris Valentine began to cause their defence some trouble and a good run through by the latter created the first goal, a converted deflection of the post by the former. The pressure form UCL did not relent and eventually Mike was drawn out from goal to make a save. Rob Merry had sagged in to cover and was unable to prevent a shot from coming off his foot. The result was an undisputed penalty flick and slightly more controversial yellow card. As the skipper departed UCL slotted their penalty flick. 1-1 with a tricky 10 minutes before half-time...

We regathered whilst we had 10 men but were still under constant pressure. At half time we talked about getting strong on the ball, keeping our structure and keeping the passes short. Unfortunately the opposite was true for most of the second half. Ironically it was a crisply struck long ball from Tom Merry and an equally crisply hit strike from the top of the D by Bruce McNeil that broke the deadlock.

Some of the structure was lost by the changes necessitated by our two rolling subs. Unfortunately we then descended into some of the indiscipline that we saw in the friendly. Constantly questioning umpiring decisions and berating team-mates rather than concentrating playing hockey. However, there was no lack of effort and we eventually managed to see out the game, despite a very tense last minute with UCL in our D.

They say that the sign of a good team is to win even when not playing well - we have a stronger squad than last year, bolstered by some new comers, and we should be confident in improving our performances, whilst maintaining the winning habit. Out thanks go to Martin for umpiring and Dave Cresswell for turning up to the game and coaching. Rob Merry




3rd XI 1-5 Leatherhead
Firstly I would like a apologise if my memory is a little hazey (I blame Nige for letting me know after the game that I was writing the match report) . When we arrived I think we were all shocked to hear that we had 16 players, some who I won’t name (Ollie) looked a even more relieved than the others as he was suffering from a serious hangover. This week we had a tough fixture playing Leatherhead who had not lost point so far in the season.

The game started with Leatherhead moving the ball very nicely. Our defence - Tim, Stu and Stefano - all putting their fair share of tackles in. We were not passing the ball as well as them and only had a few breaks. With mounting pressure we conceded. Leatherhead came straight back at us and soon slotted a second. After this a change in midfield we started to move the ball, with Preston holding the ball up well and Rich Dave making some good runs.

Unfortunately we let in another couple before half time, with two goals that left Nige helpless, and Nige unfortunately injured his ankle on the stroke of half-time. I remember a shout coming from the sidelines “Stu, Nige is down can you give him a hand you can’t miss him, he is that big orange thing lying on the ground”.

With obviously another good team talk, we looked like a different team. The midfield held strong by Rory distributing the ball to CD, Armo and Chaz. This led to opportunities. We eventually got a short corner. Rory finished is well with a good strike pass the keeper right hand side, but Leatherhead continued to move the ball round well and slotted a fifth past the crocked Nige near the end.

“We would be doing much better in the league if it was only the second half that counted towards the result,” observed the captain at the end. Chris Bents

Barnes Beavers 3-5 4th XI
Dear reader, hot footing it back from its fitness training camp in the UAE, Harmer’s column has returned to bring you the highlights of the Mighty 4th team’s frightening and bruising encounter from the Surrey Open League this week. Frightening and bruising, why is that? You may ask. Well let me tell you dear reader, there is nothing as frightening as a bleach blonde or muscular shaved beaver going straight through you at pace and knocking you backwards on your arse. Just ask Robin Crumby or Grant Archer.

Most of you will know that I am talking about our second least favourite team in the
league, that’s right the pink clad Barnes Beavers. For those that have not played them before their players fit into two categories either they are muscular, aggressive, heavy set, bald bruisers. Alternatively and this only really applies to their centre forwards, they are bleach blonde midgets with an alarming orange aura (poorly applied San Tropez tans) and seem to be closely related, if you get my drift. We nicknamed this pair of prats ‘The X Factor rejects’ but that’s probably being too kind!

Our previous encounter with the Beavers at Dukes Meadow in Chiswick back in 2006 was christened ‘The Battle of the Duck Poo Pitch’ which was due to some genius pumping Thames river water onto the water based pitch, it had become a rancid, algae infested surface from which Captain Dom’s white shorts have never quite recovered. As you can imagine the Mighty 4ths were looking forward to playing on this pitch as much Guy Richie used to look forward to his macrobiotic dinners and kabala sessions with Madonna. Thankfully a new pitch has been laid we all looked forward to another dazzling encounter at Dukes Meadow.

As per normal the OC pre-match preparation was fraught as a number of players struggled to find the pitch in time but thanks to Helen Hawes AtoZ, Nick Aston and our new recruits Seb and Richard found the pitch. Special mention has to be made to Robin Crumby who was admitted to hospital last Sunday with a serious kidney infection, spent most of the week in bed but not only turned up to play this week but cycled from Wimbledon to Chiswick to do so. What commitment to the cause you will cry out loud and we all cried on the pitch ‘Robin Crumby….what a guy!’. Alas there is always one cock-up and no one cocks-up more that Bertie ‘Don’t blame the credit crunch on me’ Bance with his cryptic e-mail to our beloved captain regarding his match availability. However that, as they say, ‘Is a story for another time’.

As you can imagine with the Barnes Beavers lining up, OC players arriving late, a poor warm-up and a very bouncy pitch to boot, we were all a little nervous. We needed a secret weapon, we needed someone we could get behind, and we needed a hero to show us the way. Come’ith the moment, come’ith the man. Now some say, that he keeps his aging body supple by sleeping at night like Madonna in a plastic airtight body bag and covering himself in an anti aging cream worth £500 a pot. Others suggest that his lighting reflexes come from intensive training with Bruce Lee and when he lifts his stick to strike the ball, it is energized by the ‘Power of Grayskull’ itself. Frankly, we don’t believe in any of that crap but all that we do know is that his name is Louis Strover and he is a GOAL SCORING MACHINE! Blessed with the presence, muscle, ball retention and lay offs of Emile Heskey but thankfully with a nose for goal like Wayne Rooney, we knew we would have the upper hand. It was time to bash some beaver!

Now dear reader enough of the foreplay and lets strip off these well crafted pros and get into the action. For the first 10 minutes after the pushback the OC’s struggled to find a rhythm as the new water base proved to be a bouncy as Jodie Kidd’s chest in Strictly Come Dancing. With limited ball retention we struggled to control the quick moving beavers from trying to get round the back of us and pounding our box with crosses. It could have been suggested that Grant Archer (our left back) was struggling somewhat, as the birth of his first child ‘Bethan’ has caused him to drop his four hour a day Madonna-styled fitness sessions. Grant would argue that he has never been fit, so two weeks of sleep deprivation has made no impact on his at all.
Just as the OC’s started to find rhythm and ball control a breaking beaver streaked down the right flank and unleashed a cross that our defence was just unable to repel. One of the X factor rejects, let’s call him Gareth, nipped in at the back post to push one past Nige. At one down we did not panic and got back to the job in hand, in fact it almost acted as a spur for our team. As the midfield four started to find their feet the passes began to flow like wine and soon we were running like a well oiled engine. Smooth interplay down the right and left wings started to ask questions of the Beaver’s back line which frankly they did not want to answer. Before long, the beavers cracked and gave away a penalty; the resulting short corner saw slick interplay between Strover and Oxo, which ended up with Louis firmly striking the ball at the goal which pounded the back board. At 1-1, we started to take the Beavers apart and it was not long till Louis got his second after some sweet passing between Seb and Richard gave him space at the top of the D. Before half time we got our third with a cross that skimmed the goal line from the left which found Captain Dom unmarked who swept it into the goal.

So at half time, the Mighty 4th’s were on the front foot and the Beaver’s were fuming and frustrated at being placed firmly on the back one. At the start of the second half it was clear that the beaver half time talk concluded that they needed to take the battle to us by fair means or foul. They obviously chose foul as they attempted to intimidate us physically but dear reader the fourth team are not Sunday School teachers and we taught the beavers as lesson in focused aggression. While the OC back line of Nick Aston, Crumby, Archer and Harmer were dumped frequently on there bottoms by Beavers trying to bash there way through us. All that happened was that the defence released the ball to the midfield who powered up the pitch. On one such occasion the ball was released by Archer, to Oxo, who slipped it into the middle to Seb, who in turned released it to Strover who found Richard with a short pass on the left wing. As Richard showed a clean pair of heals to the Beaver right back, Strover made way into the D. An inch perfect pass from Richard gave Louis the time to turn and strike the ball past the petrified keeper.

Our fifth and final goal came from a similar break down the left with Oxo and Harmer displaying some great interplay that ended with a ball being caressed into the D to find the ever present Strover lurching behind a bald beaver. You know what happened next and it just ended up with the Beavers becoming more frustrated. The ball obliterated the back board and we did not only have daylight but frankly a whole lunar cycle between the Beavers and us.

In the final 10 minutes the Beavers resorted to pounding our D with long range passes for their forwards to run onto which our defence of Nick, Robin and Grant dealt with showing grace and aplomb. Even though both Archer and Cumby were upended by both the of X-Factor duo after they realised they could not win the ball so tried to go through our defensive line. It started to get nasty and the Beavers brought out their handbags to take out their frustration out through limp wristed aggression. Although they pulled two goals back in the second half we knew that we were home dry even with Robin Crumby attempting to do a decent impression of an Ashley Cole back pass by playing in beautifully one of the tango tanned twosome. Thankfully the hockey gods were smiling on Old Apple Crumble as Grant dived to save the Beaver’s shot and managed to step on the ball, which stopped play for a short corner. Crumby although relieved held his head low and wished the pitch opened up and pulled him beneath to escape his team mates demanding ‘Why did you do that?’

At the final whistle we had dispatched and bashed the Beavers 5-3 in a match that we all felt proud to have played in. More importantly we had learnt that if you want to bash a beaver use a Strover and Madonna is one weird lady! Led by Captain Dom this victory lifts us into second place in the league with a game in hand. The ginger revolution marches on! Next week Staines. Steve Harmer

Match reports - October 4, 2008

The 1st XI left it late to secure a 3-2 win over Old Kingstonians, a Pies goal two minutes from time earning us all three points. The 3rd XI drew 1-1 with Purley Walcountians, the 4th XI routed Walton 4-0 while the Ladies came from behind three times to draw 4-4 at Raynes Park. The Vets were the one loser, hammered 6-0 by Surbiton



1st XI 3-2 Old Kingstonians
Match photos
A last-gasp win against the recently relegated OK side in what turned out to be a scrappy encounter containing very little good hockey from either side.

The new season always starts with high hopes and perhaps it is too much to expect us to play well in the first league outing with three points being more important than the style played to achieve the win.

Our Achilles heel is our short-corner defence, and so it proved again today, both goals being conceded from shorts. OKs took the lead from their first corner after David Knapp missed the easiest of chances following excellent work from Cato along the base line. Ed B was unluckily penalised for a fine goal-line stop but the umpire felt there was an infringement, awarded a stroke and we were one down. Within 10 minutes we were 2 -1 up, Knapp converting after a well worked move from defence saw Gav Adair on this occasion running along the back line with Knapp on this occasion slotting home. Two minutes later another move along the goaline set up the chance and Adair's shot was stropped on the line by a foot and Knapp put away the ensuing penalty stroke. Instead of continuing to play the short ball game that was causing the opposition problems, we went back to the long ball through the middle and were unpicked when we gave away a short, did not clear the pads and it was 2 - 2.

The first period had been spoilt by an early yellow for a clumsy stick tackle by an OK player which was followed by one for Bruce for a not very malicious tackle, but one that gave Clive no option but to follow his colleague's lead and issue a yellow - only one way for the cards to go after such an early yellow.

The second period was an excellent advert for watching league football as both teams descended into hockey ping-pong with the resultant 60-yard shuttles. Neither side had the nouse to slow the game down and be patient, and it became very stretched. The two attacks both had great chances to take the lead but squandered hosts of opportunity. Robbo made a number of good saves but it was Pies from our last short corner who cracked the ball home with a pin point shot with two minutes remaining that enabled us to run out winners. The main positive from the second half was a much safer looking defensive play and some good runs from Cookiey who looked dangerous when running at the OK defence.

Neither side on today's showing will feature in the top two on this performance but another day, another game and at least we took the points.
A last-gasp win against the recently relegated OK side in what turned out to be a scrappy encounter containing very little good hockey from either side.

The new season always starts with high hopes and perhaps it is too much to expect us to play well in the first league outing with three points being more important than the style played to achieve the win.

Our Achilles heel is our short-corner defence, and so it proved again today, both goals being conceded from shorts. OKs took the lead from their first corner after David Knapp missed the easiest of chances following excellent work from Cato along the base line. Ed B was unluckily penalised for a fine goal-line stop but the umpire felt there was an infringement, awarded a stroke and we were one down. Within 10 minutes we were 2 -1 up, Knapp converting after a well worked move from defence saw Gav Adair on this occasion running along the back line with Knapp on this occasion slotting home. Two minutes later another move along the goaline set up the chance and Adair's shot was stropped on the line by a foot and Knapp put away the ensuing penalty stroke. Instead of continuing to play the short ball game that was causing the opposition problems, we went back to the long ball through the middle and were unpicked when we gave away a short, did not clear the pads and it was 2 - 2.

The first period had been spoilt by an early yellow for a clumsy stick tackle by an OK player which was followed by one for Bruce for a not very malicious tackle, but one that gave Clive no option but to follow his colleague's lead and issue a yellow - only one way for the cards to go after such an early yellow.

The second period was an excellent advert for watching league football as both teams descended into hockey ping-pong with the resultant 60-yard shuttles. Neither side had the nouse to slow the game down and be patient, and it became very stretched. The two attacks both had great chances to take the lead but squandered hosts of opportunity. Robbo made a number of good saves but it was Pies from our last short corner who cracked the ball home with a pin point shot with two minutes remaining that enabled us to run out winners. The main positive from the second half was a much safer looking defensive play and some good runs from Cookiey who looked dangerous when running at the OK defence.

Neither side on today's showing will feature in the top two on this performance but another day, another game and at least we took the points.


Raynes Park 4-4 Ladies XI
For our second league match of the season we were playing Raynes Park Ladies 1's and hoping to secure our first win against the newly-promoted team. We had learned from last season though not to count on promoted teams being an easier match and this was certainly with RP. The whole match ended up being a game of catch up.

With a squad of 15 we knew we could try and keep the match pace high but it didn't seem to happen and for the majority of the first half we didn't settle. We had a couple of good attacksbut it was RP that seemed to have the upper hand with Steph our GK having to pull off a couple of good saves. We conceded several short corners and after defending a couple well, RP eventually managed to convert and took the lead. It was only one goal and we new we were more than capable of winning the match. We seemed to relax more and began playing our game with some good one touch hockey between the midfielders of Manny, Gayle, Steph and Jax, and our forwards of Dora, Snoopy, Liza and May making her usual lightning quick runs. Our equaliser came from a free hit outside the circle taken by Manny passed to an Jax running in unmarked who swept it into the back of the goal. So we went into half time 1-1.

We were determined to keep our momentum up after the break, but it didn't happen. RP piled on the pressure and again we conceded short corners. Our defence of Ros, George, Rosie, Lucy and Daisy did a sterling job of defending them but the inevitable happened. Unfortunately Georgie took a knock to the knee having to go off and RP took advantage of the momentary disarray in the defence to convert their second, well-practised short corner to go 2-1 up. We still didn’t let our heads drop but RP piled on the pressure and scored another off open play within the next 10 minutes to give them a two-goal lead. At 3-1 down though we showed our true OC spirit. RP were begining to tire and we pushed up the pitch, the girls new fitness regimes shining through. After a mêlée in the RP circle, and a few attempts on the goal, Jax eventually managed to score our second. Keeping RP on the back foot we kept the momentum going and within the next 10 minutes had scored an equaliser thought some excellent play coming right from the back with Ros and Rosie distributing the ball wide to and round the back to midfield and eventually into the circle where Dora and Snoops had shots deflected and eventually 'wing back' Helen Hawes found herself in the unusual position of being on the oppo's post to put the finishing touch on our equalising goal (and only her second I believe for OCLHC?!).

We had come back to 3-3. With five minutes to go we still believed we could win the match but did not want to lose the draw. However again we gave away a penalty corner two minutes from time. The first shot was blocked but took an unfortunate deflection into the roof of our goal.

We like to give ourselves a challenge and make life hard for ourselves! And once again, even with so little time left, we were determined not to lose. Some quick play up the pitch passed from Gayle on the left back to Daisy in defence and then to Dora who leveled with less than a minute remaining.

We had hoped for a win but it was a true, determined, gritty team performance, with everyone giving 110% that got us a well earned draw, and saw a team with several new players bonding and growing stronger. Plenty to work on in training, but many positives taken from the match! We look forward to next week, still looking for our first win of the season. Jackie Joyce


4th XI 1-1 Purley Walcountians
When we arrived and looked over at the opposition we were all shocked to find out their average age was only about 14. It made even Chris feel old in comparison. The match got underway, and we started well which makes a change. We exerted some pressure on the opposition with some great distribution from Stu and Rob J linking up well with CD on the left. Some slick passing lead to chances. Then the pressure paid of with Rob J slipping the ball to Chaz. Chaz struck the ball past the keeper into the bottom left of the goal. We were 1-0 up in the first 10 minutes, which is almost unheard of in recent 3rd XI history.

The opposition came straight back at us with the youngsters in their team showing some good skills. Stu held it strong in the centre making some sharp tackles. Tim at the back also holding us strong, although the defence left him the tricky job of marking their quickest player. They started to get a few chances winning a few short corners. With Ollie not seeing eye to eye with Martin. Ollie it’s not a good idea getting on the wrong side of your own umpire. Martin will always win!(isn’t that right Nige)

Unfortunately we could not hold out until half time despite Nige making some fantastic saves! The score was now 1-1. Finally the half-time whistle went we looked like we needed the break rather than them. With a good half time team talk with Stu making some good points we were ready for the second half.

The second half started well With CD making some impact on the left. On the right Tom and Rob J decided it was not worth trying to run round them, as they were a hell of a lot quicker and fitter than us. So they made the ball do the work and played some great hockey.

Andy, Rich and Preston also playing well up front Preston holding the ball up well and distributing it to CD and Tom. Rich had a chance as he took it around the keeper but then in a tussle ended up on the ground. I was sat on the bench and had no idea what went on, but Rich did not look a happy bunny. They also had their fair share of chances but Nige made some fantastic saves and kept them out. In fact at one point the best way to keep them away from our goal was to flatten them. He did ask if the player was OK afterwards (very sporting Nige!). The defence also played well with Ollie, Ewan Stefano making some great challenges and distributing the ball well. Stu worked hard in the centre, in fact so hard he had to sub himself (coming off the pitch he looked absolutely shattered).

In the end we settled for a 1-1 draw a fair result. Well played to all some great teamwork. Thanks go to Martin as well for a very well and fairly umpired game. Chris Bents