Top training

Probably the most satisfying mid week training session since the late 1990's if not ever with 24 from the top 2 teams present and 4 of the current school team, the latter being a very, very welcome first. We have really benefitted from having David Cresswell coaching us but his pushing his school team to train during the holidays is a huge bonus. One or more are playing for the 2s on Saturday nd this has not happened for a number of decades. Up to us to show the guys we are worth joining.

Dinner dance is looming on the 14th May and more details to follow once the final arrangements are finalised.

Enjoy your Easter.

Knappy

Good weekend but not such a good week

A huge weekend last week at the top end of the club with the ladies still snapping at the heels of second place (Wimbledon) but needing results to go their way. The unexpected loss a few weeks ago against OGs could come back to haunt. The 1s secured promotion and now need 4 pts from the last 9 to be sure of winning the league.

More importantly the 2s won a tight match v Barnes to give themselves some breathing space but another win this weekend v OKs would be just what the doctor ordered.

On the flip side the curse of injuries has struck the 1s for the first time this year with Cookiey, Gavin and Wobble doubtful. Not the ideal week but we will pull through.

Good luck everyone as the season draws to a close but with much still to play for. Summer leagues are in the process of being sorted out.

Hope Jonny Stato Hunter is reading this.

Concerned

12 months ago the club was positively going in the right direction. The top 2 mens teams were riding high and we had just had one of the most successful social events in recent years. A rosy garden.

12 months on and the top 2 teams have had contrasting seasons with the 1s on top but the 2s struggling in the bottom reaches of their league. The ladies are pressing for promotion with the other teams comfortable in their leagues.

Somewhat astonishly the 1s and 2s on Thursday could only muster 20 players between them for this Saturday's league games, 6 people were at training on Wednesday and we have had zero socials. What has happened ? Why is there a distinct lack of interest and committment from certain quarters - theladies excluded as their attitude and committment can never be questioned.

Hopefully only a blip but certainly a wake up call as we reap what we sow.

Why the criticism

The disappointment of losing games to the weather last week was further hightened by the criticism put the club's way by those numbskulls who have no concept of how a club is run nor of other people's interests and in particular the opposition having to travel to the club. Emails are bad enough but anonymous one's are written by cowards. Sufficient time has to be given to the opposition and caterers. Hopefully no more inclement weather will strike us again.

Back to league action for the bulk of the teams this week with the 1s beating their bogey side Wanderers that should make the race for the 2 promotion slots a 3 horse race. Other results are awaited with the 3s needing to bounce back from a loss last week and the other sides needing wins to keep up the faint hopes of promotion and to stave off relegation as necessary.

Wonder if Martin will receive apologies from the poison pen emailers ? Doubt it, especially from our anonymous friend......just like Brutus, no balls.

Blank start to the year

Happy New Year everyone

A blank start to the year so far with the weather claiming the match against the school, the friendly against Woking and two training sessions for the ones and a similar story for the rest of the teams. The 1s really needed a friendly starting as we do with 3 league games against the top sides as soon as we start back. The 3rds have a league game scheduled for this week. Guess it is the same for everyone.

Here's hoping we can start playing soon.

Knappy

Sparkling hockey

All in all a good week for the club and especially for the 3s who played some sparkling hockey in an 11 - 0 thumping of Surrey Old Boys. The ladies and 4s kept up their winning ways and the 1s remain top of their league. The 2s suffered as a result of 5 n/as in the 1s but provided the players the 1s needed without a fuss. Evidence of the club spirit that now exists and the strenght in depth.

3 more league weekends before the break with the season rapidly disappearing.

Knappy

A reasonable weekend

All in all a reasonable weekend with 4 of our 6 teams winning and at the same time challenging at the top of their respective leagues. Under Goalie's expert guidance the ladies have found their feet and playing some excellent hockey. Most pleasing is the new found confidence in the 3rd XI who are on a good unbeaten run. The 1s are in second spot in their league with the 3's, 4's and ladies in 3rd. A long way to go but plenty of time to reach the promotion places.

Our first social of the season has come and gone and was I understand very good. The race night on the 12th December is next up with Nick Lewis promising some live performers on the race front...

Thank you to those of you have paid your subs so promptly. More have paid by the end of October this year than for many, many seasons.

Definitely a buzz around the club and training under Dave Cresswell proving to be popular and well attended. Remember, it is club training so all welcome.