Ladies 1s
The last few weeks some people have questioned the accuracy of my match reports so here are some definite facts, I scored (with my eyes open) and I got a green card. We drew 2-2 against Crostyx. The rest may contain some inaccuracies and elements of exaggeration.
We arrived and El treated us to some slapstick comedy and Emma Haward treated us to an air helicopter warm-up.
We started what was to be a close game and went 1-0 up after some smooth passing ended with Philippa Leguen De Lacroix living her visualised goal. We then let one in so 1-1 at half time. We put up a good fight and went up early with a reverse deflection by yours truly. We kept going but unfortunately let in a well worked penalty corner. Ended 2-2. Oh and somewhere along the way Katherine Abbie got carded too.
Onwards to team social!!
Men’s 1s
Mens 1s v Harleston Magpies 2s
An inexperienced Magpies took on an (rather too) experienced Waltham Forest in a fairly one-sided encounter. Forest went comfortably 2-0 up following a well worked short corner routine and an instinctive finish, both from Lloydy. Major jug-avoidance followed with Lloydy missing the easiest of tap-ins moments after his second. A drag flick from a rare encounter into the Forest D left Forest 2-1 up at half time.
Forest’s squad was reduced to 13 as the Welshman went to see Wales’ second-to-last rugby game of the tournament. He wasn’t required though as Felix blasted a reverse stick finish and Phil’s top corner effort finished the game off. 4-1 victory to Forest. Harder tests to come.
Mom – Felix. Improving all the time and a good goal.
Pop – Arkle. Why break with tradition?
Ladies 2s
Ladies 2s played away against Brentwood Ladies 2s this afternoon. A short corner and a penalty flick from Faith saw us finish the first half 2-0 up. Brentwood came back fighting in the second half, but we kept up our game, finishing with a 3-0 win after a great reverse stick goal from Faith. Man of the match, on her debut game, to Claire and DOD to Emma Jane
Men’s 2s
Ben Norton was explaining to me last week that the law relies on intent and on action. It’s a good job that the second team MOM decision isn’t so rigorously decided, because I’m not sure Rob Martin had any idea what he was doing when he changed the game for us. Also, Ben probably wouldn’t like the way that Mark Terris, Davis and I decided that he was MOM in the dog and duck toilets after four pints.
Davis put us 1-0 up from the P spot before Wapping drew level, then got in front- How did that go in Guy Kuipers and Yogi Patel?
Ashley-Mark Perhat scored a fantastic equaliser after great play from Rob.
Tom Lowe picked up POP for hamstring issues, various blue crimes and losing Imran Arshad.
Ladies 3s
Well if you ask me, the absence of a bag of haribos at half time was our downfall. We started off with another new line up – we hope to be noted for the changing team of the season at awards time… We just didn’t mark well from the off and a strong, drilled East London oppo capitalised with sharp passing and moving around us. Still, we were only 1-0 down at half time.
Half time talk – minus haribos – (I’m over it honestly) and off we went but succumbed to confusion when subbing and moving players around. Another 2 goals were conceded and then a great counter attack saw Kim zoom off down the right wing and gift Amber a fabulous cross which Amber put away with ease to get us to 3-1. Isabelle gave us a painful reminder of what it means to be a youth and have the ability to run and run, working so hard to pick up everything. The oppo’s final goal whistled past Kareen’s head and thankfully not through it but the prize for most amount of skin loss on one day is undoubtedly awarded to our MOM Roisin who has astro burns to be proud of and trainers to be ashamed of!!
Final score 4-1 to East London.
Next week will be our week!!
Men’s 3s
The men’s 3s travelled south to play Wapping today.
In a close first half with not many chances for either side, Wapping scored from a couple of short corners, 3-0 at half time.
We were much better in the second half, closing down players and defending well, however Wapping grabbed another goal. We responded well and were rewarded with a flick which Nadeem scored. Wapping went on the attack again, but Steve made some great saves to keep us in the game. Nati then from his own half dribbled past several Wapping players and the keeper and found Oliver at the far post to knock the ball in to the empty net.
Ladies 4s
With 11 players and an extra Pani, the Ladies 4s played away against Crostyx 3s this morning.
After a promising start, we occasionally reverted to old habits and passed to the opposition in moments of panic, which gave Crostyx a 3-0 lead by half-time. With speedster Sharnie not feeling well, Pani stepped in to help. Help she did, with a couple of excellent attempts on goal, and our team play improved overall too, with more time spent attacking. We didn’t manage to convert any chances to goals, though, and ended the match 3-0 down, despite some overall great play and some moments of brilliance.
Men’s 4s
Saturday, the 4s welcomed fellow promoted side Chelmsford 4s, to The Academy.
Having played them twice last season, and knew they had a blend of experience and youth, it was going to be a very tough encounter.
The opening exchanges were very even, with the game being predominantly a battle for supremacy in the midfield.
Unfortunately for the next 10-15 minutes we switched off especially defensively, and soon found ourselves 3-0 down.
The goals were not special, basic errors from us not closing down the ball, and poor marking.
Somewhat shellshocked we managed to keep the 3-0 scoreline until HT, due in no small part to a couple of super goal line clearances from Ben Summers.
Again great battling performance, proud of the lads, never ever gave up on the game. Still a work in progress but, I think as a team now we believe we are good enough, and belong in this league.
Ladies 5s
Ladies 5’s took on Southend and Benfleet Ladies 3’s at home this afternoon, I’m told they played some good hockey. It was their first game (ever for some). They were defeated 12-0 (which I’m told could have been much worse if it weren’t for a very good performance from our newbie goalie Rosemarie). They did themselves and their (absent) captain proud.
Men’s 5s
The Men’s 5’s welcomed Thurrock 3’s to the Lea Valley Hockey Centre.
The 5’s started the game very sluggishly, making a number of unforced errors and sloppy passes. With all the errors the 5’s continued to create a number chances, but didn’t take the lead until just before half time after George Fernandez followed up on a shot which came back off the keeper to slot home his first goal for the club
After the break, once again the 5’s started slowly and Thurrock pushed forward hard looking for the equaliser, but the defence stood strong. The 5’s then took control with the second goal of the game from Aamir Sultan. The 5’s continued to push forward and Gino Toumazi got the 3rd, on his debut for the 5’s. There was a 4th goal when a ball went across the ‘D’ and Zain Rashid managed to hit a high ball into the goal on his reverse stick.
This gave the 5’s their first win of the season and a second clean sheet.
Mixed
Match Report.
Today the club stepped back out onto the mixed hockey stage, with a trip across the river to face the London Royals.
With 4/5 regular mixed players coupled with many newbies to mixed hockey.
Considering that most of us hadn’t played together before, we gelled well and played some very pleasing hockey.
Unfortunately, also I feel undeserved, we suffered a 4-3 loss in a very competitive but good spirited game.
Goal Scorers: Kim, Matt O’Hara, Joe Russo
