Surbiton and the art of losing gracefully

As regular readers of this site will know, we are happy to dish out individual reporters/players colourful views on other sides and clubs in match reports and part and parcel of that is we have to take it in reverse. Hopefully this does not cross lines, but in the heat of battle occasionally it does. More often than not, the abuse is aimed at our own players!

So we are not upset by the opposition's report of the Ladies 1-0 win over previously unbeaten Surbiton, rather we look at it with mild amusement. We can fully appreciate why “EC” – presumably Emily Craig? – was cheesed off with losing to us. But perhaps the charming Ms (surely it has to be) Craig overstepped the line?

“I detest Old Cranleighans to the extent that I now experience a physical reaction of loathing whenever I think about them … Suffice to say, we will destroy OCs next time we encounter them. As in pulp them. Puree them. Write their obituary. You get the idea.”

The fragrant Ms Craig also shows her deep knowledge of the game by claiming we “scored a lucky goal against the run of play and only made a few forays into our 25. In fact, there is very little point talking about OCs and their role as our opposition.” She then named one of Surbiton’s defenders “who had a stormer” as one of her joint Players of the Match. Presumably the defender played up front given the OCs so rarely attacked?

The shame is as a club we have always had a good relationship with Surbiton dating back to our first fixture in 1928 and one report from this lady will not alter that.

We can only wonder what triggered Ms Craig's psychological hang ups? A blind date with Jock perhaps?

Anyhow, hopefully the delightful Ms Craig will manage to suppress the feelings of nausea she says are her reaction whenever we are mentioned and will be around for the return leg to see what a welcoming and cuddly club we really are.

Match report November 20 2010

The Ladies again turned in the performance of the week with a gritty 1-0 win over London Wayfarers to take them joint top of Surrey Division One, but there was a third defeat in four matches for the 1st XI who went down 3-5 to lowly Fareham. The 3rd XI edged the intra-club battle with the 4th XI 2-1, although the 4th XI deserved more against a lacklustre third team. The 2nd XI went down 0-2 to Oxted and the Veterans lost by the same score to Cheam.

Ladies 1-0 London Wayfarers
After such a terrific win the week before, we maybe started the match a little slower, and with not quite the same energy as against Surbiton, and London Wayfarers's enthusiasm and fast pace soon forced us in to gear. We conceded a number of shorties in the first 10-15 mins, but managed to defend them and gradually find our feet in the match... with Goalie getting in ticking off by the umpire in the process, and a lucky escape after a lifted ball found the back of our net, but was disallowed.

Although the beginning of the first half was played mainly in our half, towards the end of the first 35 we were unlucky to score, picking up a number of shorties ourselves after some great runs by Tux, and some quick balls passed through by Nikki, Jax and Manny. A fantastic save off the line by wanderers meant the half remained goaless though and we went in to the second half all square.

We started as we'd finished the first, and kept the momentum up- keeping possession with some lovely short balls between Hels, Jax and Tux on the left, and some fantastic work between Nikki, May and Michelle on the right. Eventually the hard work paid off, and with a fantastic reverse stick, Philly put one past the keeper to put us ahead.

Wanderers kept up their pace though, and kept the pressure on, with a number of breaks in to our defensive D and a few more short corners. Fantastic effort by the whole team though, and great running back by all the midfield and forwards meant we held out to earn another three points.

Special thanks to Chris for umpiring, and of course to our special supporters Gadget and Duncs, was so great to have you there, and everyone wishes you the best of luck for your move - and we'll see you in Austria soon!!! Rosie Marriott

Fareham 5-3 1st XI
This was quite easily our worst performance in recent years and we were deservedly beaten by a hungrier Fareham team.

A 12.30 meet saw 6 of us on time with Rory appearing at 13.30, the start time for the game. I guess we thought that a team at the bottom would be easy meat and as always, the team who wants to win beats the team who expects to win.

Two down in six minutes was just desert for our sloppy preparation but this did rock us and for the next 20 minutes we were the better side and equalized by converting our first 2 corners with Cookiey and Woody scoring the goals. We had a couple of good chances to take the lead but it was not to be and as soon as we started to run with the ball and attach the top of the D we gave the initiative back to the home side who finished the stronger.

Second half was nearly a mirror of the first, our conceding two goals in the first six minutes to two corners having started the half slowly and from this point on it was going to be a huge ask to win the game. All four goals conceded had come from our failing to deal with swift counters from Fareham that caught us out at the back leaving us very exposed.

We forced another three or four corners but our routine was not as clinical as in the first half, changes being made after the decision as to which corner we use being changed as the ball came out. Unless we stick to decisions made and have the discipline to do so then we will struggle against organised sides. Fareham's 5th was a product of a long ball through the middle, picked up by their forwards and slotted home with 10 minutes to go.

We pressed for the last 10 and were awarded a stroke when Jonny H was upended unceremoniously but rather bizarrely did not take the stroke which Rory then proceeded to miss, promptly followed by a yellow card to sum up our disappointing day. Fareham fully deserved their win and showed us how a committed, discpilined team that sticks to its game plan that wants to win should play. Finally, thanks Trickster for helping us out of a goalkeeping hole.

Three games before Christmas to go with a minimum of nine points required if we are to stay in touch at the top. David Knapp

3rd XI 2-1 4th XI
Two match reports this week, one from either side. To start, the 3rd XI ...

Well the big occasion was finally upon us - the match the our oppo had been waiting several years for. Before anyone asks I am not going to compete with Steve's match report. So to keep it brief the 4ths played some good hockey. It was not one of our finest games but all the same very enjoyable

Nige Hawes was my Man of the Match for some great saves (and the fact he provided port, so thank you to Nige) helped by the usual solid three at the back CD and Stuey. Ed is fitting in very well at right back and continuing to have a very strong season

Both goals game from Alex Lewis (I was asked after the game will he ever score a goal on his strong side!). Particular mention goes to Rob Park and Ross both of whom played very well. Out of their natural positions (Ross I never thought I would say that about you playing at the back!)

Thanks also goes to Dunx for all his help for the start of the season. He will certainly be missed in the centre of the park. Good luck in Austria. The 3rd team looks forward to the end of season curry being replaced with the end of season ski trip.
Nick Speers had another very good game. Good to have some more youth in the side.

The result is the important thing otherwise I am not sure I could live with the grief. We look foward to the re match next year … Chris Bents

2nd XI 0-2 Oxted


Veterans 2-0 Cheam
With only 50% of our squad from the last match available for the return game with Cheam it was always going to be an uphill struggle. 10 became 9 on Friday when Andy Loates had to stay at home take delivery of the staircase to access the top floor of his current building project so out went a "Call to Arms". A great response from the 4ths as Sean Watherston forsook his opportunity to play in the Big Match, Sean Prigmore kindly offered to help us out (players 31 & 32 for the Vets this season!) and Tim Green cancelled his tennis to drive down for an early start from Oxfordshire.

Cheam who we had beaten in the first match of three this season turned up with 14 players and an umpire and were clearly stronger than our first game and so it proved. We were unable to play our normal controlling game and got outpaced and closed down rapidly in the in the middle of the pitch. Our usual strength of retaining possession deserted us and we became frustrated reverting to speculative passes and it was giving the ball away that led to Cheam taking the lead.

We turned around at half time 1-0 down and the absence of Jelly babies and Lucozade Sport proved decisive to such highly trained athletes as the Vets. Valliant defence by in particular the two Sean's proved in vain as we conceded another break away goal and spurned chances at the other end.

The team as usual put their bodies on the line with Tommy mistiming his triple salkow and landing just in time to stop a hard hit with his toe to be followed by Pater Shanks getting in on the act and stopping a short corner with his toe and the ball getting stuck in his kickers. This at least allowed a short respite as both sides showed their age by offering different answers from different decades of rules as to what should happen with a bully just outside the D being finally negotiated.

We just had time to collect another injury when Matt Speers damaged his calf allowing the enthusiastic Tim Green to discover the delights of playing central defence for the first time. With Woking having dropped out of our league the Vets have a well deserved rest next week giving us some time to mend our bodies and lick our wounds if we are flexible enough to do so !

So we end up stuck on the penultimate step of the escalator and need to raise our game for the long trip to Tring in two weeks. Andy eve

Match report November 13 2010

The 1st XI bounced back from back-to-back defeats with a 3-0 win at Oxted, but the result of the week came from the Ladies who beat Surbiton - who came into the match unbeaten with a record of 32 goals for and none against - 1-0 thanks to a Jackie Joyce goal. The 2nd XI's 1-8 loss against Addiscombe was their worst of the season, and the 4th XI went down 1-4 to Spencer, but the 3rd Xi beat Reigate 2-1 and the Vets came away from HAC with a 4-3 win

Surbiton 0-1 Ladies
It was always going to be a tough day, not only with an early morning start but facing an opposition who had scored 32 goals in 5 games and conceded 0. Surbiton were cocky to say the least and they had a lot to be cocky about. Fourteen ladies on a Saturday morning can often be hard to control, especially with half the team battling hangovers. However, Goalie as usual managed to ensure we were focused with a rousing team talk and gave us all a lot to think about.

Whilst Surbiton spent the best part of 50 minutes performing a choreographed 'dynamic' warm-up we did a couple of laps before Goalie reminded us that we needed to switch on. Our warm up was short and sweet and there was a fantastic buzz amongst the team. On an unfamiliar surface each and everyone of us was nervous about the first passage of play and how we were going to adapt to the bouncy, springy surface. As expected, the pace from first push back was intense, Surbiton consisted of a large number of young skilful players and their fitness levels meant we had to work hard to break down play and create chances.

There were some fantastic interceptions, tackles and our constant pressure whilst they were on the ball meant we were able to create many chances in the mid-field. Rosie, George, Hels and Rewa were as solid in defence as always and distributed the ball brilliantly from the back. Special mention must go to our fantastic goalie Julia Dann who did a sterling job of putting her body quite literally on the line to save many attempts from Surbiton. Our midfield were particularly dynamic and skilfull when getting round the Surbiton defence and moving the ball to our speedy forwards. Manny, Jax, Nikki and Philly combined their speed and agility to create exciting opportunities for our rapid forwards. May, Toshky and Michelle ran around constantly creating space and putting the Surbiton defence under enormous pressure.
After 25 minutes of play which involved a large amount of running up and down the pitch and several opportunities for both teams, a sudden surge down the OC pitch emerged which included a strong push from Philly across the D. Unfortunately, the ball just hit the goal post and bounced out just in front of their goalie. Jax, who was on her toes at all times saw this opportunity and didn’t waste it, slamming it into the back of the goal. 1-0 to OCs – this is when our maturity and experience played an important role. A large proportion of the Surbiton team began to have tantrums and there were a lot of toys thrown out of the pram. It was important to keep our exposure, keep possession and defend as a unit. Goalie played an instrumental part in ensuring we stay focused, with the help of some of the highly respected senior players.

At half time Goalie gave us a few moments to reflect on our individual performance. At the same time the Surbiton coach was clearly very animated ensuring that they knew what they had to come out and do in the second half. The first five minutes were extremely tough; again our physical presence played an important part and as a result some of the younger players were getting annoyed with the challenges we were making. Surbiton, for the first time this season were rattled; they were frustrated that they were wasting opportunities and we managed to put them under enough pressure that they were forced to make their own mistakes. One particularly stunning run from Toshky down the right hand side of the pitch saw her being approached by three determined Surbiton defenders. However, Toshky remained cool, calm and collected and made a fantastic cross towards May who was charging towards the middle of the D. Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to turn this into a goal scoring opportunity but it was again another example of how dangerous we can be on the break.

As time went on in the second half, players began to get impatient. Hels showed just how much this match meant to her with a small outburst (no expletives this time) but I think this fired us up even more. We were keen to support her and ensure she knew we were with her every step of the way. With goalie checking every 30 seconds how long we had left and confirming it with the umps, things were becoming very tense and we were determined not to lose possession and give Surbiton any opportunities. The clock kept ticking and the concentration levels soared, we could not let a goal in ... then the relief set in as the final whistle was blown. What followed was a huge sense of achievement from every single player on the pitch as we celebrated with each other. Each and everyone of us was proud to be wearing our OC shirt that day and I’m sure that those boys in navy must have taken some inspiration from our performance! Thanks should go to every single player in the team including those that couldn’t play as our training sessions and fitness have played a vital role in our recent successes; not to mention the huge dedication and support from both Goalie and Manny. Helen Merry

1st XI 3-0 Oxted
After last week's disappointment of losing a game we should have come away from with a point, today's game was a massive match and one we had to win.

Wise words from Gary B at the end of the week supplemented by some useful words from an earlier oppo of Oxted enabled us to set out and this week, stick to a game plan. The main objective was not to give away any cheap corners so avoid the danger from the league's top scorer Craig Carolan and this we managed to do by not conceding a single corner.

Early on we were indebted to a Coops triple save to keep the scoresheet clean but after that we started to dominate and took the lead when Gavin continued his good run of scoring lifting the ball home from seven yards. At this point our ball pace went down when playing the ball around the back, CV was forced inside and we entered the worst 10 or so minutes of the match as we were pinned in the middle and conceded possession. We rode our luck and defended in numbers and then broke away, won our first corner and Cookiey was on hand to pick the ball up off the keeper's pads and score his first league goal of the season.

Oxted were a little unlucky not to pull one back when the ball went agonisingly close to the line but CV in a rare venture to our back line calmly took the ball off the line and cleared. Just before half time Gavin was unlucky not to score a third when his deflection soared over the bar.

The third goal was always going to be the crucial one and the surprise was that it took 28 minutes of the second half to arrive. Before this Oxted seemed to run out of ideas and we were creating more and more chances. Oxted's keeper pulled off four or five excellent saves and was certainly Man of the Match with Rory our best player, combining well with those around him and having his best game of the season by far. Although not scoring from our subsequent three corners they all looked dangerous and we did eventually score our third with Rory lifting the ball home when a short corner broke down.

With Havant losing at the hands of the ever improving Woking there is now everything to play for again and although Gavin is missing, Rippers is back and detention should be over for Dan. Another clean sheet so Tony Rowe can come more often with he and Ian Hay umpiring a physical game very well indeed. David Knapp

Addiscombe 8-1 2nd XI


Reigate Priory Cardinals 1-2 3rd XI


4th XI 1-4 Spencer Hurricanes
We were all looking forward to playing against Armo, but alas it looks like he must be playing for one of Spencer’s lower teams. What can best be described as a game of two halves, or more precisely, one of four quarters saw a performance akin to England against the All Blacks two weeks ago. A cagey first quarter where both teams created limited chances and much of the play cancelled each other out. A late arriver (with a somewhat fuzzy head we are told – no names mentioned) meant we had the luxury of a sub whilst the Hurricanes had already started the continual rotation of their 15-strong squad.

The second quarter would be better to go unmentioned as Spencer (à la All Blacks) took advantage on several incisive breaks with some clinical finishing peppering the corners and giving Nigel no chance.

The rallying half time TomTom from captain for the day DomDom however kept our heads up and with the speed demon himself leading the way, we like England realised we’d been giving the oppo too much respect. Some stalwart defending and good saves kept our lines clear, with the midfield and forwards increasingly in attack mode. We were on the ascendancy and the pressure was telling, with the opposition shouting a lot (at themselves) having successfully ruffled their feathers. A beautiful one two manoeuvre and the rewards for a good fight-back were finally ours with Dom cutting round the back to cross decisively for Smeer to score for his second week on the trot. A 1-0 second half win and we are sure glory will be ours next week. Our Australia beckons….(an away match against the Old Cranleighan 3rd XI) Grant Archer


HAC 3-4 Veterans
What a weekend to be a English OC Vet, a Harlequin and a Gooner and have a Mrs who’s a Sunderland fan! Although we missed watching the rugby live, watching the recording in the evening was great. How good were England, now that’s how rugby should be played – roll on the Six Nations and the World Cup next year. And Sunday just got better, after the Manchesters both drew, Arsenal won away and Sunderland then beat Chelsea 3-0 at Stamford Bridge! And the Quins then beat Newcastle.

All this on top of a fantastic away performance for the OC Vets on Saturday. Despite a little concern over numbers, HAC kindly provided two umpires and Dave Burles turned up ready to play after his calf injury despite anyone knowing so we had 12 which quickly went down to 11 as Rex became hamstrung and had to leave the field to become cheerleader in chief. Dave tweeked the old muscle again later in the game but manfully continued to hold firm in the right half position working well with Jonny Gray throughout. We also welcomed back Howie after his lost fight with the Indian Gym chopper who left him with a nice row of stitches in his wrist.

Plenty of early effort but poor finishing and a lack of shape and composure led to HAC taking a 1-0 lead into half time. This led to plenty of chat at the interval about the importance of ball retention and the need for a “goal hanging” centre forward. We were grateful to Angus “VI” Scott turning out for us on loan from Spencer and his constant running and challenging kept the tempo up and left the HAC defence looking like a flock of sheep being worried by a welsh man in wellies.

The re organisation at half time saw Andy “the skipper” Eve volunteer to goal hang for the team with VI moving to the left wing berth, and a re-jigged midfield giving a better shape. Fortunately no more injuries befell the team and we were soon knocking the ball about with confidence and menace. Despite a clear lack of fitness, “Tricky” Womack kept putting his body on the line and constantly made him self available for the pass at left half often surging forward to support the attack. One such surge found him on the edge of the D where he received the ball and dispatched it high with his reverse stick passed the keeper into the roof of the net. 1-1 and we were off and running........

A wave of constant attacks from both teams in a real end to end struggle saw both keepers including our own “Gordon “ Shanks make a number of important saves, with both teams trading short corners. Eventually the A team with Plan A found the back of the net with Evo smashing in a sweet trade mark short corner into the corner of the goal. Unfortunately HAC responded in kind with a similar short corner of their own. 2-2.

Then the writer managed to get in on the act and finding himself with the ball at the top of the D managed to slot the little fella into the bottom right corner away from the defenders and keeper so 3-2 and looking good.

Then things went wrong again. Unfortunately the defence had a little joint moment when we were on the attack and the ball was stolen by the HAC’s best player “green socks” in the middle who shot off on a run at such pace and skill running past the whole back line it was like watching Usain Bolt run away from the oppo in the 100 metres. This led to us being pegged back to 3-3 and both teams seemed to settle for a draw with just a few minutes left on the clock.

Unfortunately for HAC and “green socks” though this was not the end of the story. It could happen to anyone but during an HAC possession play, the ball bounced off a boot attached to one of those green socks and the whistle went. A quickly taken free hit by the writer to Tricky who took the ball on quickly to VI who then checked his run and passed the ball to our goal hanger at the top of the D who ... yes you guessed it ... fired the ball home with a crisp shot to the corner out of the desperate defender' reach. A minute later the final whistle sounded and it took a while for the heads of the valiant HAC boys to rise. It was a great and close game which could have gone either way and it was a genuine shame that an error from the best player on the pitch contributed to the O C Vets winning the game. I must be getting soft but a draw would not have been a bad result ... a win was a pleasant ending and made the Harvey’s in the pub taste that little bit sweeter. Tommy Trinder

Match report November 6 2010

The 1st XI suffered their second straight loss after being undefeated for 20 months,squandering a 2-1 lead against table topping Havant to concede two late goals. It also marked the end of a remarkable four years unbeaten at TD. The Ladies beat second-place Old Kingstonians 2-1 to move third, while there were draws for the 2nd XI, 3rd XI and 4th XIs. The Vets lost 0-4 to Wimbledon

1st XI 2-3 Havant
Our four-year unbeaten home record has gone and against a team who rode their luck but deserved to win due to their fitness and will to win being greater. Having only had 5 first team at training on Wednesday we took from the game exactly what we deserved. Compounded by our failing to stick to a game plan that we had used to great effect in the first half we lost a game that at half time we controlling and at 2-1 up with seven minutes to go we should have shut out. As it was Havant were determined to go home with something and scored the equalizer when exposing our fitness shortcomings in the midfield and then a winner in the dying minutes, breaking out when we chose the wrong option to shoot when an early pass would have set up Gavin for the easiest of tap ins.

Gavin scored our two goals which were the product of his selfless running, making space for others and then receiving the ball in space. The first was a crisp finish from 5 yards and the second a full length diving tap in from a pin point Hunter cross. We dominated the first period but were found out in the second as Havant equalized the 1-0 half time score and were very much on top. Our second against the run of play gave us the impetus until seven minutes from time when the away side scored twice.

Our corners were shocking for the second week running and so now it is up to us to decide if we want to be also rans or have character to show the commitment that the other sides around us are showing week in week out. We also have to accept that we play as a team and stick to the game plan and if called off during the game to do so when requested. Substitutions are done for a reason.

Three short this week and one for the novel reason of being in school detention - a first for the OCs, missing a game for detention, not detention itself. David Knapp

Ladies 2-1 Old Kingstonians
We knew it was never going to be an easy game against Old Kingstonians who had a 100% record coming into the game. They started the game strongly and confidently and had a half decent chance within the first couple of minutes as we were still trying to get ourselves organised. Unfortunately the goal they had been threatening eventually came mid-way through the half from a well worked short corner routine where some slick passing left their player with a chance from around the p-spot that she didn't waste. Eventually though as the half wore on we worked our way back into the game and got some concerted pressure on their goal. What can only be described as a goal mouth scramble led to our equalizer with Philly getting the final touch - well so I'm told, from what I could see down the other end it looked like about ten players standing on the goal line and eventually all our team raising their arms in celebration.

I have always believed Goalie watches what happens on the pitch but after his half time team talk i might have to question this in the future. Any man who can claim Rosie gets through every game without getting injured has obviously never seen her knees, shins, elbows, arms.....pretty much any part of her really. Still the team were buoyed by his comments and suggestions and were determined to come out strongly in the 2nd half.

The team were transformed with us now being the ones pressing forward. The play down the wings from Hels, Jax and Nikki were causing Old Kingstonians trouble and our midfield were able to start to impose themselves far more. Our defence held strong when Kingstonians tried to attack and as it became obvious that the next goal would be the winner everyone willingly tracked back to ensure no easy chance would be given (for which i am always grateful despite the sometimes slightly strained and worried screams). In the last 10 minutes the game became an end to end affair as both teams tried to get the winning goal and just like it looked it would end in a draw Michelle popped up with only a couple of minutes left to calmly slot the ball through the keeper's legs. As the team celebrated even Rosie the dog realised how important that goal might be at the end of the season and became quiet for the only part of the game. We held on strongly against the late pressure to claim a hard fought and deserved win. Despite it not being the best we've played this season I think we all found a new level of grit and every player came off tired - a testament how hard they had worked to ensure the victory.

Next week we have a much easier game awaiting us - Surbiton - whose record currently stands at played 5, won 5, scored 32, conceded 0. Excellent looks like i'll be able to bring a paper along to read in goal ... Julia Dann


Trinity Old Midwhitgiftians 3-3 2nd XI


3rd XI 3-3 Sunbury and Walton Hawks


Old Reigatians 2-2 4th XI
With both teams vying to be King of the Throne at the end of the game, match Captain for the day “Guy” Archer came prepared with a Plot to blow the opposition off course and with the promise post match bounty of “Return of the Rocky Road Bars with a Caribbean surprise” provide by budding hockey players Daniel & Katie Aston aged 10 & 8 respectively there was all to play for! Captain Archer certainly put a rocket up the OC’s team as within 3 minutes of the game starting, fellow polter “Smeer” set the game alight by scoring a Cracking goal. OC’s held the lead and pressured Reigatians until they had a break away move themselves and scored an equaliser before half time.

Half time inquest was short and brief, basically we had all the Powder we needed within the team, we just needed to light the blue touch paper in their “D” and victory would be ours. All went to plan and “Banger” Bish caused sparks in the opo’s D with a “sparkling” goal. All we had to do was to keep the pressure on and sit tight. Unfortunately it looked like we had a " turncoat " within the ranks as towards the end of the second half , the opo all too easily beat the central defender to score the second equaliser (No names until the end of season trial where Judge Harmer 's (lengthy) deliberations will be heard, so Crumby you are safe until then!). On his first outing new recruit Robin Smith played well and provide the team with some fire cracking pace on the left wing. Nick Aston


Wimbledon 4-0 Veterans
With David Knapp helping out the 3rd XI we were missing our secret weapon for the top of the table clash v Wimbledon. With our current injury list including Butcher, Burles, and Cruthers, Harry Redknapp would have described us as down to the "Bare Bones" all too true in Howie's case! We were however able to welcome back Tricky Womack and Si Duncan, another outing for our away game specialist Viv Pyne and even more importantly the much missed Tim Cook to umpire!

When we turned up at the pitch we were somewhat intimidated by a very young looking Wimbledon team going through a very professional looking warm up routine on the pitch. A number of us commented that they looked very young for a Vets side and we now believed Indian Gym's comments that a lot of the team looked scarcely over 30.
Fortunately the Wimbledon Vets then turned up and we were pleased not to be playing their 1st team ...

The game started at fast pace with Myles and Viv getting used to their unaccustomed defensive duties and Rex prowling the touchline alert for the opportunity to roll on. Tony Jones "fresh" from a conference in Malta which seemed to have involved no sleep and some sort of chicken wrap eaten in the car park, that could only have seemed tasty following the in-flight catering of Air Malta on his red eye flight that morning, battled gamefully away.

The game was evenly balanced until it turned on a couple of defensive errors, giving the ball away in the wrong part of the field and we found ourselves two goals down. Si Duncan and Rich Wheatley pushed forward in a way reminiscent of Wade's attacking centre back play - we defend high ! and a couple of good chances flashed by the far post without the necessary touch to convert. Tommy and Tricky started to control midfield a very disciplined Wade managed to patrol the left of midfield and assist Viv in his defensive duties and Rex galloped around pressurising the opposition but in the end we were outplayed and lost our unbeaten record in the league 4-0 despite Pete's best efforts in goal.

Next Saturday sees our visit to JAGS to face HAC with a 15.30 start and a chance to return to our winning ways ! Travel on the train is recommended! Andrew Eve

Match report October 30 2010

The 1st XI suffered their first league defeat since Valetines Day 2009 with a 0-2 defeat at Bournemouth, while the 2nd XI were left still looking for their first points of the season after a 0-4 loss to OKs. The Ladies beat Reigate 2-0, the 3rd XI defeated Leatherhead 4-3, the 4th XI lost to Sanderstead 2-4 while the Vets saw off Indian Gymkhana 3-1

Bournemouth 0-2 1st XI
Almost 20 months since tasting defeat last, the 1st XI went down 0-2 at Bournemouth, making next weekend’s home tie with first-placed Havant even more important.

2nd XI 0-4 Old Kingstonians


Reigate 0-2 Ladies
At the start of the game it was obvious that both teams were up for it. The first half, with firm and interesting umpiring that worked for both sides the first half was fairly even. The first few minutes the OC ladies put all the pressure on but Reigate came back well. The first half ended 0 - 0 although we did have plenty of opportunities to score but it just wasn’t our time.

The second half was much better, playing OC hockey with more passing around and
control of the game. Our first goal came very quickly in the second half from brilliant team work and ending in a beautiful push through the keepers legs by Michelle. One goal up gave us confidence however there was a momentarily lapse in
concentration which left Julia defending one on one. Julia kept her cool and cleared
the ball from the top of the circle. Great work Julia, Goalie was proud! About 10 minutes from the end, a free hit near the 25 yard line was awarded to OC’s.
It was taken quickly by Manny driving forward and passing it to the circle were Philly picked up the ball and dribbled around the diving keeper to slot our second and final goal sweetly home.Sarah Mann

Leatherhead 3-4 3rd XI


4th XI 2-4 Sanderstead
The 4th XI always take match reports to new levels, and this week's minute-by-minute review is no exception.


0 Sanderstead complete wanky pre-match chant. OCs match up – thanks to the support of the Vets, they have a full side
4 OC’s playing some really good stuff without threatening the goal, with Andy Eve pulling the strings in the centre of the pitch (Fabregasesque).
8 Dom Tucker scores with cross / shot from the right hand-side, following robust run down the right. Assist (deflection) from Sanderstead centre-back from the centre of the penalty area
12 Some great shouting and sledging from the Sanderstead keeper – he’s reeeaally worked up!......that’s keeper’s for you!!
14 Some good stout defending from Kevin at left back – no prisoners taken there!
18 OCs playing some good stuff, with excellent midfield inter-play – Dom T, Nathan S and Jon Gray have got a good relationship on the right, with Nathan spinning on a sixpence, twirling and whirling like a dervish
22 Smeer is finding good space down the left and OC’s are starting to use him
26 Steve Harmer is really coasting through this game, his experience and reading of the game, as ever to the fore.
28 Great save from Matt Olley from short-range, although I’m not sure how much he knew about it
30 J Bloggs scores for Sanderstead. Good finish from left of the penalty area, after well-worked short corner.
32 Peter Trinder is picking out Neil Robertson with some long ‘Gerrard’ style balls, but to date Neil has not quite managed to get on the end....he’s working his way back in, I’m it will come soon.
35 The umpire blows for half time. Sanderstead complete wanky pre-second half chant
The second half kicks off. Andy Eve replaced by Stuart (tactical)
36 Sanderstead are trying to play a much higher line and this is starting to pay dividends, with chances starting to come – will they convert?
44 Sanderstead equaliser goal – couldn’t see how it happened as the crowd rising to their feet obscured my view – really infuriating for the commentator
47 OC 3rd XI captain turns up pitch-side, smoking profusely and with a striking resemblance to ‘Ron the Manager’ – obviously scouting for talent and doing a bit of homework prior to the big match-up later in the autumn.
51 Peter Trinder replaced by Andy Eave (tactical)
55 Some more bewtiful twirling by Nathan Smith, with control and poise like this, he’s in danger of being demoted to the 3s.
56 Well worked short-corner by OC’s results in real scoring opportunity for Neil on the left. Spoilt for choice he fails to trouble the keeper
57 Sanderstead goal by A N Other, after some shocking OC defending – really ragged and machetes come to mind ... the defensive composure and cool head of Robin ‘The Rock’ Crumby has especially missed by OC’s in the second half. Sanderstead looking good for the points now
58 OC goal slotted in by Neil Robertson following goal-mouth scramble. Suspicion of OC foot just prior to the ball crossing the line, but the goal is given. Is it just too late??

61 Another skirmish and Sanderstead take the lead, forcing the ball in from close range - really looking good for the points now. I’m afraid it looks all over for OC’s now...and they know it
70 The umpire blows for full time. OCs imbibe some well needed replacement calories – banana and choc muffins are the order of the day. Sanderstead complete wanky post-match chant.....quite tiresome now.

Veterans 3-1 Indian Gymkhana
Following the 2nd’s onto the pitch after a 4-0 loss was not a good omen but after last week anything seemed possible.

With only 11 players we were extremely grateful for young Tom Pollard to take time out of entertaining his girlfriend and turn up early to umpire the game for us at short notice.

I can’t remember the goals or the pattern of the game except that there were some wonderful moves and ball retention by the OC boys particularly after Butch did his calf and had to go off in the 2nd half leaving the troops down to 10. It seems we play better when we are a man short as we realise we have to keep the ball. Note to all, please pretend we are a man short particularly next week and keep the ball.

There was yet more inspired goal keeping from "Gordon" Shanks in goal and their keeper who did seem to get in the way of at least 3 certain goals from Jones who still managed to get on the end of a couple in the D.

Miles scored a lovely goal, receiving a pass in the D and making a quick swivel of the old snake hips to slot the ball home for our 3rd goal which effectively killed the game off. I do recall having a couple of conversations with their umpire on the rules of the game which I am sure he appreciated – made up in the bar afterwards.

Perhaps the most memorable incident was poor old Howie literally got the chop! I thought that "lets sharpen those sticks boys" was an old wives tale but apparently not with at least one of our friends from the sub continent – a lovely bunch of lads by the way in the bar.

It appears that our Howie took a chop on the wrist which opened up badly. Fortunately not too deep to cause a call to the emergency services but deep enough to take a while for the OC vets medical team to be called into action again with bandages and elephant tape to sort out the gash.

Unfortunately after the game was over of course and our 3–1 win was secured, Mrs Howie, the Vet took one look and refused to sew it up ( despite the OC medical team suggesting that she could sort it easily as Howie was an easier patient that a dog) and sent our brave warrior to A & E where he was given 5 stitches for his trouble.

Note to our skipper.........we need stronger steri strips!

So the undefeated gang of jolly soles rolls on.....

Enjoy the moment lads. Next up Wimbledon vets away who have won every game this year so far! Tommy Trinder