Match report November 5 2011

A much better weekend with wins for the 2nd and 3rd XIs and a draw for the 1st XI at Oxted. The Ladies went down 3-6 to Epsom despite twice holding the lead, but the highlight was the highly enjoyable game between the Barnstormers and the Hamstrings which saw several old faces return to action



Oxted 2-2 1st XI
London Edwardians revisited in a game we should have won by a margin but once again not converting more than one out of 15 corners. Ross was hardly troubled by Oxted whose two goals came on the break and a very good short corner, Baggs scoring both goals. At the other end the Oxted keeper was awesome, making five really top class saves from both open play and corners. the card count was also in Oxted's favour, four yellows including a stick throwing that could become an Olympic sport - certainly lucky not to receive a red.

Although dominating play we found ourselves two down after 15 minutes but won a stroke that Hunter popped home, just, had a goal awarded on the stroke of half time only for it to be disallowed and then struggled to break down the home team before a short corner was evetually converted seven minutes from time, Woody latching on to a loose ball and popping it home. We still had time to win but it was not to be. Oxted were grateful for the point and magnanimous enough to make the point to us. Another two points dropped that could cost us at the end of the season. Rex Harrison

Ladies 3-6 Epsom
Another loss which leaves us at the bottom of the table, but a frustrating one in that we twice led, played some really good hockey, but paid for lapses where we gave the ball away under no pressure.

2nd XI 4-1 Woking III
One of our strongest sides we have out all season, with our availability looking good! This week we were facing Woking 3s, we always enjoy close games when we come up against a Woking side. The match was all set up to be a cracker and what a great game to play. From the first minute we were Putting pressure on them and enjoyed the lions share of the possession. All of sudden they caught us napping and went 1-0 up. I thought this wasn't really appropriate or deserved. It was certainly a rare mistake from our back line. Chris OND and Robin working really well together keeping the centre solid. Mez and Allan giving some width to launch our attacks from, all credit to the defence, Woking could not move the ball through the final third of the pitch all game,

From going 1-0 down is was again good to see us keeping our heads and with from peeps keeping calm and some great support from Hugo we slotted one back. We continued to pile on the pressure and earned a short corner. The keeper having save the first shorty kindly gave the ball back and powered it home. 2-1 at half time and we were looking dangerous without getting to confident we wanted more knowing that the next goal would decide the rest of the match. The difference between this week and the last few weeks was certainly the midfield, with Neil Grimes and Henry Maughan keeping composure on the ball and distributing it to the attach.

With some great passing and some lovely interplay I was kindly put through and tucked it through the keepers legs. The question from here in was how many will it be? Harry and Hugo bossing the midfield we were in complete control and Hugo made a great break one one with the keeper, he went round him and with great composure put the ball. Ferrett, with a hell of strike on the half volley very nearly slotting the ball past the keeper, in fact I think we were all a little perplexed with how the Woking keeper managed to keep the ball out! Looking forward to having you back from injury Ferrett!

We then got a bit sloppy and started trying to much to catch them on the break and too many long balls attempted but alas the job was done and everyone was enjoying their hockey! If we play like that each week we will not only be pushing top spot but having a great time whilst doing! Massive smiles this weekend and looking forward to the next hurdle. Alex Lewis

3rd XI 5-1 Sunbury & Weybridge Hawks
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A fourth win in five leaves us fourth in the table and playing with a new-found confidence. Sunbury put themselves at a disadvantage by turning up with ten, and our 14 men (not all on the pitch at once) exploited that to great effect. The scoreline flattered Sunbury who were under the cosh for long periods but defended with determination, and on another day we could have had double figures.

Barnstormers 4-1 Hamstrings
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An all-OC affair between our two veterans sides was marked by the welcome return of several familiar faces and a superb post-match curry. Dodie Khurshid, on the pitch for the first (and last) time, two years to the day since his career-ending injury, got the game underway and then ambled into retirement, and some highly entertaining hockey followed. Will Stephens and Richie Watkins held the line for the Hamstrings as if they had never been away, and against the run of play the Hamstrings took the lead. One-all at the break, Barnstormers, with Howie superb in the middle, went ahead early in the second half and the game remained in the balance until two late goals, the last, with the final action of the match, a diving deflection by Neal Fox.