Match Reports - October 5, 2013

Match reports for the first full week of the league season with good results for the men's sides but a setback for the Ladies

1st XI 4-2 Barnes

Croydon 2-2 2nd XI

London Edwardians 4-0 Ladies After the long drive to Battersea Park (for some) and inevitable afternoon push-back delay we set to against a tough London Edwardians team, with 12 players. We battled hard against the opponents and the bumpy pitch which at times gave rise to an almost lacrosse style of play (Fletch must have taken tips from Sophie DH!).

Unfortunately the first half ended with us having conceded and in need of really taking the game to them. However, today wasn't our day - they seemed to have a bit more fire in their belly so although it was an incredibly tough game on all sides and we had a few chances in the D we couldn't get it across the line.

An early season defeat of 4-0 to London Edwardians leaves us itching to get back out there and come out fighting next time.
3rd XI 2-0 Sunbury and Weybridge Hawks
This was a fresh season, a new start for a third team that lost their skipper last season and had Nathan "Man Up" and take over a team that was clearly talented but had not produced the goods to date. Comically, Skips wasn't even there for the warmup, he was busy creating a masterpiece of a whiteboard that would ensure we knew our structure and were mentally prepared for a season that he wants to be glorious. Its great to be back in England and experience the wonderful rain that seems to fall even when the forecast was for sun and no clouds. We had a few motivational words from skips after the whiteboard was put down...then it was time for pushback and the beginning of what we believe is going to be a monumental 3rd XI season.

We dominated the first half and should have had a few more than just the edge of Eds's stick that their keeper mysteriously let go into the goal....what was he thinking....The back line held firm throughout and was the reason for us being up at half time. Nigel had a few too many words with the umpire. I have never seen a keeper complain about a decision that went in our favor - so passionate he is that it almost resulted in a sin bin.

Early in the second half we began to dominate the game and despite the loss of Jock Vickers (quite an extraordinary injury that when questioned he claimed he was trying to "change direction"). The half time team talk was listened to and we began to move the ball wider and use the speed we had against what was an ageing opposition back line. We did need a second goal however, and it took a long time to come. A seriously selfish Chris Bents had 5 open players when he decided to shoot from the sideline. We still await his penalty jug. Eventually a short corner routine that has taken years to evolve after training resulted in Eds finishing the game off and the crowd were chanting OC's forevermore.

It looks like a good season ahead and a victorious one now that we have Jock on the sidelines serving Pimms and taking pictures. Well done to Nathan for incredible organisation and a white board that leaves Alex Ferguson pondering where he went wrong..... Ed Copeston