Southgate 4-3 1st XI
Old Cranleighans travelled to North London in search of their first victory of the season against a well established Southgate side. Contrary to the past few games, OCs came flying out the traps and took the lead early on after Ben Roe neatly finished a good counter attack in the second minute. The away side doubled their lead just before the end of the quarter as Ben Wilson turned in a well run short corner routine. However, Southgate built strongly into the game winning a short corner that was expertly turned behind on the line by Will Marshall to maintain the 2-0 advantage. However, Southgate pulled one back just before half time converting a short corner rebound.
Both sides generated chances in the opening minutes of the second half as the away side had opportunities to restore the two goal cushion. However, it was the home side who drew level as a short corner routine was deflected into the top corner. The game became more open with both side searching for the lead. In the 53rd minute the home side took advantage, with a well taken counterattack tipped in at the back post. OCs started to push higher up the pitch in search for an equaliser but unfortunately Southgate pounced on a loose ball and were able to take a two goal cushion. The away side continued to press and grabbed one back in the 68th minute but it was not enough and the game ended 4-3 to Southgate despite no goalkeepers being on the pitch for the final two minutes. Despite another good performance, OCs left empty handed but will regroup in time for Reading at home this Saturday.
Men’s 2nd XI 2-2 Spencer
This week saw Dave Roberts’ merry band of misfits play host to a previously faultless Spencer 2’s side who arrived at Thames Ditton brimming with confidence following their perfect start to the Regional div 1 campaign. It was clear that coach Paul Wright was looking for his first scalp of the season following three weeks of near misses from the OC’s and despite the early start, the home team seemed in fine spirits particularly with the return of veteran center back and resident match tea specialist, Tom Gallyer.
After an enthusiastic but pitch heavy warm up the game started at a quick tempo, OC’s adopting a more conservative formation than in previous weeks with Ben Marchant, having insisted he’d played there before, making the jump into midfield to compliment Ed Wildbore. The initial exchanges saw some probing attacks from both sides and the ball transferred at real pace, OC’s creating the Lions share of the chances through some superb running from Tom Cooper and newbie Reece Kingham. Against the run of play however, Spencer were able to counter down the left and a stray ball across the OC’s D was tipped in at the far post via an attacking stick. Spencer 1- OC’s nil. It took five minutes and a quick ‘Fergie Hairdryer’ from Paul Wright on the sidelines for the OC’s to regain focus but momentum was starting to shift back into the home sides favour. A clever transfer and a slick move down the right from the OC’s found Cooper on hand in the D to slot home the equalizer. All square going into half time.
The intensity continued going into the second half and the OC’s survived a couple of sustained attacks from Spencer including a couple of short corners where fine saves were made by James Dick in goal for the OC’s. The OC’s powerhouse midfield regained control and the deadlock was eventually broken when Ollie Lazarevic opened his drag flicking account for the season and converted a well worked penalty corner. The OC advantage was very nearly doubled when Henry Emery found himself on the end of a sharp ball from the right only for the Spencer keeper to pull off a miraculous save which would have surely secured the game for OC’s. Calls for composure and simplicity were heard from the side line but the game had started to open up and again Spencer found themselves on the attack. After a barrage of advances, Spencer were able to convert a penalty corner of their own with time running down on the clock. 2-2 with 3 to play.
OC’s nearly stole the game back in the final moments with Tom Gallyers aerials being used to great effect but alas the final whistle blew and the game had ended in a draw. The OC’s had taken away their first point of the season and a number of positives with Man of the Match going to Ben Marchant for his commanding performance in midfield and Tom Cooper for a feisty display up front. Tune in next week for the away fixture vs high flying Fareham. Surely another opportunity for Paul Wright to spend Friday night away from home…….
Men’s 4th XI 3-2 Guildford
We arrived on a cloudy and chilly October day at TD for our first 1pm prime time slot in a long time. The 2s had already drawn the 10am game and were mildly merry after what appeared to be a heavy fines session. A few new faces this week as Toby stepped in at the back, Charlie Fletcher returned from a work sabbatical travelling around Holland and the prodigal son Paddy Harman was also dragged off the sofa. Rumours that Paddy had found a girlfriend proved unfounded and it was really just a short term struggle with the mental side of sport that sees him avoid playing before now. Captain Tallent shuffled Rory “big chief” Kennedy into sweeper and was in full voice for the team talk, demanding simplicity and reminding everyone we didn’t win a single short corner in last week’s disappointing draw at Merton. In charge of this prime time fixture were the mighty umpiring duo of Martin Williamson and Neil R-R fully “microphoned” up and lecturing all and sundry on the new Covid spitting rules.
The game started at pace and OCs dominated the opening exchanges with our first chance falling to Graham at the top of the D who passed to Eds and we took the lead after five minutes. This is not always the best news for our hockey style. We begin to think we have a cushion and can take risks and waste possession. A combination of poor decisions and Guildford gaining in fluency gave them a fully deserved equaliser. We did hit straight back and Patrick Persuad (Paddy but we cant have two Paddys) blasted in a short only for it to be rightly disallowed as the ball never left the D. How often does a disallowed goal get followed by a break away goal – too often – and Guildford did exactly that as they pulled off probably the best move of the game, slicing our formation into pieces as they took the lead. If not for a goal line save by the big chief we would have been facing a larger deficit at the break.
At half time we knew we needed to simplify things and not resort to long balls. This team talk has been repeated at half time for the last four weeks. Rarely does it have any immediate effect and this was no exception. Guildford came out the blocks well and dominated the 3rd quarter. We momentarily went down to nine men as Graham (rough tackle) and Lewi (chat back) sat in the sin bin. Crucially captain Tallent and his band of defenders held firm in the face of wave after wave of Guildford attacks. Jan was, as always, ever present at the back and put his body on the line to keep Guildford out.
Heading into the last 15 minutes we found ourselves 2-1 down. It was now that we simplified our hockey and played the ball around at pace. This resulted in a series of short corners and subsequent sublime saves from the Guildford keeper off Harman deflections. He couldn’t keep the third one out as Harman opened his account for the season in style. All square with 5 minutes left and we dominated the game as momentum had shifted. The socially distanced TD crowd growing increasingly animated, Captain Tallent screaming at his henchmen. This was a thriller for the prime time slot that justified JJ’s beer prices. With three minutes left we broke down the right through Oscar, Tristan and Patrick, and won another short. A slap by Lewis ballooned up into the air and Eds fired it in to Graham who finished to take the lead in front of an elated crowd. No hugs but a lot of noise ensued as we had finally converted a wonderful quarter of hockey.
We held on for the final two minutes and secured a memorable win. This was testament to the composure and spirit we displayed in that last 15 minutes. Guildford were sporting in defeat after a very entertaining game of hockey, which is why we turn up on Saturdays.
Thanks to our youngsters, Tristan, Oscar and Smythy who all played well – the future is bright. Officiating this game wasn’t easy as there was plenty said by both sides but thanks to Martin and Neil who kept control and were firm and fair throughout. It was also enjoyable having Paddy Harman on the TD turf once more. However, like Rambo, he will be back in hiding until we need him again. Early days but we are beginning to gel as a squad and Captain Tallent is getting excited when the league table gets updated on Saturday nights. Who knows if we’ll even have hockey next week but one can only hope for more thrillers like this one. Eds
Old Georgians 2-1 Men’s 5th XI
In true folk law fashion we breathed the fire of the dragon and fought for our survival only to succumb to the slaying by the Old Georgians in what have become regular close contests between our two clubs in each of the leagues and cups we face the Weybridge outfit.. For those of us who remember the first of the games against OGS in the late 90’s the edge between the two clubs, who have had a similar trajectory in the past twenty years, still exists. I do question the logic behind asking an 18 year old to umpire such a game who was out of his depth although his senior colleague at the other end did step in well and ensured a good degree of control. All that was lacking from the younger umpire was the backing of his decisions with a firm whistle rather than hesitancy in correct decisions that made the players wonder. All said and done this had zero impact or influence on the result with Seb and our hard working back 4 coming to our rescue on countless times to keep us in the hunt. We were all so impressed with the defence that we continually handed the ball straight back to them, ‘have another go”. We did however create our own chances and could have been up before nebwy Tim, Sainsbury with a t, now known as Tescos, slotted a very rehearsed short corner within 10 minutes of coming on. A quicker and far better return than that of Gareth Bale in his first 15 minutes for Tottenham against the mighty and formidable West Ham.
1-0 at half time was a tad harsh on the OGs and boy did they know that as the first 20 minutes of the second half was one way traffic with our not venturing in their half as if it were the subject of a Tier 3 lock down. The pressure eventually paid off with 2 quick goals as our luck ran out. Goal 2 was a deflection off our stick with the ball going wide. Credit to us though as we stuck at it and created 2 chances and a short corner in the last 10 minutes, inches away in the last play of the game from snatching a fortuitous equalizer which would have been harsh on OGs. For the second week running a matter of inches cost us. We will get slices of luck in the coming weeks which has deserted us thus far but we make our own luck and must stop giving the ball away when under pressure, a sign of being hurried in a more competitive league.
Three 1-2 reverses in the first 4 games which show how close we are to those around us. No let up next week with Teddington at Oaken Lane. Let’s however put this all into perspective as our 1s play Reading this week having been up against Southgate and Teddington on the last two Saturdays, three of the most successful trophy winning clubs at the top level of domestic hockey in the last 30 years. Would have taken where all our men’s sides are currently positioned in their respective leagues if told the future 5 years ago….
Reigate 2-2 Ladies 1st XI
A game at 4pm at Reigate is never one to look forward… it’s not Reigate, it’s just the time and it’s getting cold! The day didn’t start well when my husband woke me at 5am trying to sneak into bed following some mid-life crisis drinking session (outside with a few mates) to console themselves that Elmbridge Borough was entering Tier 2. Preparations for the game didn’t get much better … a dog walk, with the infamous Pepper, in full OC kit ended up with the dog launching itself into a filthy ditch then shaking over my gleaming white socks. And if you have ever watched U9s football your nerves are on edge for your slightly inattentive goalkeeping son as his team scrapes a 5-4 win. Back to the club we went, now all we had to do was eat and get to Reigate on time… we were late… my face mask clad car gang needed to eat a feast before we left and then a road closure didn’t deter my sat nav as it sent us the wrong way. Let’s just say I personally needed a wine before we started!
So onto our game… Coach Lauren gave us a few home truths (nicely) about finding some grit in our game and not being nice girls on the pitch (as if!). Captain Richie equally pumped us up and as a team we know what this season’s main objective is! Clad in pink to support Breast Cancer Now month, we started strong and had Reigate on the back foot but we didn’t press hard enough and slowly allowed them to gain confidence as we made easy mistakes. However, we took first blood through a short corner. Holly’s first strike may have been ably saved by Reigate’s GK but her rebound shot was a screamer and it the top corner! 1-0 up… nerves settled but we still couldn’t break through their defence despite having more possession. Then Reigate broke down the right and a very annoying foot in the D (aka mine) led to a short-corner which they put away. 1-1 it remained into the break.
The second half didn’t get much better… we controlled, they broke, we held them off, we had our chances, we didn’t take them. Then a break by Holly on the right from the our defensive 25, through numerous opposition players, gave us the break we needed. She slipped it to Richie who held her composure in front of the goalie diving across her and popped it across the line. The funniest moment and why I have had to write this little epic was an interception by yours truly making a break from our defensive 25 and suddenly realising I was the highest OC player on the pitch… nose bleed followed and whilst we did nearly get something out of it I was duly screamed at to return back to defence! Know your place Hawes! Sadly 5 minutes from time a tackle from our back line led to a short, we might disagree the umpire’s decision, and even though we defended our fair share we couldn’t keep this one out! We should have walked away with more than 1 point but we still hold second place in the league. This week is Tulse Hill & Dulwich at Fortress TD before the Men’s 1s so we would love your support.
PS from Helen: sorry for the utter self-indulgence in this match report
Ladies 2nd XI 4-1 Spencer Saphires
The Ladies 2s continue their excellent form this week with a convincing win against Spencer Sapphires. At home, on a mild autumnal morning we started the game by putting the opposition under pressure right from the start. The first goal was won early on from a short corner. Amy Smith injecting to Josie Keey with a low drag flick, saved by the keeper and finally knocked in by Amy again after a second deflection. Building on this great start the Ladies 2 looked dangerous, with Kitty Green making dynamic runs past static Spencer players on the right. Another skilful attack into the D by Josie, crossed to Flo Holder at the far post secured OCs second goal and their dominance in the game, going 2-0 up after 10 minutes played. In the midfield Laura Price distributed the ball well for more attacking runs by Elle Wilson and Ellen Arthur. There were some counter attacks on the break from Sapphires with a high hanging player but these were no match for solid duo at the back Ele Lunn and Ailsa Malcolm. To top off a commanding first half from OCs, the Spencer defence made the mistake of allowing Josie Keey enough space to launch a screamer on the reverse into the top right corner! Making it 3-0 to OCs going into half time.
After the break Spencer finally decided to turn up and started well with a few counter attacks. The OC defence reacted well with calmness under pressure from star player and woman of the match Ailsa. After a scrappy period leading to a goal from the away side, OCs took control again keeping possession and making several close chances. This came to fruition with a well played team goal slotted away by Kitty to win the game 4-1, secure top of the league position and continue an unbeaten record for the ladies 2s!
Ladies 4th XI 3-0 Barnes
A lovely 2.30 home game with a grandstand full of expectant spectators (oops dreaming again) and a lovely autumn day. Game started well and OCs put on the pressure and took the first goal courtesy of veteran Jane (minus Zimmer frame). Another two goals, one from Megan, one of our talented juniors, followed by a smacker of a goal from Katharine. Brilliant goalkeeping from Evie meant final score 3-0. At last a win and the hope that this’ll give us confidence to keep it up. Well done 4s.
Ladies 5th XI 6-0 Clapham Common 6s
An early start for the ladies 5 compared to prior weeks, away to Clapham Common 6s in the middle of somewhere in London (we just all followed our sat navs however all thought at some point we were near Ikea). Luckily this time all OCs team members located the pitch unlike last season’s attempt! All team members also happily embraced wearing something pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month. As we warmed up, the opposition started to trickle in so by push back time about half of their squad had arrived. In previous years, we’d have assumed socialising from this young London team to be the culprit, but maybe it was just the early start. We’d had many tough encounters with this club last year so we’d take any hint of weakness to be honest!
We went hard from the whistle, smothering Clapham’s defence from the start with numerous shots on goal from Kirsty, Nicola and Lucy. It took us some time to convert but soon Kirsty scored followed by further goals in the first half from Jacqs. The midfield of Rae, Rachel, Lucy and Anna continue to be the linchpin, chasing down balls and solidly distributing to the forwards. OC pressure in the second half continued, with at one point all the OC defenders bar the GK being in the attacking half and almost making it into the D. The youthful fitness of Anna and Lucy W shone through as on numerous occasions they had space to run the ball from the defensive 25 to the attacking 25, enabling OC to again penetrate the attracting D with Nicola and Jacqs scoring further goals.
OCs defenders were once again solid, with Sarah, Roz, Sally, Sue and Tess having no issues nipping in the bud any attacking breaks. So much so, there was no requirement for face masks – Sue nonetheless was gutted as wanted to don her snazzy pink face mask adding additional flair to the pink theme! The match ended a sound 6-0. A solid win and one which OCs can hopefully build on as the season continues. Lucy W earned a well deserved player of the match for her epic work rate.
Stormers 2-1 Hampstead & Westminster
Following a disappointing match against OGs The Stormers had a point to prove. With Gav playing his third match in a row, Ports turning up to training (5 months late) and Gerry buying a new pair of hockey shoes (off the back of a Dutch lorry) the Stormers had a spring in their step. Hampsted looked the part, they even had a folder with a white board pitch on it! Stormers were up for a busy evening!
Stormers started strongly however they had defend well to keep a high pressing team off the score sheet. Three Hamsted penalty corners later the scores were still level. Stormers got into their rhythm, holding the ball up and attacking at pace. After 20 minutes Stormers won their first Penalty corner which was converted by Captain Heslop with a back board clipping shot. 1-0 Stormers. The midfield again put in a shift for the Stormers, containing Hampsted who we’re forced to look for the long ball. With three minutes to go in the first half a quick-thinking Hampsted capitalised on a loss of concentration during a ‘is it, should it, why isn’t it a penalty corner debate’ (which we didn’t win!). Two passes and the centre forward slotted it in. One-all at the break.
The second half was a fair contest. H&WM pressed higher and Stormers soaked up the pressure and attacked in the break. Half way through the half Packers with some excellent dribbling skills turned the defence inside out and smashed it into the inside of the net. Great goal! Squeaky bum time! The last ten minutes was controlled with men behind the ball and some excellent work rate by Gav, JJ and Gerry getting behind the ball. The match ended 2-1 and more importantly with a fantastic team performance. Three wins from four games not a bad start …… now the teams in form starting with Reading away next Saturday.
Maidenhead 0-0 Barnstormers
This was your correspondent’s maiden (pun intended) visit to what is apparently often a windy, inhospitable venue. There was no wind on this occasion, but that’s where the differences ended…
Securing a 0-0 draw and a point on the road felt a reasonable return as an intrepid few supped a post-match ale in a local hostelry – two of the group masquerading as the oppo to enable us to have seven of us (albeit split between three tables) able to sit in the beer garden.
The match itself was a tense affair, with all manner of “conversations” running throughout – many of them between the opposition and one of their own umpires. The main issue the oppo seemed to
have was that we wanted to put on face masks when defending our short corners; this concerned them even more than when one of their shots at a shorty hit your correspondent on the thigh just
outside the right hand upright. Nige and Dougie (man of the match on this occasion despite sharing his stick with the Maidenhead No 7 for much of the match) were kind enough to point out (by
showing the oppo a mirror) the perils associated with not wearing face masks.
It was Poen’s birthday but he’d clearly had his presents for the day pre-match because no goals were forthcoming. In fact, one of the best chances of the whole day went to Tissy (on his Barnies debut) at the end of the final play of the day (one of our rare attacking short corners) but sadly he fell a matter of inches short and was unable to get his stick to the ball. Scoring at the death to win the match would have been a brilliant denouement and would have sent the oppo into apoplexy. Sadly, it was not meant to be.
The team have had a varied (geographical) start to the league season, visiting Watford to lose to top of the table (and newcomers) West Herts before hosting (and beating) Wimbledon at Fortress TD the week before this trip to Maidenhead. With a loss, a win and a draw in those first 3 matches, who knows what next week will bring at Oaken Lane… questions abound. Will Captain Closet deign to join us or will he be focussed on another Guy Ritchie film? Which one of the Barnstormers will look best in pink socks and headband? Will Richie fell anyone from the oppo again this week and, if so, will he confess to the heinous crime or rely on a team mate to take the heat and any accompanying card again? Find out next week…