OC Hockey Club

Ladies 1s  3 – 0  London Academicals 1s

After a rare loss last Saturday, the Ladies 1s were keen to get back to winning ways in South East London against London Academicals. With a few key players missing it was a smaller squad and a call-up for Candela and Migs. After a couple of players going to the wrong location, the first ten minutes of the game were fairly open with both teams pushing hard.
Some excellent play down the right-hand side after a quick transfer around the back saw Sarah Morris pick up the ball on the edge of the D and hit a wonderful volley into the side of the goal. 1-0.
This then spurred OC’s on who won a couple of corners and were able to convert a smart move with Sarah Morris scoring again 2-0.
London Academicals should have done their homework and known that we wouldn’t let them back in the game, it was more fantastic team play that saw Migs drive into the D and score from an impossible angle. 3-0.
Despite creating a few more chances and some hat-trick avoidance we were unable to convert again. Our solid defence made sure that the opportunities for London Academicals remained limited. In the end, OC’s made the victory look pretty academic.

POM went to Candela for winning the ball back more times than I can remember.

DOD went to David who got half way to the game before remembering he had left the goalie kit at home (and worst of all, thought he could get away with keeping it a secret and blaming the traffic!).

Goal Scorers: Sarah Morris (2) Amy Mighalls

Men’s 1s  1 – 3  Old Loughtonian 1s

Last weekend the OCHC 1st XI took on Old Loughts at the infamous fortress. The message from Willy Marshall was clear, repeat last weeks stellar performance against Sevenoaks.

The team were once again looking forward to seeing the veteran Scottish international galloping up the right hand side line however a morning dressing incident (perhaps something else..) had put him out of action. Despite this spirits were high as the group finished their pre match prep.

As the game began OC’s had a sputtering start after no weeks training due to weather. Old Loughts on the hand had come out with vigour and oodles of energy. The boys were under the pump swiftly and had to scrabble to defend against the Old Loughts attacks, eventually conceding the 1st goal of the contest after just a few minutes. 0-1.

Unperturbed OC’s gathered themselves to reinvigorate their press and had a number of successful attacks. Threatening the Old Loughts goal. One such attack down the left hand base line saw an opportunistic Ben Wilson finish with aplomb, diving to tap the ball into the goal during a goal mouth scramble. 1-1.

OC’s rallied following the first quarter and continued to apply pressure. Will Heywood coming close flashing a tight shot past the post by inches, shouts of “pain pot!” Ringing out across the TD fortress.

Old Loughts continued to apply pressure won a series of short corners that were valiantly defended by the Old Cranleighan defensive unit. One being cleared off the line and 2 run down by Ben Roe. Resulting in an injury that took him off to get treatment.

The game continued at a blistering pace set by Old Loughts and tempers flared, resulting in cards. One particular flash point was a robust challenge in midfield from skipper Ollie Davies and Matt Boote which led to a minor scuffle on the floor, neither umpire seeing anything untoward despite the Old Loughts player potentially dusting off his glove on Ollie’s head..

At halftime the game was set for a testy second half and physicality continued to rise on both sides. More cards were sure to follow. OC’s continued to graft and raise their intensity but seemed off the pace compared to Old Loughts bunch.

Wave after wave of Old Loughts attacks continued to come and OC’s had some chances of their own but were unable to convert. Old Loughts comparatively came away with 2 more goals through the second half and ending up 3-1 on top.

In the final few minutes OC’s fought gallantly to pull one back but never looked threatening enough to level the score.
A disappointing loss ending 3-1 at the final whistle as the group look to take on a high flying Teddington team in the local derby on Friday night.

A huge game for the OC’s that could help them boost spirits and make a run with the remaining games of the season looking ever more important.

MOM: Jack Jamieson

DOD: Ben Roe

Goal Scorer: Will Heywood

Ladies 2s  1 – 1  Wimbledon 5s

The week started in the usual style for the Ladies 2s! One minute you’re a squad of 13 the next 10! Half-term and injuries across all the ladies’ squads meant collaborative and creative thinking came into play. Eventually, we settled with a squad of 13, against Wimbledon 5s, including 4 players getting the call-up from the Ladies 3s. Thank you to Jaqs, Bea, Charlotte and Ailsa for changing their plans. You were brilliant and definitely worthy of your team selection.

The Ladies 2s have had a remarkable run of poor form, with 4 loses on the bounce. With dramatically different squads each week and frozen pitches, it really hasn’t helped with trying to find our way out of the losing streak. With a 4-1 loss to Wimbledon 5s in the previous leg, who sit towards the top end of the table, this wasn’t going to be an easy game.

Let me start by saying there is a reason why I don’t write match reports. I can’t remember much of what goes on. In the first half both sides had their chances. Wimbledon more so and their counterattacks certainly gave us cause for concern but Alisa and Ele in central defence and Amy in goal held them at bay. We continued to build in confidence and in doing so distribution got better and we made some great transitions with Nikki in central midfield using Bea, Laura H, Jacqs, Charlotte and Helen on the wings to shift the ball from defence up through midfield into Wimbledon’s D. However an unforced error in the D led to Wimbledon nicking a goal before half-time.

As we went into half time our new management of Ben, Irfan and Georgie S quite rightly said our biggest let down was our poor passing, straight onto Wimbledon’s open stick. We needed more composure but equally we needed to go faster and move the free hits quicker to avoid the impenetrable Wimbledon press. We listened and we did improve in the second half. Sadly a knock to Eva and a rolled ankle meant she was now out having put in a decent shift but leaving us with just the one sub!

We attacked harder in the 2nd half, the crowd now building for the game after, spurred us on.

Nikki, now departed (apparently her son’s own birthday party a more critical event to attend!) we had to reshuffle. For a while the change of guard meant we lost our way with Amy making a heroic 1:1 save but

it wasn’t long before the trio of managers got us back on track. Our forwards of Alice, Anaya, Fletch and Hattie kept weaving in and out of the opps defence to break their lines which was working as shots on goal came and the short corners awarded. However as a squad we struggle with shorts … 15 last week and non converted!
That said in the dying seconds of the game OCs we’re awarded a short corner. I can’t really explain whathappened next apart from a lot of confusion. Suffice to say the most important part was OCs equalised from the last hit of the game. Fletch deflected it past the goalie to secure the draw, end the rot and eventually score off a short after millionth time of asking! It was dramatic and the excited celebration said it all. Just relief and belief in our team got us a much needed draw.

Final score 1-1.

Goal scorer Rosanna Hall-Fletch

POM Charlotte Heap.

Big shout to Fletch (Rosanna Hall) who are 12 years of playing for Old Cranleighan HC is off Abu Dhabi with the family for a new adventure. An amazing player but also contributor to OCHC life as former Ladies 1s Captain and Communications Officer. We wish you, Duncan and the girls the very best wishes with the move. Tour (minus hockey) will be arranged very soon!

Men’s 2s  1 – 3  London Wayfarers 3s

Thames Ditton; 14:30

The good lads arrived at Thames Ditton in good spirits with key man Evan Morris fresh off the Infernos dance floor having outlasted Bloomfield’s DJ set. However, there was a change in the winds when medical reports, rumoured to have been leaked in frustration by skipper Biccarino, revealed that Will Coughley had ruled himself out for, and I quote, weeks not days, with a single cough on the Monday 5 days before. Unanswered questions are still lingering about why he would sabotage the match day squad but leaving himself as available – reports remain inconclusive. Still awaiting updates on his current condition by his medical team.

After a higher tempo than usual warm-up, the OCs started strongly, dominating possession and controlling the game. A period of prolonged pressure saw DR put the ball in the back of the net at point blank range to send the people’s team into the lead heading into half time.

Fuelled by skittles, the lads got back underway. However, without Meersy on the side to run the bench (reports suggest that he was ruled out by wife/daughter admin), the good legs began to tire – Evan was the first to go, closely followed by the rest – and the OCs press was about as uncertain as Lawson’s newfound relationship – was it 2 months? Was it 4 months? Was it half court? Was it full court? I guess we’ll never know…. And Wayfarers 3s sniffed a window of opportunity. 3 circle entries, 3 fouls – one striking slash so pinpoint accurate that even Aragorn, son of Arathorn would have been proud of. And sadly for the OCs, 3 fouls brought about 3 goals against the run of play.

With sky sports, having bought the rights to the people’s team, primed in the stands and in hope of an OCs comeback having heard about the comeback of the century just 7 days prior, it wasn’t to be. Only a Jamie Bloomfield DJ set could have provided the same type of boost that a Dave Matthews team talk brings, but unfortunately, on 11th February, neither were to be.

A comeback one step too far this time round, the league remains in the good lads’ hands with a game in hand. Next up a crunch match at Wimbledon under the Thursday night lights in what can only be labelled as a season defining game. Plenty to look forward to, and that’s before we get to the post match sauna.

MOM: Simmo

DOD: Ben West

Goal Scorer: DR

No Photo 

Men’s 3s 6 – 0  Wanderers 2s

That’s so 3s!

“This is so 3s!” they proclaim,

As Wils and Rainsey Lime-biked to the game.

On the eve of another date in B Park,

Surely none of the lads were out after dark…

Welcome to new signing Tim,

and Ajay, in sneaks more fit for the gym.

Eager to stay top of the table,

Skipper must lay some pre-game cable.

Another suspect Don warm-up,

Bailey chose instead, the vets in the Cup…

RJ claiming he’s come straight from infernos,

Hoping we play like a team of eleven Jethro’s….

We start the game slow, now that is so 3s,

Why can’t we have a few more Will Leslie’s…

Taking the lead through Wilson, the Sam.

Charlie Mac also here, got a lift from his Mam.

Three goals to the good at the half,

Opposition chasing an early bath.

Great skills on the ball from Jonker,

Back post tap-in, ruined by a stray conker.

5-nil up, this is so 3s,

Just look at Rossko, he’s staring at the trees.

We finish up 6, and still 1 point clear.

Toasted in the shower, with a can o’ warm beer.

Colts lads again swerve the match teas,

Avoiding Don’s chat about birds, and the bees.

Goals recognised in post-match votes,

Skipper’s clean sheet earns him a race, of the boats.

But what is it, to be so 3s?

Well, it could be a performance like one of MoM Rainseys…

Wait just a minute, it must be more than that?

What? More than not asking questions, about Rossko’s tat?

What does it take, to play in the 3s?

Watch whilst you’re injured, just like CG.

Why can’t you just tell me sir, please?

Well, we are still 1 point clear of London Eds, 3s…

Wait, I’ve got the answer, to the pressing question,

It came at the venue for after, the pub, the Junction…

“On the pub’s socials, I need you, for a picture.

And as you’ve bought 10, please hold up the pitcher.”

“A deal you shall have, if the drinks are for free(s)

“Get this on the whatsapp lads. This is so 3s!”

MOM: Mark Raines

DOD: Max Arthur

Goal Scorers: Ajay Walsh (2) Dave Wilson (2) Mark Raines, Sam Wilson

Men’s 4s  4 – 0 Surbiton 5s 

A very complete performance

Having been to the bear pit two weeks ago and come away with the 3 points v Surbiton Sparticans in a great game of hockey it was time to replicate the result against table topping Surbiton 5s who have found the going a bit tough since the resumption of the league. A win would put us top on goal difference with a game in hand.

Another good squad with availability high throughout the club augured well as did the quality warm up. There was a positive mood coursing through the assembled 15.

70 playing minutes later we were top with as complete a squad performance as one would wish to see. Involving 15 players is always tricky but we embraced the extra players to excellent effect as all 15 bought into the idea. Regular changes enabled us to keep up the momentum and pace for 95% of the game.

We scored the all important early goal with Jake cracking home our first short corner with a tomahawk through the legs of the very excitable Surbiton keeper who was seemingly practicing for the Home Counties town crier competition. Having most of the play kept us on top but a second goal was not forthcoming as chances were spurned and Surbiton showing our vulnerability to the quick break that did cause us problems. The difference between the two teams was the link up play that did cost the home side as on their breaks Surbiton were tackled one on one on numerous occasions rather than using the free man. Guy and Mooresy made tackle after tackle whilst Sam and Charlie R distributed effectively into the midfield.

The turning point of the game was a save after 25 minutes by Ben that he had no right to make, touching the ball onto the post when it seemed impossible for the forward to miss.

Putting a few minor things right at half time enabled us to iron out a few wrinkles although the game did become more open. Nasher scored his first for the club, it was well worth the wait, his belting the ball home from the top of the D, Powelly capped his best performance in an OC shirt to pop home a half chance and a well worked short corner was deflected home by Knappy who made sure with what was a goal bound effort from Jake. With 15 minutes left the game was over.

To their credit Surbiton kept fighting and won a penalty stroke a couple of minutes from time that fittingly Ben saved to cement his man of the match performance.

Overall it is fair to say that we had the rub of the 50/50 umpiring decisions with the game being played in a great spirit and Surbiton being very magnanimous in defeat.

No time to sit back as Merton are next up on the 25th at home who it will be remembered dispatched us 3-0 in November who, being in 4th spot just 5 points behind us, are still harbouring their own title chances.

Goals. Kemp, Nash, Powell and Knapp

MoM Ben O

DoD – no one qualified.

Ladies 3s  1 – 1  Old Kingstonian 2’s 

Starting off they were definitely looking like the stronger side as they managed to
get into our D a few times and kept good possession of the ball. Very much a game where OKs showed up to win and we, well we showed up. A scrappy, nervy first half where we took too long to settle. A lot of winning the ball then giving it away. One early shot near goal by Aisling and a cross from Holly but
not much else to report. Michele and our defence had quite a bit of work to do as OKs moved the ball quickly into the D, a few shots going wide. We let them run with the ball far too much, getting ourselves in a bit of a muddle. No short corners but they won one just before half-time which luckily Erin calmly cleared out. However no goals in the first half.
After Michele’s pep talk, we played like a different team in the second half, much better passing, driving the ball up the left and right, some lovely passing into the middle, just not finding the final touch in the D. We became more aggressive in the second half which was probably because of all the sweets we ate at half time. Our one short shot wide. We finally found the goal from a Mischa run into the D which
was a controversial goal – did it get deflected?? Muted celebrations as we had no
idea whether it was a goal or not… Straight after Mischa’s goal their defender got sent off for arguing with the umpire as they did not believe it was a goal.
Unfortunately their quick free hits caught us unaware and they got themselves a goal about 2 minutes after our goal as we were caught napping. All in all, an ugly game.

Goals: Mischa Illman
POM Jess Quinton & Mischa Illman

Stormers  3 – 0  Guildford 

The old boys rolled into Guildford top of the league having not lost since October. And were now entering into the business end of the season.

The boys stormed to victory with a final score of 3-0. But the game was a lot tighten than the score suggests. The match was played in perfect conditions, with both teams eager to come out on top.

The Stormers worked their end into the game. But had to rely on strong defending for the first 20mins. But towards the end of the first their attacking play put Guildford on the back foot. The first goal of the game came from the stick of Will “Goose” Naylor, who scored a well-placed field goal to give his team the lead.

The Stormers continued to dominate possession, and they were rewarded with two penalty corners. The first was converted by Ash Garret, who sent a powerful drag flick past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0. The second penalty corner was also converted by the Stormers, this time by Gerry Davies, who sent a well-placed shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Guildford tried to mount a comeback in the second half, but the Stormers’ defence held strong, with Goalie making some key but standard saves to keep a clean sheet.

The Stormers continued to press forward, with some excellent passing and movement. They could have added more goals, but some great goalkeeping from Guildford’s goalkeeper kept the scoreline down.

The final whistle blew, and the Stormers had secured a convincing 3-0 victory over their opponents. The team celebrated their victory, with Naylor, Garret, and Davies all receiving congratulations for their excellent goals. As the great friendly squad, we are.

It was a fantastic performance from the Stormers, who showed great teamwork and determination to secure the win. They will be hoping to build on this result in their next match, as they look to continue their winning streak.

Big game with Saturday with the boys taking on their closest rivals for the title, Reading.

Scorers – Will ‘Goose’ Naylor, Ash Garrett and Gerry Davies

POM: Matt Heslop

Ladies 4th XI  0-3  Barnes 5th XI

It was a lovely mild morning as we gathered for our match against Barnes. Looking back, we were a little sleepy and not fired up for what proved to be a very challenging game. From the get-go, Barnes took charge. We had some lovely play but did not quite pull ourselves together as cohesively as we needed to do, in order to beat this great side, who are sitting at the top of the table. The game was a blur and my recollection of events might not be 100% accurate.

Barnes took an early lead, decisively scoring off a short corner. I’m not sure if this was the same corner that we had (hilariously) set up to defend with too many players – doh!! But they scored first and we were skittled. Barnes overloaded their attack, there seemed to be so many of them, and they were super speedy. They intercepted our free hits and we threw away passes. Then, a 2nd goal to Barnes. Again, off a short corner, defended well at first, but not cleared effectively – and with a rebound shot the ball fell behind Evie’s feet and rolled into goal before a defender could get a stick to it. Argh!

Our second half was stronger, we held our ground better, we made Barnes work for it. We made some lovely break-away play with our forwards charging up into their D, but not quite converting. We conceded only one more goal. We rallied in the final quarter but never quite got ‘our’ game on.

Ultimately, Barnes proved to be a strong well-drilled team and despite our hard work we fell short against this very experienced team.

Player of the Match went to Roz, who gave an outstanding performance in Defence. Mentions to Evie making some excellent saves in goal, and to Charlotte, Georgia, Ailsa, Tess, Josie and Carolina showing that it really was a big team effort.

Written by Tash Behrens

Ladies 5s  3 – 1 Ashford 3s

Warriors  3-1  Surbiton Mongooses

When Two Tribes go to war, we were always going to be Under Pressure from our local rivals. Time after Time we have Come Undone by Surbiton, but Against the Odds, it is the Warriors who are Simply the Best, at the top of the table.

Warriors started off Hungry like the Wolf with our Super Trooper, Grant, who Swept Away the first goal in the opening minutes with a Sweet Thing reverse…..and Relax.

The team began to Push It, and Ain’t Nobody in the Surbiton team could handle the Warriors Maniac midfield with Max, Harry and Zac dominating, and Brendon, So Lonely, in goal. It was Harry who then spun the Surbiton defence round like a record, for the second, as he saw the Eye of the Tiger.

A rare counter attack ended in Surbiton breaking Through the Barricades to win a short corner and a well dispatched routine made the defence Jump as it was neatly finished.

Don’t Stop Believing was the mantra as the Warriors’ third goal was a Kind of Magic with a precision pass from Harry met Jonty, who nutmegged the keeper, at the far post. Sweet Dreams! Whilst the Surbiton keeper guessed that’s why they call it the Blues, Warriors went on to Celebrate a 3-1 final score.

Goals : Grant Dormer, Harry Walker, Jonty White

MoM: Max Nickless

Ladies 6  2 – 0  Teddington 7s

First home match at OC’s for the L6’s since our triumphant, hard-fought win over Surbiton, and
maybe, just maybe, OC’s is turning into a bit of a fortress for the Ladies 6’s too! We had some hugely
appreciated support throughout the match from many Ladies 4’s who had played before us – their
positivity, encouragement and pearls of wisdom were very much felt on the pitch.
Positive vibes abounded from the very start when goalie Sam told us she was manifesting us a
comfortable win! And OC’s certainly started the stronger side. An impressive drive from the halfway
line up to the baseline by George was passed into the D by Ami, then finished beautifully by Nicola
scoring our first goal. Cue (mildly excessive) cheering.The first half continued with some
exceptional attacking play, and a dominant press that the Teddington defence just couldn’t crack.
Mids Nicola, Ami, Nadia, Ella & Evie didn’t stop running and it made all the difference. A beautiful
breakaway sprint and pass into the D from Evie was slotted by Lucy for goal number 2.
After the break Teddington’s frustrated attack certainly made a comeback, and for us it was a far
more defensive second half. Breath-taking saves from Sam, and gritty determination not to concede
from resolute defenders kept the score sheet clean despite some unrelenting pressure on our D.
The biggest thank yous to Darren and Irfan for turning up and coaching us. We are so very grateful
for all the advice and support for the side lines. We keep learning every week, but we definitely
enjoyed this one!
POM: This was a true team effort, but giving a team award felt a bit of a cop-out, so POM has to be
Evie. She was EXCEPTIONAL.