London Wayfarers 5s 3-3 OC Ladies 2s
The clash between Old Cranleighans and London Wayfarers was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with moments of brilliance and frustration. Despite the challenges posed by unqualified umpires, both teams showcased their skill and determination, resulting in a hard-fought 3-3 draw.
The game ignited with a burst of energy as Old Cranleighans swiftly seized control, initiating an early offensive onslaught. Within the first five minutes, they orchestrated a brilliant team goal, demonstrating seamless coordination and fluid passing to breach London Wayfarers’ defence and secure the opening goal.
Grace’s interception off a 16 provided us with a golden opportunity to extend our lead, and she didn’t disappoint. Her quick thinking and precise execution saw us double our advantage, putting us firmly in control of the game.
But London Wayfarers refused to be outdone, fighting tooth and nail to claw their way back into contention. Despite our best efforts to maintain our lead, they managed to capitalise on opportunities and ultimately broke through Old Cranleighans’ defence to narrow the deficit with a goal and narrow the gap.
Our third goal, orchestrated by Sophie’s mesmerising dribble down the baseline and Lily’s clinical finish from the penalty spot, should have been the decisive moment of the match. It was a testament to our teamwork and skill, and it should have secured us the victory we deserved.
Throughout the game, the dynamic duo of Olivia and Ella wreaked havoc down the right side of the pitch with their exceptional 1-2 passes. Their chemistry and precision created numerous scoring opportunities and kept the pressure on London Wayfarers’ defence.
As halftime approached, we found ourselves with a slim lead of 3-2. In the second half, we continued to push forward, determined to seal the victory.
Relentlessly probing Old Cranleighans’ defence, London Wayfarers’ perseverance paid off as they managed to breach the opposition’s defence once again, leveling the score much to the dismay of the Old Cranleighans, leaving us frustrated and disappointed with the final result.
The scoreline didn’t do justice to our performance on the field, and we were left to rue missed chances and unfortunate circumstances.
Goals: Lily Hamper, Grace Redwood and Amelie Rucco
MOM: Ella Bailey
Ladies 3s 4 – 1 Richmond
Ladies 3s faced Richmond on Saturday with a significantly depleted team due to half term. However we had some amazing players step up to play for us so we were confident of a win. We started strong, forcing Richmond into their own half from the get go. With our fast forwards of Migs, Amy and Sophie plus Jacqs, we had many great drives into the D but just failed to convert to goal. Our first goal came from a great pass into the D from Grace that flicked off Yasmine’s stick and through the keepers legs. This set us on our way. Jacq kept hustling and had some great drives towards D and shots at goal. We kept applying pressure to every pass, every ball and every player on the team gave intensity. We worked together as a team playing some fantastic looking hockey and being cohesive. Our second goal came from Migs who had opportunity after opportunity so we knew it was just a matter of time. Her great positioning on the far post, made for a fabulous second goal. 2 goals wasn’t enough for us though, and a well fought short corner by Yasmine led to a classic Manny bullet which flew past the keeper! Richmond had a lucky breakaway and got a great goal off a loose ball. This did not deter us as we wanted more. A great pick up near our D by Lily M, who drove past several defenders on her own up the pitch led to a great solo goal. The score reflected the team win, playing some great team hockey, everyone deserved POM.
Final score 4-1 to OCs, no Ted Lasso to help Richmond out on this occasion.
POM Lily Mauleverer
Goals 1 x Yasmine Weeks, 1x Sarah Mann,
1 x Amy Mighall and 1 x Lily Mauleverer
Hamstrings 4 – 0 Richmond
Hockey was second fiddle this week, second to the sadness of our first gathering following the unfathomable news of the loss of our good and dear friend Tissy. A minute’s silence in his honour at the open windswept Quintin Hogg Memorial Ground was very apt as Quintin Hogg was, amongst other attributes, a philanthropist who was keen to embrace sport amongst the populace. Tissy’s complete selflessness would have been admired by Quintin just as it is mightily admired by ourselves.
Although incidental to the events of last week we still had a game to play and win. The rain disappeared for the duration of the game and on a perfect playing surface we dominated the match for the bulk of the 70 minutes and ran out 4 – 0 winners. Not at our best and being frustrated by an 11 man defence we did not engage our hockey brains as much as we should have done although when we did we were very creative and effective.
An early short corner strike from our first corner from Rob Leach in the first quarter settled us with a second before half time when Poeen set up Knappy. Chances went abegging to put the game out of sight as we continued to take the ball into congested areas.
Richmond had their best spell during the second period, without troubling Mike in goal, and threatened to make life uncomfortable for us. Eventually we scored our third when Rob Leach cleverly (!!) looped the ball home from 12 yards out followed by Baz nudging home a bobbling bouncing pass that seemed to baffle all but Baz thus giving the score line a reasonable look.
As with most teams in this day of disjointed seasons and without a full compliment of teams in leagues there is yet another break in the playing calendar this coming weekend which prevents any kind of consistency and momentum being achieved. We will be shown as sitting 7th in the league when GMS catches up with games in hand on all the teams above. A very good run for the 8 games left should see us in the top half by the end of the season. Key game on the 24th February at home against Haslemere.
M o m Tissy
D o d Mike Newton – for just being Mike, apparently
Goals – Rob Leach 2, Knappy and Barry Jones.
Golden Glove Mike Finnegan – collecting clean sheets week on week.
On a weekend that saw 8 core players switching skis for shin pads, L4s faced Barnes L7s.
Despite missing key players, OC Ladies 4s remained competitive, with Elle Steedman, Izzy Archibold & Laura Williams making notable contributions in their first match with the team. Georgia with a well timed break from University brought the team to a respectable 12 players.
The first half saw Barnes with slightly more possession as the team settled into playing together. The few attempts at scoring were easily thwarted by Tash, Paula, Roz, Georgia and Issy P.
Barnes defence felt similar pressure as Bernie, Charlotte & Jenny each took turns trying to score with Jenny finally finding the back of the net to give OCs the lead 20 minutes in.
Coach David gave some half time tips on how best to work around the hard hitting Barnes defence and the second half saw OCs with the lions share of possession.
Despite dominating the second half and midfielders Klara, Laura , Izzy & Elle linking play, an unfortunate deflection had Barnes equalising.
The last 10 minutes of the game was played with a new found level of urgency by OCs and despite numerous attempts the full time whistle ended the game with a draw.
Report written by Paula Dormer
The first half saw OC’s and Wayfarers share possession and territory, with OC’s having more chances in the D. However, the oppo goalie continued to frustrate us, having an absolute blinder.
After a defensive mishap late in the half, Wayfarers capitalised after stealing the ball and slotting it past Brendan. Half time 0-1.
As the second half kicked off, we mounted a spirited comeback. Following some smooth passing combinations in midfield, Rob displayed finesse and determination, slotting the ball past Wayfarers’ defense and between the seemingly impenetrable goalie’s legs, levelling the score.
The intensity heightened as both teams vied for dominance. During a moment of chaos in the oppo’s D, there was a mix of celebration and confusion from the sideline as the ball appeared to cross the goal line in the favour of OC’s, but alas was ruled out.
The midfield continued to connect well, with player of the match Harry putting in a remarkable performance against his 12 year old opposite number….
This midfield effort was supported by strong work from both the back and the front line and through a continued press, OC’s were rewarded with a number of short corners.
In a pivotal moment during one of these, CB showcased remarkable skill and precision, with a drag to slide the ball just inside the left post, propelling OC’s into the lead.
From that point, we knew it was about holding strong and keeping calm to see out the game.
The final whistle echoed across the field, sealing OC’s hard-fought 2-1 victory. The match unfolded as a testament to Warriors’ resilience, teamwork, and individual brilliance, leaving spectators in awe of the gripping display of field hockey prowess.
Match report by Riley and Grant Dormer.
Final Score 2-1
Goals: Rob Jonkergouw, CB
MoM: Harry Walker
Saturday’s game was more than just a game of hockey, as the club remembered one of its absolute legends, Tissy, who sadly passed away. After a minute silence, we were ready to get underway.
Today’s hockey was all out attack, so we started with eleven outfield players. After a few nervous minutes, we decided that the goalkeeper would be a good decision. We started brightly, but not as brightly as the umpires who were wearing their garish yellow tops. Some slick passing and strong defence made sure that we secured the first goal, brilliantly taken by Amanda. With many more opportunities, we continued to press, but unfortunately Teddington, after some strong tackles, scored taking the score to 1-1 at half time.
Undeterred and energised by oranges and Haribos, not to mention a great halftime team talk by Molly, we were ready for the next 35 minutes. We started strong again with some great defence and a superb goal scored by Nicola, following a great assist from Holly. The mighty OCs continue to press hard, but unfortunately, Teddington grabbed another goal, taking the score to 2 all.
The final, 10 minutes was an immense battle between two teams determined to win. Unfortunately, OCs were very unlucky to concede a penalty corner in the last few minutes, from which Teddington scored.
We were really proud of our teams performance and the crowd seemed to appreciate our efforts. Congratulations to Evie who was well deserving of her player of the match award, tirelessly running up and down and bossing the midfield. Onwards and upwards to next weekend.
NPL 1s 1 – 6 Samurai
Along with the rest of the club, Samurai started their match by holding a minute’s silence for our teammate and friend Tissy who had guessed for us. The juniors did themselves proud and thanks to NPL for letting us hold a minute’s silence.
Guest player this week was Rippers who was determined to get a win for Tissy and got us off the scoreboard with a goal in the 3rd minute. Dylan scored 10 minutes later, and Samurai were dominating the game. A route one ball from NPL caught the defence off guard and their striker managed to slot one away against the run of play.
We went into half time 2-1 up and the half time talk will be remembered for Ian’s immortal words “Lads, trust me, Saturdays are better when you win”.
Samurai came out with all guns blazing and the youth taking the game to NPL with Paul S being in the right place at the right time to score the next two. Woody played a blinder as a forward and helped create a chance for the 5th goal but team poacher Molin slotted it in. The sixth goal was all juniors with some great passing and speed with Luke scoring the final goal.
MoM went to skipper JC but in truth no one had a bad game and this was the best performance to date and one Tissy would have been proud of.
Stuart Ripley (1)
Molin Navamani (1)
Paul Seyfried (2)
Dylan Jones (1)
Luke Towers (1)
MoM – Jonathan Cheesmur
Ladies 6 0 – 3 Sunbury & Walton Hawks 3s
In a tough ladies 6’s hockey match, we were facing a battle from the get-go. The first half ended with us down 3-0, which wasn’t ideal, but we weren’t about to throw in the towel. Our defense held strong, making it tough for the other team to break through.
To add to the challenge, the other team had this amazing short corner routine that was incredibly hard to defend against. They executed it flawlessly, finding the back of the net despite our best efforts to defend.
Even though the score didn’t reflect it, our midfielders and forwards were on fire with some killer passes, setting up some great chances for us. But try as we might, we just couldn’t find the back of the net against their solid defense.
Despite this we didn’t give up. We kept fighting until the end, giving it everything we had. Yes, the final score was 5-0 against us, but we’re not hanging our heads. We played really well and put up a great fight.
MOM: Hildegard