OC’s Over 40s Triumph in Epic Showdown Against Southgate Including a Hat-trick For Goalie
1-1 – OC’s won on strokes 4-2
Scorer – Gav
Stroke Scorers – CB, Gav, Mani and Antoine
Match Report by James Meers.
In what can only be described as a clash of seasoned warriors, OC’s Over 40s squared off against the formidable Southgate squad in the England Hockey Men’s Over 40s Tier 1 Championships. The tension was palpable as both teams eyed the prize, with Southgate boasting the likes of their 1st XI player/coach Kwan Browne.
But let’s rewind a bit. Before the whistle blew, our intrepid captain, Goalie, faced the daunting task of assembling a dream team from a pool of battle-hardened veterans and some outstanding guest talent. Despite a few war wounds sidelining some key players (Cato with hurty ribs, Naylor still recovering from surgery, Heardy recovering from hurty wrist and Ash on baby sitting duty), we marched onto the field with a blend of stalwart club legends and fresh blood, ready to spill some metaphorical blood on the pitch.
The pre-match banter was rife with anticipation, especially with our own French Gretzky, Antoine-Julian Richard, jetting in from the sunny south of France. The pressure was on, his pass from the wife contingent upon victory. No pressure, Antoine!
As the clock ticked towards pushback, we found ourselves in a changing room standoff with an overly keen Southgate, who came armed with a full management entourage and even a plasma TV for pre-match presentations. Prince Hislop, sporting a gingery, flaming beard rivalling Prince Harry’s, became the centre of attention, the spitting image even included the balding crown – it was uncanny.
Pies Bingo commenced – how many names Pies could drop in the pre-match chatter. Alas, no Bingo this time, but the message was clear: keep it away from Kwan, and we’ve got this. With the team talk echoing in our ears – score goals, keep discipline, and don’t mess it up – we took to the field, nerves and all.
The match started amidst a tense atmosphere, with both teams sizing each other up in the early exchanges. The first half unfolded with a sense of caution, as OC’s and Southgate probed each other’s defences without truly penetrating. While the banter took a backseat once the match started, the field was alive with the sound of stick tackles and resilient defence. Prince Hislop and Bailey stood firm like the guardians of old, repelling Southgate’s advances with grit and determination.
Fast forward to the nail-biting moments of the second half, with both teams locked in a stalemate. But then, the breakthrough we’d been waiting for – a swift interception by Rippon, a clinical finish by Mike Sutherland, and a cool deflection by Gavin Adair. 1-0 to OC’s, and the crowd goes wild!
Southgate fought back ferociously, with Kwan leading the charge through the back line and in to the midfield. But Goalie had other plans, denying Kwan not once, but twice, like a true hero in the goalposts. Goalie 2 – Kwan 0.
As the final whistle loomed, Southgate managed to level the score, much to our dismay.
As the tension mounted and the fate of the match hung in the balance, the penalty strokes became the stage for high-stakes drama and heroic saves. Southgate, eager to make their mark, sent their star player Kwan Browne to the spot first. It was a moment of anticipation, a clash of titans as Goalie squared off against the formidable Kwan.
With nerves of steel, Kwan flicked the ball right, but Goalie was equal to the task. A lightning-fast glove deflected the shot, sending it spinning into the air. For a heart-stopping moment, the ball hovered on the brink – was it in? Was it out? The OC’s erupted in jubilation as Goalie’s heroic effort kept the scoreline level. OC’s 0 – Southgate 0. Goalie 3 – Kwan 0. Scenes of absolute euphoria ensued.
But the drama was far from over. CB stepped up for OC’s, his determination evident as he swiftly dispatched the ball into the left side of the net. OC’s 1 – Southgate 0.
Southgate retaliated, finding the back of the net with clinical precision. OC’s 1 – Southgate 1.
Gavin Adair, cool under pressure, took his position and unleashed a strike that found its mark – far right, post, net. OC’s 2 – Southgate 1.
Then came the moment of disbelief for Southgate, as their representative embarrassingly fluffed the flick. Goalie dove left, the ball rolled right, and across the line it went. OC’s 2 – Southgate 2.
Mani Kochar stepped up next, a picture of professionalism as he put it low and left, hitting the backboard with authority. OC’s 3 – Southgate 2.
Southgate’s hopes were dashed once again as their flick was met by Goalie’s outstretched glove, denying them the chance to level the score. OC’s 3 – Southgate 2. Scenes of pure elation filled the air.
And then, the final moment of glory belonged to French Gretzky. With nerves of steel, he stepped up and delivered an expert flick to the top left, sealing OC’s victory with style.
OC’s 4 – Southgate 2.
In the annals of hockey history, this match will be remembered for its gripping penalty stroke showdown, where heroes emerged and legends were made. OC’s Over 40s march on to the quarter-finals, spirits high and their resolve unshakeable.
Man of the Match? None other than our indomitable Goalie, Andrew Howell.
Puritans 4 St Albans 1
The march goes on.
The business end of the hockey season is already here as the last quarter of the league matches is upon us.
Another satisfying performance against a very effective St Albans side who found it hard to compete against our slick passing and eventual physical domination.
3 first half goals were the least we deserved although St Albans kept their toe in the game with a converted short corner towards the end of the first period. Rob Leach with two pin point strikes from the top of the D and a super finish from Andrew Sanders who lifted the ball over a prone keeper gave us the initiative but it could have been more as a number of chances were spurned. A fortuitous goal line scrambled clearance by our defence ensured we retained our 2 goal advantage.
Crumbers and Paul M dealt with everything thrown at them whilst Lee and Howie dominated the midfield.
The second half was very one sided although we did see Paul M run 10 yards, exceeding the total yards run in the past 12 games.
We eventually scored our 4th via Knappy to move above St Albans in the table and only 4 points off second place which has to be our target.
Chelmsford away next week.
M o M Lee Marnitz
Goals Leach 2, Sanders and Knapp
Barnstormers 1 – 2 Tulse Hill & Dulwich Musketeers
An overcast, warm Saturday afternoon OCs Barnies welcomed Tulse Hill and Dulwich to our home pitch. Tulse Hill are second in the league behind Reading with Barnies in 5th. Boosted by the visit of Closey, strong team and two weeks rest we were confident of getting a winning result.
The OCs captain’s request for a fast start was heeded and after Tulse Hill hit the ball off the end for a friendly start, the tone was set. For the first 15 minutes OCs retained the ball and Tulse Hill were no where to be seen in the OCs D. Some great movement of the ball round the back meant Darren was making some good progress down the right side. We had several scoring opportunities but failed to capitalise.
On their first entry by Tulse Hill into our D we gave away a short corner. Now time for the back story – Following a goalie warm up from CB + Si and the shot box, I was confident that Tulse Hill short corner direct shot would pose little danger. Now despite skiing on the slopes of Avoriaz in France 24 hours before the game, I made sure I was back in time to support the team. When the short corner came in I was expecting a CB or Si shot, what arrived, my 12 year old hits it harder…. I reacted too quickly, and the ball came off the bottom of my foot and into the goal. My fault!
The second Tulse Hill goal, came from a shot from the top of the D into the corner. Sorry I could not do anything about this one.
The second half we played much better. Paddy put in a large shift which rightly gave him man of the match. The defence played one of the best games this season. Andy did lots of running, so much that he decided to have 2 mins rest off the pitch with a green card. (or was that another beer?) It was the first game Tongy had kept quiet, but Andy took up challenge. The Tulse Hill forward had received the ball kindly from our captain and had the ball at the top of the D, all I heard from behind me was Andy “Don’t let that **** score”. Tongy made it 2-1 with a great short corner dipping over their goalie to hit the back board.
We all could have done better, here is to next week.
Hockey Match Report: OCs Ladies 6s vs Friends (OC Ladies 7s)
A convincing win for the 6s with four goals
A special kind of anxiety descends when derby day comes around. Everybody wants to win,
stay mates and remember that shouting “come on OCs” wont work!!
The 6s celebrated a 4-1 victory over the 7s this Saturday. The team scored three goals in the
first half and one in the second, while the 7s got one back with a fabulous breakaway in the
2 nd half.
First Half: A Dominant Performance
The 6s started the game with high intensity and pressure, creating several chances in the
first 15 minutes. The first goal came from Lucy, who received a perfect pass from Izzy and
slotted the ball past the goalkeeper. The second goal followed soon after, when Jenny
converted a short corner with a powerful shot, assisted by Izzy again. The third goal was a
brilliant display of teamwork, as George finished a reverse pass from Darcie with a flick into
the net.
Second Half: A Solid Defence
The second half saw the 7s fighting back, but the 6s defence was ready for that and kept
them at bay. The 6s added a fourth goal to their tally, when Sophie scored her first goal for
the team with a tap-in from a cross by Darcy. The 7s scored a great goal, catching the 6s
defenders playing high up the pitch, but it was too late to change the outcome. The match
was celebrated together in the Clubhouse, with both squads having been played with loads
of energy, using the width, and notably working in the D as John has been telling us to. Who
knew that would work??
Jenny was POM for, as requested, keeping Hildegard in check!