The matches that have been and gone... 1st XI
Saturday 26th January Home V Gore Court
Lost 2-1 (Jess)
In comparison to last week we seemed to be a pretty healthy side which may be reflective of the final result – I’ve always said we play better when most of the side is hung over!
From the off the lovely Gore Court ladies seemed to be all over us which wasn’t helped by the fact that we seemed to be not communicating with each other as we had last week. By half time we were 2-0 down which wasn’t completely reflective of our performance- more the fact that their umpire would give us not a single decision our way. We had also had a lot of opportunities on goal but just couldn’t finish. Things were much brighter in the second half we started talking and playing well together and this was rewarded by a goal from Jess who had some fantastic runs down the right wing.
On our performance in the second half I felt we deserved a draw at least from this game but it wasn’t to be.
Thanks again to our even bigger band of supporters and to Geoff for at least giving our defence a fairer second half on decisions.
LC
19th Jan 08
Away vs old Williamsonians won 1-0 (Ange)
With Lizzie being diverted round most of south london due to the A2 being shut, the majority of the 1st half was 10 vs the 14 players Old Willies had found. We however started very strong with the mainstay of the play being in their half and in their D. Many shots were fired on target and were it not for 2 goal line clearances by defenders we would have been in the lead early on. Play was fluid with good passing, use of space and attacking play - no one would have believed that we haven't had a league match since early december! Ange fired home a fantastic shot from a corner to get our well deserved goal.
I think all of the defense were very strong, however Lynz with her new neon stick was on fire and had an amazing game, making some key tackles. Welcome back to rose, who valiantly played, even with her nagging injury - I'm glad you didn't need the crutches again!!
Predictably in the second half Old Willies came out strong and used their subs effectively. As the half went on, our tired legs were showing a bit, but we managed to control the game and shut down their attacking drives all the way through.
The forwards kept on battling and kept on firing shots towards goal, forcing the keeper to make saves and with shots being just wide. The scoreline doesn't justfiy the game that we played and we should be very proud of how we worked as a team!!!!!
We are joint 2nd in the division now....2 points behind ashford, so it is all to play for!!!
KL
1st December. Win 2-1 vs BBHC
With a gale force wind sweeping across the pitch, we ventured into the match, having 11 players only by the skin of our teeth (with players agreeing to play out of position!). The play was hard fought in the first half (running into the gale force wind), with plenty of balls getting into the D but not getting into the back of the net, so at half time we were 0-0.
In the 2nd half we had the wind at our backs and the play flowed; more like our usual style! Some beautiful play led up to Sue finishing off, and then later on Clare B managed to capitalise on an opportunity. BBHC came back fighting hard and scored one back. (There was an interesting foul given which effectively disallowed an earlier goal).
A win is a win, but I know we can play better than today!!! We are now 4th in the division, 2 points off the joint 2nd/3rd.....we have a real fighting chance to do this and deserve it, if we can just pull together!!!!!!
KL
3th October Away V Kings College and Alleyn HC
Won 4-0 – Goal scorers? Lizzie
When we arrived I was a bit apprehensive having never played this team before. They were all sprite young public school girls with an average age around 20. When the game got underway – eventually – after rescuing the captain who’d run out of petrol (faulty fuel gauge we were told…) – it was all quite manageable. Luckily the young thing I was marking had a strained hamstring which meant we were quite evenly matched!
Other than I think one attempt on goal out defence was not stretched at all and the pressure was on Kings College goal keeper who was playing in goal for the first time ever. Of course we gave her an easy time – not! The first goal was from a penalty flick smoothly taken by Lizzie, there were several tussles in front of goal – one giving Sue a black eye from head-butting the keeper…and the goals kept pouring in. Second time we’ve got a four nil win… mad.
First game with Jess back who played well. Thanks to Geoff for umpiring and Clare A who had an ever storming game. Also thanks to our ever growing band of supports – think it’s also the first time Lizzie’s boyfriend has seen us win!!
Player of the match – Lizzie for the sweet P flick and Sue for head butting the keeper – classic!
27th October Home V Sevenoaks
Lost 2-1
Our first loss of the season. Sevenoaks were extremely well organised and had the press down to a fine art and even with me saying to Clare A – training remember the 16 drill from training to get round a press didn’t help – as I’d forgotten Clare hadn’t been at training to do the drill – duh.
The game was generally nice spirited – I was having a lovely conversation with one of their players but others weren’t having such a good time – take Caroline for example who decided to tell one of the opposition that she had a Mahoosive arse…. They didn’t make friends suffice to say…
The first goal was scored within around 2 minutes and we were on the back foot for most of the first half struggling to defend and cope with their more experienced players. The second half we were a lot more organised and communicating better but the damage had already been done and scoring the goal back did give us some hope but all in all Sevenoaks were a tough team to beat. But we showed s spirit which was certainly lacking last year.
Player of the match: Kathryn – ever present and always fantastic
10th November Away V Ashford
Drew 0-0
The early start certainly showed on a few of the faces – for example if Sarah’s blood alcohol was checked she may well have been over the limit for even playing in goal! Ashford had been warming up for about an hour and in our usual fashion we gave it a good two minutes before we started. We were reminded before push back of how unpleasant the away game at Ashford was last year – something I had only just blotted from my mind. Unfortunately Ashford hadn’t become any sweeter in the last 12 months and niggles started from the off – not in our defence I have to say however – we always get on so well with our opposite numbers. It seems most of the trouble is in the midfield and opposition defence….
Ashford were a good side helped no end by their umpire who was to become quite a prominent figure as the game wore on.
We managed to get the first penalty corner and other than the final strike our penalty corners were generally well worked – utilising setups from the training sessions. We worked well as a unit and kept the pressure going. Ashford were strong on the break and for a lot of the game it was end to end stuff.
The second half was, well, interesting to say the least. The Ashford umpire was now at the end we were defending and was giving a lot against us. I had the indignity of suffering a complete nutmeg which went straight through my legs and missed everything (not what I practised in training) and then he gave it against me saying it had hit my stick. Decisions just kept going this way and he was turning into more and more of an arse. The culmination was TWO green cards – one for Kathryn for none other than a professional foul and one for Kirsten (still not worked out what for) after the whistle had gone.
The only real goal action was unfortunately at our end – Sarah (even though she was still drunk) made an absolute storming save off the line – I’m still not quite sure how she saved it.
Thanks to Mike for umpiring – your time is really appreciated.
Players of the match – two, one being Jo for an outstanding game and Sarah for that save – you kept us in the game.
This week we have ‘Sinners of the match’ – Kathryn and Kirsten – we’ll have to work out the forfeits….. you have joined an elite league there’s only a couple of us who’ve ever been carded!
13th october vs GORE COURT WON 2-0
It’s always a pleasure to travel down to Sittingbourne to play such a friendly team!!!!
From my watching position on the right wing with time for a cup of tea the team played with a determination and new belief that we will score. Poly soaked up pressure for the first 15 min with great saves from Sarah assisted by a solid looking defence, and a welcome back to Jo. Poly scored just before half time a well fought goal by Clare B .
Gore court became even more pleasant giving our midfield a battering but Caroline, Kirsten and Catherine gave as good as they got. The forward line continued to work hard (I want whatever Clare B had for breakfast) and sealed a very pleasurable win with a second goal 9 min from the end (I think I assisted that one with my only contribution to the game!!)
Well played everyone good team effort and spirit finished off nicely with sausages and baked beans (how many sausages sue)
Top of the league can’t be bad
Thanks to Jos dad for umpiring and all our supporters.
Best wishes to Phillipa who has her operation on Tuesday.
Ange
6th October 1-1 Draw vs Old Williamsonians (Clare B)
Well, with all guns firing we launched into the game. We has the majority of the possesion and looked to be passing well. The balls were being fed into the D, and we had chances, but didn't quite manage to pull them off. So all drawn at half time.
Old Williamsonians started the 2nd half strong, and seemed to have the measure of us, but we kept on plugging away. A slightly scrappy series of events led to the ball going over the line and the umpire awarded us a goal! (Clare B gets the credit for this). Old Wills came back strong and very soon scored an equaliser. Our set pieces were strong (when we were eventually awarded one!) and Ange did eventually take the ball out of the D, back in and then fired it home (I saw it with my own eyes!). The umpire had different ideas though, and refused to award it. (boooooo). The rest of the match was well fought - but we should have won! Robbed.
Thanks to all the players that helped us out and we all put in great effort, so heads high for next week!
KL
Feb 24th. Friendly Crackenford Away. Won 7-1
(Kirsten 2, Sue 2, Caroline 2, Alex 1)
Well, well, what a fab match! The score line itself reflects the effort that the team put in, made even more impressive when you know that we only had 9 players, versus their 11!!
The opening 5 minutes of the match were actually played with 9 players each, as Crackenford waited for a couple of late stragglers. During this time our first came from Kirsten and Crackenford managed to score their goal quite soon after. Crackenford were however quick to get their extra players on when they arrived and we thought this might be a close game!
We maintained the pressure and had scoring chances a plenty, with Sue opening up her score sheet, as did Caroline. Sue scored a second, with a fantastic finish to a great pass in from Hazel.
Short corners appeared to working particularly well and Kirsten managed to get the ball in the net again, however it was disallowed for being too high. Sue just missed a hat trick, having a goal disallowed for being too high (apparently if we had been playing a league game then it would have been ok, but as it was a friendly they erred on the side of caution!)
The second half was nearly as eventful, with a fantastic goal from Caroline off a short and Alex slotting one into the back of the net too. Kirsten got her second, with help from one of their defenders. Kirsten was denied her hat trick from a defender doing a goal line clearance off a short.
Crackenford did make breaks in the game, however they were rapidly shut down by our very efficient defence, with everybody making great efforts to come back and help.
Sarah refereed as Crackenfords ref was playing and did a grand job!!! Thanks, as always, to Geoff.
All in all it was a great game and the team worked really well together, especially considering we lacked numbers and I have to say that training is definitely paying off!!!
(KL)
10th Feb Home V BBHC Lost 3-2 (Lizzie, Jess)
After last weeks match I personally felt that this game was as much about
team bonding as anything else. We played more as a unit and I for one
certainly enjoyed the game and took a lot of positives away from it.
Although we were missing Debs, Kirsten, Kara and Clare Booth we were joined
by Stormin' Sarah Bright, Sue, Sandra and Caroline - many thanks for helping
us out.
We started the game brightly putting a lot of pressure on BBHC. Sarah was
debuting on pitch and looked good until a 'one on one' with their keeper. I
think at this moment Sarah forgot she wasn't wearing any of her normal
protective armour and came off worse out of it with a broken wrist (hope it
heals soon). If it makes you feel any better Sarah, Geoff said that the
other keeper looked like she'd suffered quite a blow too...
BBHC scored first from an unmarked player at the top of the D. It was a very
well struck shot which game us no chance to defend.
Unlike previous games however we scored one back fairly quickly. I think it
was Lizzie who scored this one - a well laid off pass which was slotted past
the keeper.
BBHC then scored again. They had obviously worked hard on their short corner
routines and we stood no chance against their shot.
We were not to be put off however and Jess scored for us. This couldn't be
team spirit we were displaying could it??????
Even though we deserved at least a draw out of the game BBHC scored from
another short corner to win the match.
Thank you again to the players who joined us for the game and to Geoff for
umpiring. We are grateful as ever for your support this year.
Let us hope we take a positive attitude away from this game and use it to
our advantage against the next opposition.
Away Match vs Sutton Valence. Lost 5-1.
Saturday 27th January. Away Match vs Holcombe
Lost 2-0
Well, we certainly don't lack spirit, we just need to get the ball in the back of the net!!!
As seems to be our form of late, we were all over them in the first half, playing strong in attack and defence but lacked that elusive goal at half time. In the second half we were more defensive, but Holcombe managed to slip 2 goals passed us despite our best efforts. Sigh...
I think we all played well and there are lots of positives to come out of this, (plus we all knew that division 3 was going to be a challenge) so with heads held high we will go onto our 'grudge match' next week against Sutton Valence!!!
KLRESULT FOR SATURDAY, 6TH JANUARY Lost 0 - 2 to Holcs
What with the rain, the 3 week gap since the previous game and the mince pie excess, it took us about 45 minutes to really settle and start to dominate this match. The results paints a less than accurate picture of play. Holcs certainly scored 2 very good goals and I certainly scored 1 very good goal, although their umpire thought differently (telling me the shot was outside the 'D'!)
The team played a very attacking style (indeed I was overtaken by Rose and Heather a couple of times as they set off for the Holcs' goal) and we were unlucky that our efforts did not finish more positively. It was good to have Martina back and she played her usual speedy, skilful game, as though she had never been away. All the players worked extremely hard, so hard in fact that Alex never did realise that we only had 10 (Get well soon Lisa - we need you.) Player of the match was the (slightly) boob bouncing, injured Phil whose dramatic style saved us repeatedly and entertained throughout. (Not a word to her Mum though....)
Haze
(I wasn't sure if there had been an allocated report, so I jotted this one down too!!)
Friendly vs Holcombe
Lost 2-0 :-(
Well, with one 'man' down what do you expect??!!!!
It was lovely to see a return to playing fitness for Sandra, now that her broken hand has healed up, and she played a blinder, covering all of the pitch! Not quite as much of a blinder as Phillipa though, who (even without a bra) was quite literally diving and sliding all over the place (eek! and ouch!) and the score line would have been much, much worse if not for her!
We held out admirably and tried to force through their defence, but were hindered by their one man overlap which meant that we were uber-marked and hence goalless. With a valiant defensive effort, they only managed to slip two passed us and given the circumstances, I think we played really quite well! Well done to us all!!!
KL
2nd December Vs Ashford Away Lost 2-0
We got to Ashford bright and early on saturday morning. We had a little dread in the heart, trying very hard not to remember the score of the last time we met Ashford. So there we are determined to not let it get to us and I can honestly say the game went better then we had expected despite the score.
We started up the first half under pressure but making a lot of breaks and chances with Clare and Jess making mad dashes up the pitch that only the young can do.... getting to the D. Alas no goals.. (Debbie I'm sure you made some assist here or even a mad dash yourself but I'm being rubbish and can't remember).We started the game in an attacking mode.
Unfortunately Ashford got their two goals in the first half. The first goal would have been beautiful to watch if I wasn't in defence, a nice set piece straight into the corner of the goal-text book and would have taken a miracle to save. Wasn't a lot we could do about that one. The second goal was unfortunate as it wasn't as skilful or beautiful as the first, but a goal none the less. They saw the chance and capitalised on it. At this point I have to say I was getting a little worried, this was only the beginning of the game and I thought there would be many many more goals to come.
Thank goodness there wasn't.
In the second half, Ashford had many more chances but weren't able to do anything with them as the defence were putting up a very very brave fight. We were under a lot of pressure but with a combination of skill, luck and the odd hangover from the night before, we managed to keep that ball out of the goal- great saves from Phillipa, Lindsey stopping the ball and clearing it just inches away for the goal line, me clearing it off the side, Clare clearing it in the middle of the D (despite an injured hand)... We even managed to stop the corners... adapting to their changes as and when they happened. Kathryn and Kirsten deserve a mention here for coming down and helping too.. I even saw Rose coming over to the left to cover the floating forwards (hummm does that mean I can start playing on the right now????).
Kathryn deserves a special mention, she took that ball from the 25 all the way up to the goal beating players here and there, same can be said about Jess... but alas we could not get that ball into the goal.
I only have one gripe about the whole match. One word.... CORNERS. Seriously we need to sort those out.
The score doesn't really reflect all the chances we had and the good play that we managed but it was a positive game that I believe helped raise our standard. Lets hope we can keep the standard for the start after Christmas for the next league match.
On a more serious note, I have now relinquished my oath to not drink the night before a match as I have come to the conclusion that a hangover gives you a definite edge to the game. Debbie I am sure you agree.
Ks
25th November Vs Old Williamsonians Lost 3-1
This looked set to be an easy game with Old williamsonians losing 10-0 to Sutton valance; it was tougher than we anticipated. We arrived at Priory and the pitch was flooded. The staff got out their brooms and spent half an hour sweeping the pitch before the match could start. Old willies had just got a player back from the army and this made all the difference to them. They started strong but we managed to keep them at bay for most the first half. They then scored twice, the first goal from a terrific play at a short corner and the second a break away from midfield. However all was not lost and we replied with a well fought goal mouth goal from Clare. We shifted things around in the second half and really put the pressure on. They didn’t get the ball in our half for 15 mins. We had a terrific short corner taken by Kirsten which ended up stuck in the keepers pads, surely that should have been a penalty flick? Old williamsonians then sneaked a third goal in the dying minutes of the game. Well played to everyone, thanks to Geoff for umpiring, the staff at priory for sweeping the pitch, and the second team that came to support us.
Jess.
Vs Gore Court – Won 2-0 (Charlotte, Clare Booth)
The day started off well – everyone was there early and even warming up (I’m not quite sure what’s going on with that, what has happened to us?).
We began the game by applying pressure on Gore Court, they had some quick breakaways but these were covered well by our defence. Debs was having a stormer up the left wing, working well with Lizzie and Charlotte. Kirsten made some great plays in attacking central half position. The first goal came from a superb 16 from Rose which Debbie did tremendously well to keep on the pitch (you can pay me later Debs for all this praise). These moves were made so quickly that the Gore Court defence was caught on the hop. Charlotte then hit a screamer to set us up for the first half one nil ahead. Gore Court came close towards the end of the first half with a shot on goal from a short corner but this was dealt with by Philipa. Gore Court came out in the second half trying to dominate but we kept closing their plays down. Charlotte scored again from a scramble in the D but it was disallowed by the opposition umpire who was up the other end of the pitch (superb eyesight he must have). Talking to Charlotte and Clare after the game they were adamant it hadn’t touched either of them. Anyho it didn’t dishearten us and we kept on applying the pressure. This was to pay off with a well fought goal by Clare Booth. Gore Court did have a break away but this was well dealt with by Phil and Moi (had to get that one in).
A hard earned win but much deserved. Well played everyone and bring on the Willies…
Man of the match – Debs for her superb assist (and it was actually an assist this time!)
LC
Sat 21st October Greenwich Polygons V New Beccs (Friendly)
Won 4-0 (Debbie x2, Jess and Sue)
Well done everyone for a right rollicking game. A fantastic performance put in by a mixture of the first and second teams.
We started off quite slowly – as Geoff said we looked like 11 individual players playing our own game- but that can be put down to the fact we were not used to playing with each other but with no subs to swap in and out we soon got used to where everyone was.
At half time we were surprising 0-0 but not for long as the goals came pouring in.
Debbie scored the first “Sword of Justice” goal from a brilliant pass from Jess. Shortly after the roles were reversed with Debbie passing to Jess who cheekily reversed sticked the ball through the goalie’s legs. The third goal came from well taken free hit from Liz. She saw a gap and passed the ball to Debs who swiped it in.
Not to be left out Sue had her first effort disallowed by a scoring with the back of her stick. Her second attempt was amazing. After being taken out by the goalie, she still managed to get a stick to the ball and get it around the corner and over the line even leaving a bit of knee skin as memento.
This really was a team effort. Jakki , Phil and I were tested a little at the back in the first half but Carolyn, Kirsty and Liz were great in midfield racing back to help us when required and linking well with the fwds so keep an attacking formation for most of the second half. Sandra put in some great tackles and Alexia was un lucky not to get a goal herself. Bring on the next league games…….
(CA)
Saturday 14th October 1st Team vs Sutton Valence at home Result: Draw 4-4
Well, what can I say, the score line pretty much depicts what the game was like, except for the fact that WE DESERVED TO WIN!!!!
With faith in our new formation, we headed out onto pitch eager to get into the game and show Sutton Valence who was boss. This we did, Strings scoring (reverse stick!!) off a beautiful pass from Charlotte, merely minutes into the game.
Sutton tried to force a comeback, but were frustrated by our tight man marking – I love it when a plan comes together – they did however squeeze a goal passed us. But, do not fear we were on the attack again and Charlotte scored the first of her HAT-TRICK, from a classic short corner set piece just before half time.
The second half came and Sutton came out all guns a blazin’, with a quick break and goal. No worries, we upped our game too and marched on up to their D. Kirsten took a free hit from just outside the circle and Charlotte guided it home to the back of the net. Take that! So, we are now at 3-2. We maintained our “physical presence” (as quoted from the Sutton Valence match report) and made life as difficult for them as possible. They did however score again and at 3-3 we had to dig deep to find something special. A break away move from a Kirsten free hit, gave Charlotte just enough space to get our 4th in !!! We could almost taste the victory.
At this point all we had to do was hang on for the last few minutes. The teams voices were raised and we were pumped….however, Sutton were also on a mission to prevent their first loss of the season and kept pushing hard. To be honest, we were tired and they just wouldn’t give up, eventually winning a short corner and scrapping the ball across the line to make it 4-4.
Phew…..I’m shattered gain, just writing it!
We can certainly hold our heads up high for a match played with pride and we did win the moral victory. The replay match should be interesting!!!
See you all at training!!!!!
(Charlotte – you see they called you ‘ever dangerous’ – hoo har!!!!)
KL
7th October. 1st Team vs Holcombe. Won 2-0
Well, what can I say, we have turned things around!!! Jess arrived brandishing a clipboard, with a new and funky team formation…..along the lines of 1 2 1 2 1 3, which makes a lovely diamond shape in the midfield, and it payed off!! The first 15/20 minutes we were all over them like the proverbial rash…dashing forward and very much in the attacking mode. The first goal came in the first half from Charlotte, courtesy of a beautiful pass in from Jess.
Our defence was rock solid and “The Hulks” (well, that’s what it sounded like they were shouting – and fitting in some cases) had no chances to get in and score.
Along with all this change, we had a structured substitution system, which confused them no end, but not us!
Second half came and the attacking formation continued. The second goal was supplied by Ange (the captain’s household providing all the assists today) and then Claire B won the dogfight to the death, and got the ball in the back of the net!
The defence were very proud of the fact that they didn’t concede a short corner until about 10 minutes to go….one however led to another and I think they must have had 5 or 6 in a row, but HA! No goal for them. I have to say that this was mainly because of Rose’s amazing goal line clearance!!!! Go Rose!!!
So, final whistle, first win of the season and a clean sheet…..things are definitely looking up!
Sutton Valence next week….bring it on!!!
On a personal note can I just say a thank you to the 1st team for welcoming me aboard and letting me run round like a mad thing in midfield…I love it!!
KL
23rd September 1st XI v Ashford Home Lost 1 – 6
For the first 10 minutes we were on top of the game and Ashford were kept in their own half. However, we failed to convert the many short corners and chances we had. Think it was because option 4 was not available ! Ashford got a lucky break and converted their first shot on goal. It went downhill from there.
However a fantastic cross from Caroline and flick on from Lizzie saw the first goal of many from charlotte. Thanks to everyone for playing, especially the two’s who helped us out and to Geoff for umpiring.
J.A.
