Match Reports For Week 23 Sat. 3rd Feb. Season 2000 - 2001

Mens 1st XI

Staines 2 Old Georgians 4

The winning streak that started on the 18th November finally came to an end on Saturday, with a loss against Old Georgians, but as the old saying goes, 'all good things must come to an end'. The game itself was a typical top of the table clash with lots of quick hockey and hard tackling. The major difference throughout the course of the game was the standard of finishing, and while the OG's forwards capitalised on the majority of their opportunities, the Blues failed to make their territorial advantage pay dividend.

Goals for Staines came from Stuart, our over stressed chain smoking skipper, who converted well from a short corner, for once running with his stick along the ground as opposed to waving it in the air like a complete fairy. This came right at the end of the first half and ensured that both sides went in level at half time with one goal a piece.

This was indeed a vital time to score but unfortunately we were unable to make the most of this potential killer blow as OG's started the second half more strongly, scoring two quick goals in the next ten minutes. Heads dropped a little, but a goal from Liam, quickly brought us back into a challenging position. His clean strike from the top of the D was delivered with the timing and precision of a seasoned striker and morale lifted as the team realised if Liam could score, anything was possible. However, hopes faded again when OG's scored their forth and final goal of the game.

Things got a little frantic for the final ten minutes, Larry was the victim of some threatening behaviour by two OG's, Rav, had to be restrained from engaging in hand to hand combat with the opposition supporters and instead attempted some ancient form of Kenyan black magic to turn them all into frogs, however on realising that he did not possess the appropriate powers he returned to the dug out with an upset look on his face.

The game finished 4-2 but we can take some consolation from competing well for the full 70 minutes even if at times the standard of hockey did not reflect how well we can play. A cup match up in Liverpool on Sunday is to make for a hard weekend of hockey after today's exploits.

Staines 4 Bebington 2

This away trip to Liverpool completed a very hard weekend of hockey. After a tough game against Old Georgians on the Saturday, post match beers had to be consumed cautiously in preparation for the long drive up north that evening. In high spirits after the convincing English Rugby performance, the 14 intrepid explorers departed, destination Bebington. Armed with appropriate literature the journey passed quickly as we all giggled at the many stories and interesting pictures within these fortnightly publications.

We arrived at our Travel Lodge at about 21.30, and checked into our rooms. The rooms comprised of a large double bed and a rather small sofa bed, so naturally competition for who got what was fierce. Chopper Watson lost his game of pool with JD to end up on the sofa, Stuart flipped a coin and guessed correctly to claim the double bed instead of Larry, and Rob Burrows drew the overall short straw to share a room with Duncan. For those of you who have not roomed with Duncan before, it is an unforgettable experience, as once asleep he is said to make noises similar to a hippo with a breathing disorder. Consequently, Rob was forced to swap rooms half way through the night in an attempt to save his ear drums from permanent damage.

The following day started with a team compulsory fry up at the local Little Chef, before heading to the game. All looked well apart from Squeaky, who had sustained a back injury the day before causing him to walk in such a manner that questions were to be cast over his sexuality. The game itself was not a particularly good one as we made hard work of a team that should have been disposed of easily. Bebington started the game strongest and we can consider ourselves lucky to have gone in at half time 2-1 up after two good goals from the predator Watson (Man of the Match), that according to him single handily changed the course of the game?? Bebington were soon to draw level after half time, which made for an interesting last 15 minutes. However, the superior fitness of the blues finally started to show, and as the game opened up Staines were able to capitalise as JD and Mas finished well to put us in a match winning 4-2 lead. In the end it was an unattractive gritty performance yet a well deserved victory.

A big thankyou must go to all those who drove, and last but not least, Adam (Dick of the Day), who travelled all the way to Liverpool, paid £20 for a room, played five minutes of hockey, received a yellow card, took a ten minute rest and never returned to the field of play. To top of his fine weekend Adam had to return straight from Liverpool to work an evening shift at Pizza Express in a vain attempt to recoup some of the money he had blown getting fined for unnecessary yellow cards.

The quarter finals are to take place on the 25th February against Ashford at Stanwell. Inform all friends, relatives, and try and rally as much support as possible for what will be one of the games of the season against the old enemy!!!!!

Mens 2nd XI

"Staines wilt badly after taking 6 goal lead but hold on for victory" Wokingham 4 Staines 6

Having thrashed the league leaders 4-0 last week, Staines went into Saturday's contest against the bottom team conscious of the dangers of complacency. Complacent they were not….that is….until the second half!

In the absence of Captain Clive (on relationship consolidation duties), stand-in Captain Oliver got the team focused for the task in hand, which was just as well because the tactical decision he was to make at half-time had near-disastrous consequences.

After suddenly and mysteriously disappearing last season, Secret Agent, Andy Croft returned to the side (SAS Mission no doubt successfully completed). While looking a bit sluggish (NOT) on the fitness side, he produced an impressive Man-of-the-Match performance. Unlucky not to score early on, Andy then sent a thunderbolt flick towards the goal, which was only stopped by the cheekbone of a Wokingham defender (& ball dimples on the skin to show for it!). Captain Oliver took responsibility and scored from the spot although it was in a less than convincing fashion.

There then followed an impressive 15-minute hatrick by Razor-sharp Roger Greenway interspersed only by another thunderous flick by Andy Croft this time hitting the back of the net rather than a Wokingham defender.

5-0 and cruising at half time - what could go wrong? - Just … "do not change anything" said Captain Oliver. But strangely, he then advised the team of a positional reorganisation - moving himself from Sweeper to Centre Forward. Error. After adding to the lead early in the second half with a second equally unimpressive penalty stroke, Staines then deteriorated into a defensive shambles. Incredibly, Wokingham scored 4 goals in quick succession to make it 6-4. Rob Godfrey then pulled off a brilliant save to prevent a 6-5 score line and what would have been a rather nervous last 10 minutes.

James Gilchrist and Phil Lazlo had not helped in the process, as they were each sin-binned for verbal to the Umpire.

Fortunately for Mr Oliver, James Gilchrist played so badly and got a yellow card, he took the Weakest Link Award ahead of the tactically blundering skipper.

Andrew Oliver

Mens 3rd XI

Staines Men’s 3’s - Match Report 3 February 2001. V. Woking 3.

Last weeks game was postponed due to a severe case of snow in the Oxford nether regions. So the Third Battalion of the Blue Army approached this game rested and itching to do battle. Our Umpire wore the most horrendous pink jersey, which was hard on the retina’s. He stood out like a blind stonemasons thumb!

Woking are heading the table at present with Richmond by a comfortable margin, so we were expecting a bit of a damage limitation exercise. But, as the first half settled down it became apparent that Staines were matching our opposition and were actually gaining more possession. Woking regularly threatened our D but did not look like scoring, until they won a short corner and managed to convert it. The rest of the half was mainly one way traffic – but in our favour, as we constantly attacked and hardly allowed Woking to venture far in our half.

0-1 down at half time, but very confident we could pull that back. As Sanatogen Man Murphy said “providing we don’t do anything silly and let a soft goal in, we can win this”.

Second half started and barely 3 minutes in – we let a soft goal in. Not long after, Staines won a short corner which was executed expertly by the usual specialist team, resulting in a well taken strike by Andy Taylor. 1-2 down but back in with a chance.

Staines piled on the pressure looking for the equaliser. Woking kept attempting to catch us on the break as our Midfield was often camped around their D leaving the middle open. Our back-line coped magnificently with being outnumbered by Woking’s regular foray’s until barely 5 minutes from time. Staines had a free hit on the opposing 25 yard line which in some confusion was gifted to Woking allowing the opposition to attack our three remaining defenders enmasse - they worked the ball past the knackered Stained defence and scored. Another defeat 1-3, but a valiant effort.

Hero of the Day – Lloyd, another hard working effort from our resident Gingger.

Donkey’s Arse – A travesty of justice this week as inexplicably Andy T got it. Even his best mate voted for him and he wasn’t playing !

Vince Rowley.

Mens 4th XI

Newbury 3rd XI v Staines 4th XI

Location : Henwick Astro (Newbury) Date : 3rd Feb 2001 Result : WON 6-1

Heros : Gordon and Martin (2 goals each), Ben - also got 2 but one was disallowed (unfairly we believe !!) , and the 5's contingent of Jonathan (who also scored one), Dave and Frank (who were both solid at the back)

Zeros : Ada and his dodgy knee, the 2nd XI for taking three players from the 3rd XI at 9:30pm on a Thursday

Although Newbury were bottom of the table we stressed that they should not be taken for granted as their form had recently improved, and in their last two games had only gone down 2-0 to Mill Hill and 2-1 to Boyne Hill, and had drawn with both Banbury and Hayes either side of Xmas.

With Dave, Frank and Jonathan all drafted in from the 5th XI we were a little uncertain in the opening exchanges and were on the backfoot more than we had anticipated. A few quick sixteens out to the midfield saw us breaking dangerously, and Gordon exploited the open spaces in his new attacking role. From one of these quick counter attacks it was Gordon who took the ball around the last man and reverse stick flicked it goalwards - the keeper could only parry the ball into the corner 1-0. Unlike the Amersham game where we fell apart for 15 mins after we scored this time we were rampant. Firstly Keith's short corner struck a foot on the way into goal and was cleared to safety - a long corner !!!! Then another short later saw Ben jab the ball up and over the keeper 2-0 !!! No hang on a minute the umpire has disallowed it - presumably for it being a bit too good for them. A few minutes later it was 2-0 when a rebound from a short was tucked in the corner by Martin. And a repeat of Ben's audacious jab this time was given as a goal. 3-0. Half-tme

For those who follow the 4th XI you will know that this is only the 2nd time this season we have been in front at the interval - and normally we are much better in the 2nd half.

Newbury started the 2nd half like they could get back into it - but Pete with two or three fine blocks kept them out. All the time we were still looking dangerous on the break and another indescretion brought another short corner - and another goal - as everone followed the slip right Keith switched the ball left for Jonathan to cream the ball inside the left post 4-0. The sun came out, the birds were singing, and Gordon's cheerleading group were chanting away from the sidelines. Another short corner - a good save by the keeper and Martin swept it goalwards - the keeper saved it again - unluckily for him it came straight back out and Martin swept it into the corner, 5-0.

Gordon scored his 2nd, then hit the post minutes later, and then fell over going for his hatrick with a fresh air shot. Martin messed up another golden chance when he also went for his hatrick with Jonathan and Gordon kind of openish , well OK standing in front of an open goal. We also hope Ben recovers from the clash of helmets in this incident !

By the way Newbury did score a goal from a short corner to make it 6-1. Not much of a consolation lads.

As usual we lose a few players for next week, and welcome back a couple. No worries, on this performance Frank, Dave and Jonathan can all be relied on to plug any gaps if we are short - well done to them especially. A very good team performance. As a footnote ... against Amersham back in January we were puleverised by them for 80% of the game and had nigh on 20 short corners - and didn't score from one of them. Today we had less of the play, about the same number of short corners, but scored from four of them (and had a good goal disallowed). It shows that by thinking about the game, and practising on a Thursday night, you CAN make a big difference on a Saturday.

Martin Jackson

Mens 5th XI

No report submitted.

Mens Centurions

No report submitted.

Ladies 1st XI

Staines Ladies 1st X1 4 West Hampstead 1

With Staines Ladies closest rivals in the league drawing their league game the previous week, Staines knew the importance of a win on Saturday which would extend their lead to 6 points at the top of the table. West Hampstead were not going to make it easy for the away side and Staines managed to take the lead through a short corner goal from Melanie Attfield just crossing the line denying Sue O'Connell the final touch, however Sue after much hard work did score giving Staines a 2-0 lead. West Hampstead fought back and got a goal just before the end of the first half. Again not the best of first halves for Staines, and a more determined effort in the second half provided Staines with another 2 goals, one from Kerry Maskery and one from Nicki Walsh. Staines had many more chances during the second half and the overall positive outcome to the game with the 4-1 win.

Ladies 2nd XI

Southgate 1 vs Staines 4

We were amazingly lively and geared up for this match, which was suprising, seeing as half of us were ready for an afternoon kip by the time the game started at 4:30pm. The first half started really well with Staines having the majority of the possession and passing the ball around well. We were soon rewarded for our efforts when Juliet scored. Against the flow of the game, Southgate were then awarded a flick and although Sharon Marwick (standing in for Anya) made some great saves throughout the game, she was unable to save the flick. We didn't have to wait too long to regain the lead when we were awarded a short corner. Clare Holloway slipped the ball left rather than shooting herself and Juliet put the second one home. Things started to get fraught towards the end of the first half and we took the break to compose ourselves to come out fighting again in the second half. The defence played well clearing balls quickly out of the D and created the break for Clare Holloway to score after some superb passing play from Julia and Helen. To finish the game nicely, Juliet then completed her hatrick by scoring from a pass off Jo Gregg. All in all not only was it a great win, but an all round fantastic team performance and set us up well for our planned Saturday night activities!

Ladies 3rd XI

No report submitted.

Ladies 4th XI

No report submitted.