Week 26

The game started at a high pace with Trojans forcing the play and causing the Staines rearguard a few problems with their pacy, skillful forwards. However, Staines held firm and got back into the game through the high work rate of Paul Arnott and James Chapman in the Staines midfield. Midway through the half Staines were awarded their first penalty corner of the match and from it Chapman fired the ball home for a 1-0 lead. Soon after, this was increased to 2-0 when an almost identical strike sneaked past the goalie's feet for 2-0. At 2-0 up Staines were playing some confident hockey and the lead was further increased to three when Rich Cardigan forced the ball home under the prostrate goalkeeper. At 3-0 the game should have been sewn up but with half time looming Trojans fought their way back into the game, scoring to put pressure back on to Staines.

Into the second half, Staines started brightly and it looked like their usual second half "dip" had been averted, however it was not averted, only delayed! Trojans pressed strongly into the Staines half and won a string of penalty corners, from which they scored twice to bring the game back level. With the pressure back on and knowing that if the game was lost then promotion would be an impossibility for either team, Staines looked to skipper Chapman to drive them on for the win. However, Chapman leading from the front as always, misjudged a tackle and was sinbinned for five minutes! During this period Staines were on the rack, however a quick breakaway led to a penalty corner which was superbly deflected home by Cardigan for 4-3.

With Chapman restored to the side, Staines defended a number of penalty corners and then held on to possesion of the ball for the final two minutes running down the clock for a hard fought win.

After a chilly start in the NPL changing room we mustered all the courage we had and faced the ‘refreshingly’ cold wind to warm up. Unfortunately, after two team mates unable to play that week (Hope you’re feeling better Ju and Jo!) we were down to just 12! After ANOTHER set back (the umpire’s car had broken down and we had to send our valuable sub to fetch him) we started slightly after the scheduled time with just ten players as Linda stepped in to umpire until the real umpire arrived (thank-you Linda) We battled on for the first 15 and held our ground well against NPL, even after some aggressive behaviour on their part . . . !!! With the glorious arrival of Jeanette (to our tired eyes anyway . . .) and the umpire, the Blue Army were back up to full strength and ready to slam those goals away! Michelle followed Burkie’s direct orders and managed a beautiful goal with the reverse of her stick- that’s how we do it! After a few minutes of brilliant team play half time was called, and after a quick chat, the Blues returned to the second half rearing to go. With our brilliant defence managing to defend our end superbly, the team was working hard to get into their D. A beautiful hit by Kate (on the floor!! Or was it?????) The Blues were 2-0 up!! With a new spurt of speed; Lizzie and Michelle pulled off some brilliant play, and with a direct hit from Lizzie to Michelle (readily waiting in the goal) and a small tap, a b-e-a-utiful goal was scored, flicking over the diving keeper’s head into the goal! With a fantastic 3-0 lead Staines held out for the rest of the game (not long) and were able to catch a few runs in the direction of their D. However, the match was quickly turning aggressive; Kate was ONCE AGAIN caught back chatting the umpire and the opposition- what will we do with her?? Yvonne was unluckily green carded for something . . . Anyone know???? The final whistle was blown, and after reassuring NPL that we were coming back for tea (as Debbie said- they DO have nice tea!) we ended up with a fantastic spread of HOT tea, tasty cakes and hot chips- just what you need after the LONG walk to the clubhouse (sorry no- we haven’t been here that often so we don’t know the short way!). It was a good game for all with Michelle getting awarded MOM and Lizzie with DOD (for doing the splits of the pitch!). Well done you Blues!

No....'Tedd' 'ing' 'ton'...home of the famous studios, which over the years have turned out memorable productions such as Last of the Summer Wine, The Avengers, The Office, As Time Goes By, Rainbow.....and this week host to the Glorious Fours

Nil nil at half time and might have stayed that way - the opposition goalie had a great game and kept out a lot of chances - Staines had a run of seven short corners at one point and couldn't convert any of them.

Second half. Just after one of the Staines players got sin binned. Lindsey caught a rebound ball inside the circle and slammed it back toward the goalmouth - GOAL! She had a great game you know, as did Jana, Fe, Elly, Kath and Claire Knigh...