11Nov01: Croydon 2 v Nomads 4

A veteran Nomads 4 visited Royal Russell to settle this BKA Cup match. The early morning kick-off seemed to favour the visitors as Croydon started with little lustre and Nomads quickly stretched to a 5-1 lead after ten minutes. Nomads continued to build a convincing lead with some sharp long shooting and sharper play around the post.

Croydon were unlucky with some shots but were unable to build long attacks with Nomads' old heads picking up most offensive and defensive collects easily. Both teams had to make substitutions in the first half after unrelated injuries to girls. Sarah George for Croydon was replaced by U16 Amanda Furlano but the pattern of play did not change greatly before the break. Despite stern words at half time, Croydon looked little sharper and Nomads' superb long-shooting and better all-round play continued with some quick fire goals and penalties thereafter. Croydon pulled a few back with long shots and penalties from the below-par Ryan Dring and ever-forceful Paul Jeanes but towards the end Nomads took advantage of their unassailable position to try some "unusual" shooting techniques. Nomads eventually jogged out 21-7 victors.

On this showing, Croydon will have their work cut-out against the younger but less experienced Nomads 2nd team next week.