Croydon 1 vs West London Wildcats It's always good to see gamesmanship fall flat on its face. Croydon lined up against Wildcats in what some external commentators saw as the grudge match of the 1st round of the cup. Croydon, for their part, treated their opponents like any other LDKA Premier team. Croydon started with Ingmar Otter, Gary Heath, Sarah Withers and Grace Stimpson in attack with Dave Butters, Andy Withers, Anna Jeanes (c) and Jane Belfourd in defence. Wildcats could only start the game with 7 players but this did include ex-Croydon stalwarts Steve and Kim Jones.The gamesmanship started before the game did though with Wildcats setting out their team in clashing training tops, and then were only too keen to troop off again to find their real kit, in some cases right under the training tops! This short delay allowed more of their team to turn up but no matter as, after a penalty to Wildcats, Otter quickly found his range. Withers, sporting a plastic cast for a broken finger, then sank a one handed drop off to give Croydon the lead in the game and he then found Butters with a stinging pass for a running in shot. 3-1. Butters was then adjudged to have fouled his attacker as he tried an over the back of the head shot under the basket leaving Neala Brennan to convert the penalty. So as the short 15 minute half petered out Croydon were 3-2 up at the break. Neala Brennan beating Jeanes for one of the few times in the match meant Croydon's defence switched leaving a young Wildcat to take his chance but Croydon changed tack and stationed Withers under the post against his slighter teenage opponent and a succession of shots eventually allowed Butters to score from the (admittedly short) half way line. Wildcats started to chase the game but a one-handed free pass from Withers gave a 2 goal cushion again. Croydon were then awarded a dubious penalty for intentionally moving the post and this is where Wildcats lost it: Otter took the penalty to the disgraceful slow hand clapping of player-coach Steve Barker. The gamesmanship worked as Otter's pen went sailing over but Croydon kept their heads. Stalemate ensued for a while before Barker came on for the last few minutes but he made no impact as the time slipped away. As the ref's whistle went Croydon celebrated while it was clear Wildcats were "less than pleased". No-one likes to lose but the BKA Cup should be a competition for teams from all over the country to come to compete and enjoy, so it was a disappointment for the crowd to see a team lose so gracelessly. Match Report by Andy Final Score: West London Wildcats 1 3 vs 5 Croydon 1D Butters (2)A Withers (2)I Otter (1)G Heath (0)G Codd (0)J Hudspith (0)A Jeanes (0)S Withers (0)Submitted by on 12 Nov 06Croydon 1 vs Bearsted A bit after the Lord Mayor's show, Croydon took on Bearsted next. Croydon started perfectly with a long shot from Gary Heath but the hosts were awarded a penalty with they duely converted and then scored a drop-off to go 2-1 up. A long shot from Dave Butters though restored parity. The game was very stop-start and this interrupted the flow of both teams but Grace Stimpson managed to take a running in chance closely followed by a wide open runner from Ingmar Otter leaving the score at 2-4 at the break. It was much the same in the 2nd half, Bearsted started with a goal but were then pinned back as Butters converted a penalty and Heath weighed in with 2 long shots. Croydon took their foot off the gas at this point and looked scrappy but with time running out Butters scored from the back corner again leaving Bearsted to have the final say. Final score 4-8, job done for the visitors. Match Report by Andy Final Score: Bearsted 1 4 vs 8 Croydon 1G Heath (3)D Butters (3)I Otter (1)D Pratt (0)G Codd (1)J Hudspith (0)A Jeanes (0)S Withers (0)Submitted by on 12 Nov 06Croydon 1 vs Oxford City 1 In Croydon's final encounter in Round 1 they took on Oxford City. Again Croydon got off to a great start with Gary Heath scoring from distance and this time it was followed up by a bomb from Grace Stimpson but Oxford were awarded the first of 2 penalties to bring them into the match. Dave Butters then scored under the post and Gary Heath converted a penalty for Croydon. Croydon were again not at their peak but after further long shots from Butters and Ingmar Otter they saw off the match, final score: 6-3. Match Report by Andy Final Score: Oxford City 1 3 vs 6 Croydon 1D Butters (2)G Heath (2)I Otter (1)D Pratt (0)G Codd (1)J Hudspith (0)A Jeanes (0)S Withers (0)Submitted by on 12 Nov 06Croydon 2 vs Nomads 2 An undefeated Croydon of Nigel Hudspith, Becky Pratt, Lynda barker, Zu Munshi in attack and Paul Jeanes, Vernon Ellis, Julia Johnson and Becky Tobitt took on an experienced Nomads side for the reserve league game which started in the early hours of a brisk Sunday morning.Croydon were riding high from previous wins and were keen to add another scalp to their belts. After the Remembrance Day silence, this fog of confidence was cleared by Nomads as they pierced through the Croydon defences four times to take an early lead of 4-0. About 15 minutes into the game Croydon finally woke up and began to play like the team that could justify its place in the reserve league this year. Many might add that the Croydon team had finally warmed up as the warm up prior to the game was not as complete as one might want. This was due to the hall being used by other league game teams for their respective games. Members of the CKPCAR (Croydon Korfball Poker Club and Ross) started to take their chances and came up Aces. Hudspith opened the account with a penalty followed by a drop off shot by Munshi. Further goals were added to the tally by Jeanes and Croydon were level. Scores at half time finished 7-6 to Nomads with Croydon hot on their heals. Coach Jeanes' pep talk at half time brought back the fire in the team which resulted in goals from Barker from a free pass and a long shot by Munshi. Capt Hudspith and Jeanes, Tobitt and Johnson kept adding to the total on either end to bring Croydon up to 15-11. At this point Nomads sensed a revival and some poor defending from Munshi let in two quick goals. Jeanes' division suffered a similar fate as Nomads rallied to find their form sinking a few long shots to bring the game out in their favour 16-15. Croydon battled hard and in the dying seconds Coach Jeanes earned a penalty to make it all square. However a rare miss by the coach meant that Fortuna the goddess of luck was with the home side this time. Although this was a tough game, Croydon can take heart in a growing self belief and confidence that saw them battle to the dieing seconds their spirit strong and heads held high at all times. This point was reiterated by referee Humphries who really seemed to enjoy the spirited fight that both teams put up. As the games have gone on, Croydon have increased their scoring ability and rhythm. However they may feel that they need to improve their defence and communicate better to avoid needless injuries from an unnecessary clash between two Croydon players under no pressure. A day to remember on all fronts! Zu Munshi Match Report by Andy Final Score: Nomads 2 16 vs 15 Croydon 2P Jeanes (4)N Hudspith (4)Z Omar (3)V Ellis (0)L Barker (2)J Johnson (1)B Tobitt (1)B Sinclair (0)Submitted by on 12 Nov 06Trojans 3 vs Croydon 4 Croydon travelled down to Trinity with a good team on paper: Phil Aish and Simon Mills, Rhiannon Williams-Clarke and Anna Jeanes with Paul Andrews, Andy Withers, Grace Stimpson and Zoe Shewell. However Croydon's 1st team players were more than matched by Trojans fielding only 2 girls (rendering Jeanes and Stimpson as support players) and the Brooks brothers. Croydon started well with Aish netting a running in shot but Trojans were quickly back in the game and so it continued for much of the 1st half: Aish keeping Croydon in the hunt. Mills also got on the scoresheet but down the other end the Brooks were snaffling a lot of passes and collects and generally making a nuisance of themselves. Shewell had lots of claims for pens but the ref wasn't blowing. Half time: 5-3 to Trojans. And so it continued in the 2nd half with one end negating each other and the other scoring/conceding all the goals. Eventually Trojans managed to find a 3rd girl and the Brooks were generously replaced by another 2 1st teamers. Shewell won a penalty which Withers duely missed and Trojans continued to try their luck but a combination "rush" defence by Withers and Andrews (with Stimpson helping to save their bacon a few times) kept them out. However despite Aish netting his fifth, Croydon tired, gave away the odd penalty and Trojans sealed the win, 9-6. Match Report by Andy Final Score: Trojans 3 9 vs 6 Croydon 4P Aish (5)S Mills (1)P Andrews (0)A Withers (0)G Codd (0)A Jeanes (0)Z Shewell (0)R Williams-Clarke (0)Submitted by on 12 Nov 06
Croydon 1 vs Bearsted A bit after the Lord Mayor's show, Croydon took on Bearsted next. Croydon started perfectly with a long shot from Gary Heath but the hosts were awarded a penalty with they duely converted and then scored a drop-off to go 2-1 up. A long shot from Dave Butters though restored parity. The game was very stop-start and this interrupted the flow of both teams but Grace Stimpson managed to take a running in chance closely followed by a wide open runner from Ingmar Otter leaving the score at 2-4 at the break. It was much the same in the 2nd half, Bearsted started with a goal but were then pinned back as Butters converted a penalty and Heath weighed in with 2 long shots. Croydon took their foot off the gas at this point and looked scrappy but with time running out Butters scored from the back corner again leaving Bearsted to have the final say. Final score 4-8, job done for the visitors. Match Report by Andy Final Score: Bearsted 1 4 vs 8 Croydon 1G Heath (3)D Butters (3)I Otter (1)D Pratt (0)G Codd (1)J Hudspith (0)A Jeanes (0)S Withers (0)Submitted by on 12 Nov 06Croydon 1 vs Oxford City 1 In Croydon's final encounter in Round 1 they took on Oxford City. Again Croydon got off to a great start with Gary Heath scoring from distance and this time it was followed up by a bomb from Grace Stimpson but Oxford were awarded the first of 2 penalties to bring them into the match. Dave Butters then scored under the post and Gary Heath converted a penalty for Croydon. Croydon were again not at their peak but after further long shots from Butters and Ingmar Otter they saw off the match, final score: 6-3. Match Report by Andy Final Score: Oxford City 1 3 vs 6 Croydon 1D Butters (2)G Heath (2)I Otter (1)D Pratt (0)G Codd (1)J Hudspith (0)A Jeanes (0)S Withers (0)Submitted by on 12 Nov 06Croydon 2 vs Nomads 2 An undefeated Croydon of Nigel Hudspith, Becky Pratt, Lynda barker, Zu Munshi in attack and Paul Jeanes, Vernon Ellis, Julia Johnson and Becky Tobitt took on an experienced Nomads side for the reserve league game which started in the early hours of a brisk Sunday morning.Croydon were riding high from previous wins and were keen to add another scalp to their belts. After the Remembrance Day silence, this fog of confidence was cleared by Nomads as they pierced through the Croydon defences four times to take an early lead of 4-0. About 15 minutes into the game Croydon finally woke up and began to play like the team that could justify its place in the reserve league this year. Many might add that the Croydon team had finally warmed up as the warm up prior to the game was not as complete as one might want. This was due to the hall being used by other league game teams for their respective games. Members of the CKPCAR (Croydon Korfball Poker Club and Ross) started to take their chances and came up Aces. Hudspith opened the account with a penalty followed by a drop off shot by Munshi. Further goals were added to the tally by Jeanes and Croydon were level. Scores at half time finished 7-6 to Nomads with Croydon hot on their heals. Coach Jeanes' pep talk at half time brought back the fire in the team which resulted in goals from Barker from a free pass and a long shot by Munshi. Capt Hudspith and Jeanes, Tobitt and Johnson kept adding to the total on either end to bring Croydon up to 15-11. At this point Nomads sensed a revival and some poor defending from Munshi let in two quick goals. Jeanes' division suffered a similar fate as Nomads rallied to find their form sinking a few long shots to bring the game out in their favour 16-15. Croydon battled hard and in the dying seconds Coach Jeanes earned a penalty to make it all square. However a rare miss by the coach meant that Fortuna the goddess of luck was with the home side this time. Although this was a tough game, Croydon can take heart in a growing self belief and confidence that saw them battle to the dieing seconds their spirit strong and heads held high at all times. This point was reiterated by referee Humphries who really seemed to enjoy the spirited fight that both teams put up. As the games have gone on, Croydon have increased their scoring ability and rhythm. However they may feel that they need to improve their defence and communicate better to avoid needless injuries from an unnecessary clash between two Croydon players under no pressure. A day to remember on all fronts! Zu Munshi Match Report by Andy Final Score: Nomads 2 16 vs 15 Croydon 2P Jeanes (4)N Hudspith (4)Z Omar (3)V Ellis (0)L Barker (2)J Johnson (1)B Tobitt (1)B Sinclair (0)Submitted by on 12 Nov 06Trojans 3 vs Croydon 4 Croydon travelled down to Trinity with a good team on paper: Phil Aish and Simon Mills, Rhiannon Williams-Clarke and Anna Jeanes with Paul Andrews, Andy Withers, Grace Stimpson and Zoe Shewell. However Croydon's 1st team players were more than matched by Trojans fielding only 2 girls (rendering Jeanes and Stimpson as support players) and the Brooks brothers. Croydon started well with Aish netting a running in shot but Trojans were quickly back in the game and so it continued for much of the 1st half: Aish keeping Croydon in the hunt. Mills also got on the scoresheet but down the other end the Brooks were snaffling a lot of passes and collects and generally making a nuisance of themselves. Shewell had lots of claims for pens but the ref wasn't blowing. Half time: 5-3 to Trojans. And so it continued in the 2nd half with one end negating each other and the other scoring/conceding all the goals. Eventually Trojans managed to find a 3rd girl and the Brooks were generously replaced by another 2 1st teamers. Shewell won a penalty which Withers duely missed and Trojans continued to try their luck but a combination "rush" defence by Withers and Andrews (with Stimpson helping to save their bacon a few times) kept them out. However despite Aish netting his fifth, Croydon tired, gave away the odd penalty and Trojans sealed the win, 9-6. Match Report by Andy Final Score: Trojans 3 9 vs 6 Croydon 4P Aish (5)S Mills (1)P Andrews (0)A Withers (0)G Codd (0)A Jeanes (0)Z Shewell (0)R Williams-Clarke (0)Submitted by on 12 Nov 06
Croydon 1 vs Oxford City 1 In Croydon's final encounter in Round 1 they took on Oxford City. Again Croydon got off to a great start with Gary Heath scoring from distance and this time it was followed up by a bomb from Grace Stimpson but Oxford were awarded the first of 2 penalties to bring them into the match. Dave Butters then scored under the post and Gary Heath converted a penalty for Croydon. Croydon were again not at their peak but after further long shots from Butters and Ingmar Otter they saw off the match, final score: 6-3. Match Report by Andy Final Score: Oxford City 1 3 vs 6 Croydon 1D Butters (2)G Heath (2)I Otter (1)D Pratt (0)G Codd (1)J Hudspith (0)A Jeanes (0)S Withers (0)Submitted by on 12 Nov 06Croydon 2 vs Nomads 2 An undefeated Croydon of Nigel Hudspith, Becky Pratt, Lynda barker, Zu Munshi in attack and Paul Jeanes, Vernon Ellis, Julia Johnson and Becky Tobitt took on an experienced Nomads side for the reserve league game which started in the early hours of a brisk Sunday morning.Croydon were riding high from previous wins and were keen to add another scalp to their belts. After the Remembrance Day silence, this fog of confidence was cleared by Nomads as they pierced through the Croydon defences four times to take an early lead of 4-0. About 15 minutes into the game Croydon finally woke up and began to play like the team that could justify its place in the reserve league this year. Many might add that the Croydon team had finally warmed up as the warm up prior to the game was not as complete as one might want. This was due to the hall being used by other league game teams for their respective games. Members of the CKPCAR (Croydon Korfball Poker Club and Ross) started to take their chances and came up Aces. Hudspith opened the account with a penalty followed by a drop off shot by Munshi. Further goals were added to the tally by Jeanes and Croydon were level. Scores at half time finished 7-6 to Nomads with Croydon hot on their heals. Coach Jeanes' pep talk at half time brought back the fire in the team which resulted in goals from Barker from a free pass and a long shot by Munshi. Capt Hudspith and Jeanes, Tobitt and Johnson kept adding to the total on either end to bring Croydon up to 15-11. At this point Nomads sensed a revival and some poor defending from Munshi let in two quick goals. Jeanes' division suffered a similar fate as Nomads rallied to find their form sinking a few long shots to bring the game out in their favour 16-15. Croydon battled hard and in the dying seconds Coach Jeanes earned a penalty to make it all square. However a rare miss by the coach meant that Fortuna the goddess of luck was with the home side this time. Although this was a tough game, Croydon can take heart in a growing self belief and confidence that saw them battle to the dieing seconds their spirit strong and heads held high at all times. This point was reiterated by referee Humphries who really seemed to enjoy the spirited fight that both teams put up. As the games have gone on, Croydon have increased their scoring ability and rhythm. However they may feel that they need to improve their defence and communicate better to avoid needless injuries from an unnecessary clash between two Croydon players under no pressure. A day to remember on all fronts! Zu Munshi Match Report by Andy Final Score: Nomads 2 16 vs 15 Croydon 2P Jeanes (4)N Hudspith (4)Z Omar (3)V Ellis (0)L Barker (2)J Johnson (1)B Tobitt (1)B Sinclair (0)Submitted by on 12 Nov 06Trojans 3 vs Croydon 4 Croydon travelled down to Trinity with a good team on paper: Phil Aish and Simon Mills, Rhiannon Williams-Clarke and Anna Jeanes with Paul Andrews, Andy Withers, Grace Stimpson and Zoe Shewell. However Croydon's 1st team players were more than matched by Trojans fielding only 2 girls (rendering Jeanes and Stimpson as support players) and the Brooks brothers. Croydon started well with Aish netting a running in shot but Trojans were quickly back in the game and so it continued for much of the 1st half: Aish keeping Croydon in the hunt. Mills also got on the scoresheet but down the other end the Brooks were snaffling a lot of passes and collects and generally making a nuisance of themselves. Shewell had lots of claims for pens but the ref wasn't blowing. Half time: 5-3 to Trojans. And so it continued in the 2nd half with one end negating each other and the other scoring/conceding all the goals. Eventually Trojans managed to find a 3rd girl and the Brooks were generously replaced by another 2 1st teamers. Shewell won a penalty which Withers duely missed and Trojans continued to try their luck but a combination "rush" defence by Withers and Andrews (with Stimpson helping to save their bacon a few times) kept them out. However despite Aish netting his fifth, Croydon tired, gave away the odd penalty and Trojans sealed the win, 9-6. Match Report by Andy Final Score: Trojans 3 9 vs 6 Croydon 4P Aish (5)S Mills (1)P Andrews (0)A Withers (0)G Codd (0)A Jeanes (0)Z Shewell (0)R Williams-Clarke (0)Submitted by on 12 Nov 06
Croydon 2 vs Nomads 2 An undefeated Croydon of Nigel Hudspith, Becky Pratt, Lynda barker, Zu Munshi in attack and Paul Jeanes, Vernon Ellis, Julia Johnson and Becky Tobitt took on an experienced Nomads side for the reserve league game which started in the early hours of a brisk Sunday morning.Croydon were riding high from previous wins and were keen to add another scalp to their belts. After the Remembrance Day silence, this fog of confidence was cleared by Nomads as they pierced through the Croydon defences four times to take an early lead of 4-0. About 15 minutes into the game Croydon finally woke up and began to play like the team that could justify its place in the reserve league this year. Many might add that the Croydon team had finally warmed up as the warm up prior to the game was not as complete as one might want. This was due to the hall being used by other league game teams for their respective games. Members of the CKPCAR (Croydon Korfball Poker Club and Ross) started to take their chances and came up Aces. Hudspith opened the account with a penalty followed by a drop off shot by Munshi. Further goals were added to the tally by Jeanes and Croydon were level. Scores at half time finished 7-6 to Nomads with Croydon hot on their heals. Coach Jeanes' pep talk at half time brought back the fire in the team which resulted in goals from Barker from a free pass and a long shot by Munshi. Capt Hudspith and Jeanes, Tobitt and Johnson kept adding to the total on either end to bring Croydon up to 15-11. At this point Nomads sensed a revival and some poor defending from Munshi let in two quick goals. Jeanes' division suffered a similar fate as Nomads rallied to find their form sinking a few long shots to bring the game out in their favour 16-15. Croydon battled hard and in the dying seconds Coach Jeanes earned a penalty to make it all square. However a rare miss by the coach meant that Fortuna the goddess of luck was with the home side this time. Although this was a tough game, Croydon can take heart in a growing self belief and confidence that saw them battle to the dieing seconds their spirit strong and heads held high at all times. This point was reiterated by referee Humphries who really seemed to enjoy the spirited fight that both teams put up. As the games have gone on, Croydon have increased their scoring ability and rhythm. However they may feel that they need to improve their defence and communicate better to avoid needless injuries from an unnecessary clash between two Croydon players under no pressure. A day to remember on all fronts! Zu Munshi Match Report by Andy Final Score: Nomads 2 16 vs 15 Croydon 2P Jeanes (4)N Hudspith (4)Z Omar (3)V Ellis (0)L Barker (2)J Johnson (1)B Tobitt (1)B Sinclair (0)Submitted by on 12 Nov 06Trojans 3 vs Croydon 4 Croydon travelled down to Trinity with a good team on paper: Phil Aish and Simon Mills, Rhiannon Williams-Clarke and Anna Jeanes with Paul Andrews, Andy Withers, Grace Stimpson and Zoe Shewell. However Croydon's 1st team players were more than matched by Trojans fielding only 2 girls (rendering Jeanes and Stimpson as support players) and the Brooks brothers. Croydon started well with Aish netting a running in shot but Trojans were quickly back in the game and so it continued for much of the 1st half: Aish keeping Croydon in the hunt. Mills also got on the scoresheet but down the other end the Brooks were snaffling a lot of passes and collects and generally making a nuisance of themselves. Shewell had lots of claims for pens but the ref wasn't blowing. Half time: 5-3 to Trojans. And so it continued in the 2nd half with one end negating each other and the other scoring/conceding all the goals. Eventually Trojans managed to find a 3rd girl and the Brooks were generously replaced by another 2 1st teamers. Shewell won a penalty which Withers duely missed and Trojans continued to try their luck but a combination "rush" defence by Withers and Andrews (with Stimpson helping to save their bacon a few times) kept them out. However despite Aish netting his fifth, Croydon tired, gave away the odd penalty and Trojans sealed the win, 9-6. Match Report by Andy Final Score: Trojans 3 9 vs 6 Croydon 4P Aish (5)S Mills (1)P Andrews (0)A Withers (0)G Codd (0)A Jeanes (0)Z Shewell (0)R Williams-Clarke (0)Submitted by on 12 Nov 06
Trojans 3 vs Croydon 4 Croydon travelled down to Trinity with a good team on paper: Phil Aish and Simon Mills, Rhiannon Williams-Clarke and Anna Jeanes with Paul Andrews, Andy Withers, Grace Stimpson and Zoe Shewell. However Croydon's 1st team players were more than matched by Trojans fielding only 2 girls (rendering Jeanes and Stimpson as support players) and the Brooks brothers. Croydon started well with Aish netting a running in shot but Trojans were quickly back in the game and so it continued for much of the 1st half: Aish keeping Croydon in the hunt. Mills also got on the scoresheet but down the other end the Brooks were snaffling a lot of passes and collects and generally making a nuisance of themselves. Shewell had lots of claims for pens but the ref wasn't blowing. Half time: 5-3 to Trojans. And so it continued in the 2nd half with one end negating each other and the other scoring/conceding all the goals. Eventually Trojans managed to find a 3rd girl and the Brooks were generously replaced by another 2 1st teamers. Shewell won a penalty which Withers duely missed and Trojans continued to try their luck but a combination "rush" defence by Withers and Andrews (with Stimpson helping to save their bacon a few times) kept them out. However despite Aish netting his fifth, Croydon tired, gave away the odd penalty and Trojans sealed the win, 9-6. Match Report by Andy Final Score: Trojans 3 9 vs 6 Croydon 4P Aish (5)S Mills (1)P Andrews (0)A Withers (0)G Codd (0)A Jeanes (0)Z Shewell (0)R Williams-Clarke (0)Submitted by on 12 Nov 06
