Kingfisher pull clear of Croydon in the 2nd half

Croydon had the perfect start to the match by getting themselves onto the scoresheet first. It was the opener they had been training for.

Kingfisher were a force to be reckoned with though, and their sharp shooting and fast paced ball work meant that they were soon on the scoresheet themselves. They pulled ahead, and extended that lead.

Croydon were stuggling with the tight pressure of the Kingfisher defence, and couldn't find the space to take their shots. This continued for the first 15 minutes of the half, but then, suddenly, Croydon started to find the chinks in the Kingfisher armour. Croydon had the bit between their teeth, and as the first half drew to an end, the play was largely in Croydon's favour. Half time score: 12-8 to the hosts

The half time break came at the wrong time for Croydon. They couldn't contain the shooting prowess of Kingfisher in the second half and the constant change of ends was unsettling their attacks. Kingfisher brought on 4 subs and showed their strength in depth as they pushed on whilst Croydon tired somewhat. Although there were some great moments, and some great teamwork, Croydon couldn't keep up with title chasing Kingfishers, and ended the game the wrong side of 29-11.

Match Report by Anna | Updated by Andy

Final Score: Kingfisher 1 29 vs 11 Croydon 1

A Withers (2)

V Ellis (1)

N Hudspith (0)

U Player (3)

Z Omar (1)

J Hudspith (2)

A Jeanes (2)

S Baker (0)

H Robinson (0)

K Jones (0)

Submitted by Andy on 11 Dec 11

Croydon scatter Nomads after a close fight

Croydon lined up against a Nomads team on the right side of the league table so far. Croydon chasing their first win after 4 losses including a close game against Bec last week lined up with Adam Champion (capt) Edwin Chaney, Kim Jones and Lorna Elliot in first defence while Simon Mills, Susan Wright, Kathy Dean and temporary manager Zak Omar in first attack. Steve Wright ran the lines during game time making him the co manager.
Croydon Started the game with two quick goals from Simon Mills as he scored a long shot and then converted a penalty because of an obstruction on Omar. Croydon up 2-0. Things got a little difficult for Croydon here as Nomads put on a good defence against the charges of Ed and Adam. Running around in the division like mustangs on the American praries, they finally got their counterparts into submission Champion gaining the edge and putting away a drop off. Nomads too opened their account on the other end making it 3-1.
It looked like business as usual as Susan put up a long shot while Nomads started to find their rythm getting the score to 4-2. Nomads Started to tighten the screws and reign in the bucking broncos stifling the attack. Nomads got the breakthrough and scored bringing the score to 4-3. Cometh the hour cometh the player, with Croydon needing a goal desperately, Kim stepped up and scored to take the score to 5-3. at this point Zak lost the plot a little trying to score goals when clearly he should have been doing his job under the post. Few silly forced shots and lost possessions saw Nomads claw back to 5-5.

Half time and suddenly the team took confidence from the scoreline against Nomads and a glimmer of hope and belief emerged, a confidence from leading throughout the first half. After some valuable input from Steve about control and, wild and confusing hand gestures from Zak, the team took to the court with vigour. The divisions settled down and started to build their attacks putting in blocks and proper collects. A goal from Adam calmed the visitors but they scored to get back to 6-6 and then 8-8 after a comical drop off from Omar which had the home support in fits of laughter. Nomads stepped it up and took the lead for the first time with two quick goals making it 10-8. The crowd cheered buoyed by the goals and sensing a run away victory. Croydon hadn't given up yet. Champion scored a mid distance and Ed converted a penalty as Kim's girl impeded her while taking a shot. Nomads, signaled a substitution and tried to get fresh legs into the game to take the advantage. 10-10 Would this go down to the wire?

Croydon's controlled play was paying off and two goals with first Zak followed by a sublime long shot by Simon brought the game back to 12-10. Yet again Nomads scored to bring the score back to 12-12. Zak started the attack with a bit of skill rounding his player in feed to score justifying his need to wear shiny blue shoes which brought a roar from the Croydon supporters (mainly Alan and friend from Mitcham).

Croydon gave a penalty with the score at 14-13 Nomads missed and Steve Wright wise words whispered to us to keep the possession and see out game echoed in the teams' ears. Kathy had other ideas she decided to execute a very impressive shot from the side lined and scored killing the game and any fight left in Nomads. 15-13, the referee had too much excitement for one day. He decided to call the game.

The team played and executed a plan today with players playing together as a unit and winning individual battles. Well done to Simon for his 'Clash of the Titans' fight with Terry all game, Kathy for her consistent effort in the game and wonderful long shot to secure the game. Lorna and Kim for staying out of the way of the boys' crazy running (which may have caused Andrea to end up with a lump on her face), yet attacking and supporting in a multi-tasking effort that can only be rivaled by a few others in the team, Susan for the amazing long shot that put even the opposition boys to shame. Ed and Adam for using their endless energy plugging away all game. Steve and Zak for playing sensible coach and confusing coach. If we take away one thing from this game its to keep on winning. The Season starts now! I'm off to Narnia to play with the satyrs.


Match Report by Zuton | Updated by Zuton

Final Score: Nomads 2 13 vs 15 Croydon 2

S Mills (4)

A Champion (3)

Z Omar (3)

E Chaney (2)

K Bradford (1)

K Jones (1)

S Wright (1)

L MacKay-Elliott (0)

Submitted by Zuton on 11 Dec 11