Croydon 1 lose to stronger Mitcham sideFollowing on from their first win at home to Norwich in their last game, Croydon 1 made the short trip to Trinity to play Mitcham in the return EKL fixture, aiming to improve on the 12-20 defeat in the home fixture. Croydon were unchanged, with Ellis, Omar, Baker and Belfourd in 1st attack, with Hudspith, James, Jeanes and Stimpson in defense. Mitcham were quickly on the board with the first of several long shots from the on-form Bower. Croydon responded with a well taken runner from Ellis and the teams turned round 1-1. However, this was as good as it got for a while as Mitcham scored the next 7 with little real pressure being applied in the defensive end and even less cutting edge in Croydon’s attacks. Croydon did briefly steady the ship in the 10 mins before half time to trade four goals apiece, but Mitcham went in comfortably ahead at 12-5. The second half saw a similar pattern with Mitcham picking off their chances with a decent scoring ratio, while disrupting Croydon’s passing at the other end. When Croydon did create chances too often they were missed short. The Croydon boys battled gamely under the basket against a far taller Mitcham unit, but to little avail. Mitcham eventually ran our 25-9 winners. Croydon now travel to Norwich next weekend for a make or break game for both teams in the battle to avoid the automatic drop. Whilst this was not ideal preparation, it was none the less a good work out against an experienced side. Croydon will match up much better against the smaller and quicker Norwich outfit, and will not shoot this poorly two weeks in a row ……Match Report by Nigel Final Score: Mitcham 1 25 vs 9 Croydon 1Z Omar (4)V Ellis (1)N Hudspith (1)U Player (1)A Jeanes (2)G Codd (0)J Hudspith (0)S Baker (0)H Robinson (0)Submitted by Anna on 19 Feb 12Croydon 2 hang on for draw against new look Mitcham 2 Final Score: Mitcham 2 16 vs 16 Croydon 2S Jones (4)A Champion (3)E Chaney (0)S Mills (0)S Wright (6)K Jones (2)H Robinson (1)J Johnson (0)Submitted by Anna on 19 Feb 12Croydon 3 power past Nomads 4 Final Score: Nomads 4 5 vs 9 Croydon 3M Wright (3)P Aish (1)P Lindsey (1)D Bradford (0)S Hole (2)S Davis (1)S Robinson (1)V Goode (0)Submitted by Anna on 19 Feb 123rd time lucky vs Mitcham for Croydon as 4ths take the pointsWith the 1st's having lost and the 2nds managing just a draw against Mitcham, the pressure was on the 4th's to take the fair share of the points away from Trinity. In first attack were Jon (C), Bryan, Zoe and Angela. While Martin, David, Becky and (playing her first ever game) Sam started in defence. Mitcham started the game a boy light in attack and with two senior players playing down; it took Croydon sometime to adjust to such an unfamiliar system. Croydon were punished with a penalty after 10 minutes of non action, which Mitcham comfortably converted. Another 5 minutes passed before the side finally found some rhythm to their play. Despite missing a penalty seconds earlier, Bryan found the basket from mid range to register the teams first of the day. With Croydon now attacking the section of 3, Becky found her girl (familiar from Croydon 1's match before!) dropping off in an attempt to win the collect. This would only be to her folly though as Becky found the basket twice within a minute to take Croydon into a 3-1 lead. It was just as well for Mitcham that their 4th boy finally arrived at this point to level up the team numbers. Unfortunately, the half lasted slightly longer than the anticipated 25 minutes, and in these extra minutes Mitcham converted one of their free passes as well as a short shot to take the game in level at the break. With some inspirational words from coach of the day Hannah (and some less inspired comments from her assistant Simon!); the 4ths were sent back out with a win on their minds. The response was instant as Bryan found the basket within the first minute sending Croydon into jubilation. With both teams really going for it Jon was clocked in the nose and excused himself for treatment. In his absence Mitcham took full advantage and banged in 3 baskets without reply. With Jon back on the pitch he could do nothing as the referee awarded another penalty which Mitcham converted. Croydon were now trailing 7-4, Martin then scored twice from open play while Mitcham had another two penalties - one missed and one scored. Bryan responded with his third of the game with a lovely long shot from the back of the court. Croydon were now just one behind with the score at 8-7. Martin thought he had levelled with a fine runner but the ref had already blown for a free pass. With perhaps this in mind, before Becky had even thrown the ball it seemed the whistle had gone for a penalty and despite a no doubt loving cry of "MUM!!!" from her son, just as she was taking it... Becky converted. The scored were level at 8-8. Just a minute later Becky was given another free pass and this time didn't need a penalty to score, Croydon were now in the lead! This lasted just seconds though as the previous free pass was evened up in Mitcham's attack and back level at 9-9 we went! With both teams now desperate for a win, the match could have swung in any direction. Fortunately it was team captain Jon Dean who settled the tie with just a couple of minutes remaining, with a cool short range effort. As the whistle sounded (this time on 25 minutes!) Croydon were clearly delighted with a hard fought win. The MVP could be shared between 3 players in particular with Sam putting in an outstanding effort for her first ever competitive game for the club. Bryan run his player ragged while scoring 3 impressive goals and Becky Pratt was superb putting away 4, despite playing against a player who was playing down from Mitcham 1. Well done team!Match Report by Simon | Updated by Zoe Final Score: Mitcham 3 9 vs 10 Croydon 4B Burr (3)M James (2)J Dean (1)D Hughes (0)B Sinclair (4)A Newton (0)Z Shewell (0)Submitted by Simon on 19 Feb 12
Croydon 2 hang on for draw against new look Mitcham 2 Final Score: Mitcham 2 16 vs 16 Croydon 2S Jones (4)A Champion (3)E Chaney (0)S Mills (0)S Wright (6)K Jones (2)H Robinson (1)J Johnson (0)Submitted by Anna on 19 Feb 12Croydon 3 power past Nomads 4 Final Score: Nomads 4 5 vs 9 Croydon 3M Wright (3)P Aish (1)P Lindsey (1)D Bradford (0)S Hole (2)S Davis (1)S Robinson (1)V Goode (0)Submitted by Anna on 19 Feb 123rd time lucky vs Mitcham for Croydon as 4ths take the pointsWith the 1st's having lost and the 2nds managing just a draw against Mitcham, the pressure was on the 4th's to take the fair share of the points away from Trinity. In first attack were Jon (C), Bryan, Zoe and Angela. While Martin, David, Becky and (playing her first ever game) Sam started in defence. Mitcham started the game a boy light in attack and with two senior players playing down; it took Croydon sometime to adjust to such an unfamiliar system. Croydon were punished with a penalty after 10 minutes of non action, which Mitcham comfortably converted. Another 5 minutes passed before the side finally found some rhythm to their play. Despite missing a penalty seconds earlier, Bryan found the basket from mid range to register the teams first of the day. With Croydon now attacking the section of 3, Becky found her girl (familiar from Croydon 1's match before!) dropping off in an attempt to win the collect. This would only be to her folly though as Becky found the basket twice within a minute to take Croydon into a 3-1 lead. It was just as well for Mitcham that their 4th boy finally arrived at this point to level up the team numbers. Unfortunately, the half lasted slightly longer than the anticipated 25 minutes, and in these extra minutes Mitcham converted one of their free passes as well as a short shot to take the game in level at the break. With some inspirational words from coach of the day Hannah (and some less inspired comments from her assistant Simon!); the 4ths were sent back out with a win on their minds. The response was instant as Bryan found the basket within the first minute sending Croydon into jubilation. With both teams really going for it Jon was clocked in the nose and excused himself for treatment. In his absence Mitcham took full advantage and banged in 3 baskets without reply. With Jon back on the pitch he could do nothing as the referee awarded another penalty which Mitcham converted. Croydon were now trailing 7-4, Martin then scored twice from open play while Mitcham had another two penalties - one missed and one scored. Bryan responded with his third of the game with a lovely long shot from the back of the court. Croydon were now just one behind with the score at 8-7. Martin thought he had levelled with a fine runner but the ref had already blown for a free pass. With perhaps this in mind, before Becky had even thrown the ball it seemed the whistle had gone for a penalty and despite a no doubt loving cry of "MUM!!!" from her son, just as she was taking it... Becky converted. The scored were level at 8-8. Just a minute later Becky was given another free pass and this time didn't need a penalty to score, Croydon were now in the lead! This lasted just seconds though as the previous free pass was evened up in Mitcham's attack and back level at 9-9 we went! With both teams now desperate for a win, the match could have swung in any direction. Fortunately it was team captain Jon Dean who settled the tie with just a couple of minutes remaining, with a cool short range effort. As the whistle sounded (this time on 25 minutes!) Croydon were clearly delighted with a hard fought win. The MVP could be shared between 3 players in particular with Sam putting in an outstanding effort for her first ever competitive game for the club. Bryan run his player ragged while scoring 3 impressive goals and Becky Pratt was superb putting away 4, despite playing against a player who was playing down from Mitcham 1. Well done team!Match Report by Simon | Updated by Zoe Final Score: Mitcham 3 9 vs 10 Croydon 4B Burr (3)M James (2)J Dean (1)D Hughes (0)B Sinclair (4)A Newton (0)Z Shewell (0)Submitted by Simon on 19 Feb 12
Croydon 3 power past Nomads 4 Final Score: Nomads 4 5 vs 9 Croydon 3M Wright (3)P Aish (1)P Lindsey (1)D Bradford (0)S Hole (2)S Davis (1)S Robinson (1)V Goode (0)Submitted by Anna on 19 Feb 123rd time lucky vs Mitcham for Croydon as 4ths take the pointsWith the 1st's having lost and the 2nds managing just a draw against Mitcham, the pressure was on the 4th's to take the fair share of the points away from Trinity. In first attack were Jon (C), Bryan, Zoe and Angela. While Martin, David, Becky and (playing her first ever game) Sam started in defence. Mitcham started the game a boy light in attack and with two senior players playing down; it took Croydon sometime to adjust to such an unfamiliar system. Croydon were punished with a penalty after 10 minutes of non action, which Mitcham comfortably converted. Another 5 minutes passed before the side finally found some rhythm to their play. Despite missing a penalty seconds earlier, Bryan found the basket from mid range to register the teams first of the day. With Croydon now attacking the section of 3, Becky found her girl (familiar from Croydon 1's match before!) dropping off in an attempt to win the collect. This would only be to her folly though as Becky found the basket twice within a minute to take Croydon into a 3-1 lead. It was just as well for Mitcham that their 4th boy finally arrived at this point to level up the team numbers. Unfortunately, the half lasted slightly longer than the anticipated 25 minutes, and in these extra minutes Mitcham converted one of their free passes as well as a short shot to take the game in level at the break. With some inspirational words from coach of the day Hannah (and some less inspired comments from her assistant Simon!); the 4ths were sent back out with a win on their minds. The response was instant as Bryan found the basket within the first minute sending Croydon into jubilation. With both teams really going for it Jon was clocked in the nose and excused himself for treatment. In his absence Mitcham took full advantage and banged in 3 baskets without reply. With Jon back on the pitch he could do nothing as the referee awarded another penalty which Mitcham converted. Croydon were now trailing 7-4, Martin then scored twice from open play while Mitcham had another two penalties - one missed and one scored. Bryan responded with his third of the game with a lovely long shot from the back of the court. Croydon were now just one behind with the score at 8-7. Martin thought he had levelled with a fine runner but the ref had already blown for a free pass. With perhaps this in mind, before Becky had even thrown the ball it seemed the whistle had gone for a penalty and despite a no doubt loving cry of "MUM!!!" from her son, just as she was taking it... Becky converted. The scored were level at 8-8. Just a minute later Becky was given another free pass and this time didn't need a penalty to score, Croydon were now in the lead! This lasted just seconds though as the previous free pass was evened up in Mitcham's attack and back level at 9-9 we went! With both teams now desperate for a win, the match could have swung in any direction. Fortunately it was team captain Jon Dean who settled the tie with just a couple of minutes remaining, with a cool short range effort. As the whistle sounded (this time on 25 minutes!) Croydon were clearly delighted with a hard fought win. The MVP could be shared between 3 players in particular with Sam putting in an outstanding effort for her first ever competitive game for the club. Bryan run his player ragged while scoring 3 impressive goals and Becky Pratt was superb putting away 4, despite playing against a player who was playing down from Mitcham 1. Well done team!Match Report by Simon | Updated by Zoe Final Score: Mitcham 3 9 vs 10 Croydon 4B Burr (3)M James (2)J Dean (1)D Hughes (0)B Sinclair (4)A Newton (0)Z Shewell (0)Submitted by Simon on 19 Feb 12
3rd time lucky vs Mitcham for Croydon as 4ths take the pointsWith the 1st's having lost and the 2nds managing just a draw against Mitcham, the pressure was on the 4th's to take the fair share of the points away from Trinity. In first attack were Jon (C), Bryan, Zoe and Angela. While Martin, David, Becky and (playing her first ever game) Sam started in defence. Mitcham started the game a boy light in attack and with two senior players playing down; it took Croydon sometime to adjust to such an unfamiliar system. Croydon were punished with a penalty after 10 minutes of non action, which Mitcham comfortably converted. Another 5 minutes passed before the side finally found some rhythm to their play. Despite missing a penalty seconds earlier, Bryan found the basket from mid range to register the teams first of the day. With Croydon now attacking the section of 3, Becky found her girl (familiar from Croydon 1's match before!) dropping off in an attempt to win the collect. This would only be to her folly though as Becky found the basket twice within a minute to take Croydon into a 3-1 lead. It was just as well for Mitcham that their 4th boy finally arrived at this point to level up the team numbers. Unfortunately, the half lasted slightly longer than the anticipated 25 minutes, and in these extra minutes Mitcham converted one of their free passes as well as a short shot to take the game in level at the break. With some inspirational words from coach of the day Hannah (and some less inspired comments from her assistant Simon!); the 4ths were sent back out with a win on their minds. The response was instant as Bryan found the basket within the first minute sending Croydon into jubilation. With both teams really going for it Jon was clocked in the nose and excused himself for treatment. In his absence Mitcham took full advantage and banged in 3 baskets without reply. With Jon back on the pitch he could do nothing as the referee awarded another penalty which Mitcham converted. Croydon were now trailing 7-4, Martin then scored twice from open play while Mitcham had another two penalties - one missed and one scored. Bryan responded with his third of the game with a lovely long shot from the back of the court. Croydon were now just one behind with the score at 8-7. Martin thought he had levelled with a fine runner but the ref had already blown for a free pass. With perhaps this in mind, before Becky had even thrown the ball it seemed the whistle had gone for a penalty and despite a no doubt loving cry of "MUM!!!" from her son, just as she was taking it... Becky converted. The scored were level at 8-8. Just a minute later Becky was given another free pass and this time didn't need a penalty to score, Croydon were now in the lead! This lasted just seconds though as the previous free pass was evened up in Mitcham's attack and back level at 9-9 we went! With both teams now desperate for a win, the match could have swung in any direction. Fortunately it was team captain Jon Dean who settled the tie with just a couple of minutes remaining, with a cool short range effort. As the whistle sounded (this time on 25 minutes!) Croydon were clearly delighted with a hard fought win. The MVP could be shared between 3 players in particular with Sam putting in an outstanding effort for her first ever competitive game for the club. Bryan run his player ragged while scoring 3 impressive goals and Becky Pratt was superb putting away 4, despite playing against a player who was playing down from Mitcham 1. Well done team!Match Report by Simon | Updated by Zoe Final Score: Mitcham 3 9 vs 10 Croydon 4B Burr (3)M James (2)J Dean (1)D Hughes (0)B Sinclair (4)A Newton (0)Z Shewell (0)Submitted by Simon on 19 Feb 12
