Croydon edge feisty encounter with Trojans 2 Croydon 1 returned to action just 2 days after beating Nomads in Epsom but this time they faced a different challenge in the form of local rivals Trojans 2 on a Tuesday night on their home turf. The section laid out with Kathy Bradford, Ed Chaney, Becky Pratt and Daniel Pratt in the first attack; Hannah Driver, Nigel Hudspith, Grace Stimpson and Andy Withers in the defence. The game got off to a fast start with Trojans awarded and missing a penalty within the first 2 minutes, however it was the visitors who struck first with a long effort. The first half then settled into a very distinct you score - we score routine as each team traded baskets with neither taking a clear lead at any real point. Daniel Pratt struck first winning and converting a penalty, Andy Withers scored a short shot and Trojans responded to make it 2-2. Another Trojans goal from medium range and then one from the penalty spot edged them back in front, only for Croydon to score two more of their own as Ed Chaney and Nigel Hudspith converted medium range efforts (4-3). Trojans then suffered an injury blow as one of their attackers was forced off the pitch, however this didn't stop them from scoring pulling it back again to 4-4 through a Trojan running in shot. Daniel Pratt scored a short shot and another medium from Trojans meant the score was back level again at 5-5. It was around this time that Luke James took the place of Ed Chaney. With Trojans still down to 3 in the returning defence, Croydon were now starting to take advantage with Withers claiming everything under the post and his fellow attackers getting away a number of shots. Hudspith put away 2 of his to give Croydon the first real break through in the game as they now lead 7-5. Trojans unhappy with this change of events called a time out, whatever was said seemed to work as they scored almost immediately after (7-6). The rest of the half returned to a familiar pattern as Croydon scored twice more through the Pratts (Daniel with a long shot and Becky with a short). However Trojans converted a long, medium and penalty to restore parity going into the break with the score now delicately balanced at 9-9. After a busy first half the second half promised another fascinating clash and it certainly delivered, Ellen Swygart replaced Kathy Bradford for her 1st team debut. The second half was a hard fought and feisty affair as both teams seemed desperate to take the points. Trojans injured player returned to the pitch making it 8 vs 8 again. The first few minutes of the second half were rather cagey, it was Stimpson who scored first with a medium shot to give Croydon the lead. It would not last thought as Trojans struck back with two baskets of their own scoring a short and medium effort (10-11). Croydon missed a free pass and were punished as the visitors scored two more ( a long and medium shot) as they looked to take control (10-13). Hudpsith put away a long shot before the hosts missed another free pass but James and Daniel Pratt made up for this both scoring a runner to restore parity (13-13). Again the game returned to its familar you score-we score pattern as Withers (drop off) and Becky Pratt (runner) interrupted Trojans long and penalty goals (15-4). With the game entering the final 10 minutes the temperature was raising as players lost their tempers and both sides pushed desperately to gain a real advantage. A Pratt combination in attack saw Becky win a penalty and Daniel converting to give the blues hopes of a win (16-14) but a penalty conceded immediately after had the home fans sweating again. Stimpson scored from distance but as the clock ticked down Trojans scored again (medium) to keep the game as tight as possible (17-16). Entering the final 5 and were made to rue a missed free pass when James scored a runner (18-16) and as the game neared its conclusions the writing was on the wall as the visitors missed a penalty. As tempers flared Vernon Ellis replaced Luke James to bring a cool head to his section and the game finished with no further incident and Croydon emerging as 18-16 victors. A dramatic and hard fought win against strong opponents which included former international players, Croydon can feel very pleased with this result as they continue their unbeaten run this season. Next up is another difficult encounter as the blues take on Kent based Bearsted in a crucial Promotion game.Match Report by Simon Final Score: Croydon 1 18 vs 16 Trojans 2D Pratt (5)N Hudspith (4)A Withers (2)U Player (2)E Chaney (1)V Ellis (0)G Codd (2)B Sinclair (2)H Robinson (0)K Bradford (0)E Swygart (0)Submitted by Simon on 11 Nov 14
