03Mar02: Croydon 2 v Supernova 2 A much improved Supernova side took on a revised Croydon reserve team at Royal Russell School. Croydon were missing Paul Jeanes to international reffing commitments and Nigel Hudspith to northern drinking commitments. The divisions were re-organised to accommodate Andy Withers and Dave Butters. Supernova also looked to be fielding a strengthened team. Croydon started in determined fashion with two near identical goals from Withers and Jenny Lee-Jacobs from front feeds to each other that looked very similar to the Croydon warm-up drill minutes earlier. Supernova were soon back in the game with some simple goals that Croydon would not wish to see replayed. From then on, the match ebbed and flowed with Croydon never able to turn their 2 goal lead into more as they kept being pegged back by a lively Supernova side, clearly revelling in the larger space of Royal Russell. Some complacency and simple misses on Croydon's part and some good Supernova shooting saw them take the lead just before the break at 9-7. Croydon's half time team talk did the trick though as they soon pulled level and ahead after some long goals from Butters. At 10-all, nerves frayed somewhat in both teams and the scoring dried up before aptly named Julia Hook (unintentionally) cluffed team-mate Sarah George. George bravely left the court with blood streaming from a mouth wound and was replaced by Amanda Furlano. Croydon calmed their game down and were able to pull clear of Supernova at this point after useful goals from Dring, Butters and Withers. With four minutes left and the match delicately poised, 1st team regular Withers was slightly surprisingly replaced by 4th team regular Neil Paterson. Coach Anna Jeanes' decision was fully vindicated though as Supernova gave Paterson far too much room allowing him to shoot at will. Soon one of these shots found its way into the basket and the divisions changed ends with the 2 goal lead intact. Supernova pulled one back quickly with a deft long shot but to the relief of the home side, Hook, Croydon's player of the match, scored a crucial goal under the basket to close out the match, 15-13 to Croydon. Croydon, to be truthful, always looked the better side but were made to work hard by an improving Supernova outfit who, after a recent impressive win over Nomads 2, are proving that they can challenge most teams at this level. Match Report by Andy Final Score: Croydon 2 15 vs 13 Supernova 2There were no Croydon scorers in this game.Submitted by on 23 Oct 05
