Invicta 22 v 14 Croydon

After some recent below par performances, Croydon took on Invicta away in deepest Kent. Could this be the game in which Croydon could defeat the Champions and the Premiership favourites, Invicta? Croydon looked to shake things up in their team selection with Andy Withers brought in for Richard Crabb and the divisions re-organised to cope with the current league leaders. This tactic paid off in the first half as Croydon kept with Invicta with some well-fought goals and sharp defence. The first few minutes were played at a blistering pace with neither team managing to score. Invicta finally broke through with a simple drop-off from Scott Brooker. Croydon were quick to pull one back after a foul on Dave Butters saw him step to the penalty spot. Immediately after changing ends Rob Williams slotted home a long shot, and a controversial penalty decision saw Invicta 3-1 up. Invicta drew another penalty after Steve Jones stumbled into the back of his player whilst taking a running-in shot, and it was never in any doubt that Corrine Buckland would convert it. Dave Butters was again fouled while running-in and pulled the score back to 4-2. Kim Jones was then substituted after aggravating a knee injury sustained the previous week against Nomads. Sarah George was brought on as a substitute, who, having only previously played 3 minutes in the Premiership, faced a baptism of fire. The game continued to be played at pace with most attacks resulting in penalties and free-passes rather than field goals, yet Croydon stayed with their illustrious opponents and were only 3 goals behind with 15 minutes left on the clock. Croydon were not inspired but were battling hard and showing more spirit in this match than many of the recent games combined.

Invicta KC2 22 v 9 Croydon KC2

With a change to the starting line-up Croydon started the game brightly exchanging goals until Invicta began to edge ahead after 15 minutes. The partnership of Julia Johnson and Sarah George wasn't as effective in defence as usual mostly due to George playing the majority of the 1st team match before. The pairing of the two MacDonald brothers against Richard Crabb and Nigel Hudspith proved to be a fierce battle, with the brothers eventually coming out on top. Despite some dubious referee decisions for both sides, both sets of players kept their composure and Invicta's greater strength in depth paid in the end as they stretched away to a comfortable 22-9 victory.

Invicta 22 v 14 Croydon

After some recent below par performances, Croydon took on Invicta away in deepest Kent. Could this be the game in which Croydon could defeat the Champions and the Premiership favourites, Invicta? Croydon looked to shake things up in their team selection with Andy Withers brought in for Richard Crabb and the divisions re-organised to cope with the current league leaders. This tactic paid off in the first half as Croydon kept with Invicta with some well-fought goals and sharp defence. The first few minutes were played at a blistering pace with neither team managing to score. Invicta finally broke through with a simple drop-off from Scott Brooker. Croydon were quick to pull one back after a foul on Dave Butters saw him step to the penalty spot. Immediately after changing ends Rob Williams slotted home a long shot, and a controversial penalty decision saw Invicta 3-1 up. Invicta drew another penalty after Steve Jones stumbled into the back of his player whilst taking a running-in shot, and it was never in any doubt that Corrine Buckland would convert it. Dave Butters was again fouled while running-in and pulled the score back to 4-2. Kim Jones was then substituted after aggravating a knee injury sustained the previous week against Nomads. Sarah George was brought on as a substitute, who, having only previously played 3 minutes in the Premiership, faced a baptism of fire. The game continued to be played at pace with most attacks resulting in penalties and free-passes rather than field goals, yet Croydon stayed with their illustrious opponents and were only 3 goals behind with 15 minutes left on the clock. Croydon were not inspired but were battling hard and showing more spirit in this match than many of the recent games combined.

Invicta KC2 22 v 9 Croydon KC2

With a change to the starting line-up Croydon started the game brightly exchanging goals until Invicta began to edge ahead after 15 minutes. The partnership of Julia Johnson and Sarah George wasn't as effective in defence as usual mostly due to George playing the majority of the 1st team match before. The pairing of the two MacDonald brothers against Richard Crabb and Nigel Hudspith proved to be a fierce battle, with the brothers eventually coming out on top. Despite some dubious referee decisions for both sides, both sets of players kept their composure and Invicta's greater strength in depth paid in the end as they stretched away to a comfortable 22-9 victory.

LDKA Premier League: Croydon 3 vs Bec 3

LDKA League 1: Croydon 4 vs North Downs 2