Croydon 1 wobble but see off Nomads 1 At some points in the season, this game was seen by some as a play-off for 2nd last in the table. Fortunately for both sides Nottingham were already guaranteed this position before the match and so this match had less significance. However in a heated match, both teams clearly turned up wanting to win their last game of the season. Croydon were without Dave Butters and so Andy Withers stepped up but were otherwise unchanged. In the reverse fixture earlier in the season Nomads stormed to a 5-0 lead that Croydon never quite recovered from but there was not be a repeat of this as Steve Jones took his 2nd free pass opportunity to open the scoring. Nomads brought a large spectator contingent and they were thrilled as the visitors scored the next 2 goals but a Saskia de Jager goal under the basket brought the teams level at 2-all. Croydon started to play and were soon creating chances and converting them. Nomads, in contrast, were not creating chances and were consequently hanging on. Two long shots from captain Paul Jeanes gave Croydon a 10-5 lead at half-time. Croydon came out of the break with smiles on their faces and were perhaps a bit too relaxed as Nomads got themselves back into the match with three quick goals. And it got worse for the hosts as Nomads got to within one goal at 11-10. However a penalty from Jones and a further penalty against the combative Anna Osbourne for dissent handed the initiative back to the hosts. A huge long shot from Marika Barretto sealed the game as Croydon's 4 goal lead was restored. Nomads didn't give up though and still exchanged goals with their hosts but Croydon were not to be denied and finished the game 17-14 to the good. The season has been a long road for Nomads as, after their lowly position last season, they took the unusual decision to train throughout the Summer. They finished one place better but won't be happy to be nearer the drop than bronze place for another season. Croydon will be pleased with the win after their loss to Nomads earlier in the season but this season is a big disappointment after last year's European qualification. The team has been unsettled by injuries, suspensions and some poor play and will be looking to get back on track next term. Match Report by Andy Final Score: Croydon 1 17 vs 14 Nomads 1Steve(5)Ross(3)Paul(3)Andy(1)Sarah(2)Marika(1)Saskia(1)Kim(1)
Croydon 2 end the season win-less as Nomads 2 sneek a win Croydon 2's form has improved in recent weeks but they have not been getting the results and confidence must be low. They started well with Zu Munshi's unusual style proving effective as he netted two short goals but Nomads were scoring freely and despite a drop off goal (and good celebration) from Dan Pratt and a free-pass from Tammy Kentfield, Nomads pulled clear to lead 5-8 at half time. Penalties were exchanged after the break before Pratt shocked the visitors with two long shot goals and Julia Johnson chipped in with a drop-off. A penalty from captain Nigel Hudspith brought the scores level at 10-all and all to play for. Nomads were quickly on the offensive though and scored the next two goals. Late mid range efforts from Lynda Barker and Munshi were not enough as Nomads ran out 12-13 winners. Croydon 2 will perhaps be glad to see the back of this terrible season, especially after threatening to challenge for the title last season. For unexplicable reasons the 2nd half has seen the team come a cropper at least half a dozen times this season. Despite some good play at times, they never recovered from the loss of Paul Jeanes to the first team, Nick Collier to parts elsewhere and the promotion of other players to the 1st team when required. They will hope for a more settled side next season and will need to step up their performances to avoid this season's ignomy of straight losses in all league matches. Croydon 3 vs Croydon 4 Sunday afternoon saw Croydon 3 and Croydon 4 turn out to provide some pre-1st and 2nd team match entertainment. In the tie of the season, the line up was as follows: In the Green corner: Debby H, Jess, Becky D, Becky P, Mike M, Pat M, Paul, Anna And in the Blue corner: Chris M, Kathy D, Lorraine, Jennie/Carol, Dave S, Dean L, Dan M, Andrew For those that aren't up with who is related to whom, here's a quick run-down. Chris is married to Mike, and they produced Dan and Pat, Pat is friends with Dean whose mum is Lorraine. Becky is the daughter of Steve (who reffed) who met Andrew at Avon Tyrell. Andrew's daughter is Jess, who was playing her first senior match, and first match for Croydon. Jennie started the match instead of her mum Carol, who has been playing for 40 years this year. This is slightly longer than Dave S. Kathy is Becky's sister (not the Becky previously mentioned), and they are not related to Debby. Paul is not related to Anna either. Got that? As for the match is was closely fought but enjoyable. With many "older" players and several newer ones it was a good chance to mix up knowledge and skills. Becky Dean looked like she enjoyed scoring, and I wager we'll be seeing more goals from her in future. Pat managed to lose his defender (Dean) to score a trademark running in shot. Dean managed to lose his defender (Pat) to score a one-handed over head shot that Jonesy would have been proud of. Not sure what Mike was on, but he was leaping and bounding all over the pitch, much to the amazement of wife Chris, who was on the opposing team (for once) and was almost landed on in one of Mike's more youthful jumps. Jess played an excellent first game, stealing several balls from the other team and showing great promise for the future. Andrew and Paul were a fine match for each other, both of them ending up on the floor at least twice I think during the game. Debby, Dave and Lorraine ... what can we say about their game? They used their experience and knowledge and high fitness levels to whiz(!) all over the pitch, shooting, collecting, feeding, passing in a buzz of adrenaline. Did anyone else see that? Second team regular Becky Pratt played an excellent game. Recovering from bron... can't spell that ... she still managed to run faster than most of the other players on the pitch. Anna, playing as a boy, took on the might, and height, of Dan Moore (still not 100% fit). Mother of 2, Anna, looked sprightly and youthful, dashing round the pitch with energy and not a hint of unfitness. It was soon a war of goals between the two players, as first Dan then Anna scored. The final score between the two was 4-3. The writer of this report can't quite remember who scored more though! Anna Jeanes Match Report by Andy Final Score: Croydon 2 12 vs 13 Nomads 2Daniel(4)Zak(3)Nigel(2)Joe(0)Lynda(1)Julia(1)Tammy(1)Anneka(0)
