Croydon's late comeback not enough against Bearsted Final Score: Croydon 1 15 vs 18 Bearsted 1Toby(4)Vernon(1)Andy(1)Nigel(2)Ross(2)Chelsie(2)Grace(2)Jane(0)Susan(1)Hannah(0)
Croydon 2 edge hard fought victory in 29 goal thriller against Highbury 1Croydon 2 made 3 changes going into their grudge match with 3rd placed Highbury 1 as they attempted to gain revenge for their 15-12 defeat just a month earlier. Ross Carr-Taylor and Becky Pratt joined Kathy Bradford and Pete Lindsey in first attack, while Hannah Driver replaced Susan Wright in a defensive 4, which also included Ed Chaney, Becky Dean and Simon Mills (c). Croydon were looking for a much improved performance on the back of a disappointing defeat to Nomads 3 the week before, but it wouldn't be easy against the physically strong Highbury who had suffered back to back defeats since the teams last met. It was clear from the first whistle that both teams were hungry for the win both working hard and showing what they were capable of. It was Highbury who drew first blood with a long-range effort but Croydon responded immediately. A running in effort saw Highbury lead again but this spurred Croydon on to score two of their own to edge ahead for the first time with the score now 3-2. The lead would not last however, Highbury found the basket 4 times without reply although with half time looming Croydon managed to grab themselves two important goals. This restored their faith finding themselves just one goal down at the break with the score sitting at 5-6 in Highbury's favour. Despite being on the wrong side of the score, Croydon could be proud of a fine first half display. The one improvement needed was the familiar problem of converting enough of their chances. Some encouraging words from Carr-Taylor and coach from the sideline de la Mothe and Croydon returned to the pitch believing they could get the win. That belief must have been shaken however as it was their counterparts who started stronger scoring twice from range to extend their lead back to 3. On another day Croydon might have let this sink them but the hosts were not discouraged and their performance level if anything increased, slamming home 3 goals to silence the visitors support. The belief was evident and an epic second half was on the cards, it certainly didn't fail to live up to expectations. Unfortunately Becky Pratt went down with a nasty looking injury early in the half and was unable to continue. Luckily Anna Jeanes having featured earlier for Croydon's 3rd team stepped up to aid the 2nds in their time of need. Highbury were just as determined not to give up, scoring 3 without reply and after trading another goal each the score now stood at 9-12. However having come back from such a deficit and worse several times already the blues were more than ready for the challenge. In the next few minutes no less than 5 goals crashed in, Croydon scored twice which drew a single from Highbury and this was followed in breathtaking fashion with another 2 from the home side bringing the score level at 13-13. With the final whistle approaching the home support grew louder sensing a grandstand finish. It could have ended so disappointingly as the visitors scored once more and with time running out Croydon were again behind, 13-14. At this time the Highbury coach decided to bring himself into the action to try to guide his team to see the game out, it would prove to be a key moment in the match. The final couple of minutes rushed by in a blur, Croydon scored in a surge of excitement and a draw seemed the most likely result. Then it happened. After a crazy minute in which the recently brought on Highbury coach appeared to make contact on several occasions with Carr-Taylor, the referee awarded first a free pass and then a penalty. Time seemed to stand still in the hall as Pete Lindsey stepped up to take the penalty; everyone held their breath and some couldn't watch. Lindsey, as cool as a cucumber, calmly converted the penalty and as the referee immediately blew for full time the home side roared in delight and the crowd jumped to their feet in euphoria as the blues had somehow claimed a last gasp win. It was an incredible game to watch and a breathtaking display from both sides. Victory for Croydon never felt as sweet, far better than beating a side by a large score line and the side couldn't keep the smiles off their faces. The result should, if there was any doubt before, guarantee Croydon 2 there place in the regional league next season but also demonstrated that the team could get a result against nearly any team in the division. Match Report by Simon | Updated by Simon Final Score: Croydon 2 15 vs 14 Highbury 1Simon(3)Peter(3)Ross(2)Ed(2)Kathryn(1)Hannah(1)Beccy(1)Becky(1)Anna(1)
Croydon 3 win the re-match against Highbury 2The re-match against the team that thrashed us.... were we looking forward to the game or dreading it? We were definitely looking forward to playing on our nice big pitch with more space to move and attack but would it help us more that Highbury 2? An almost rocky start with motorway closures causing Annie and Anna to just scrape in. Our warm-up included Susan Baker (oh wise one), with the experience that you never watch a game unless you have your kit! and she kindly started the game so Anna could settle. First attack was Annie, Ian, Stephen and myself with defense of Dom, Keri, Martin and Susan. Highbury started a girl short in their attack which Susan confidently took control of the post stopping feeds and fighting for the collect. This left our attack to not listen to Ian (we do usually as we value your opinion Ian) we passed around Ian said play it but I feed and Annie sailed passed her girl beautifully and GOAL! Highbury not to be left behind scored so all change. Martin's section was playing well but the ball just wouldn't drop through the korf. It must've touched every edge but the inside. Susan was at the post to assist, Keri did all the hard work for her running in shot but no. Eventually Dom changed his shot from just hitting the korf and scored. By this time we'd had enough of the pressure of misses so Stephen let a goal in so we could show how the other 4 how to attack tee hee! Annie again scored a timely runner and not to be out done Ian followed suit. Dom not wanting to be outdone then scored the next two long shots as the section had settled with Highbury girl coming on so all change again. Highbury scored 6-3 Dom conceded a drop off 6 -4 Anna comes on (I'd let her sort out with Susan when they wanted to swop as very kind to start). All change, Annie lets in a running in oh its getting close 6-5 Dom gets another long and I finally score one of my running ins leaving half time score of 8 to us and 5 to Highbury. Talk was not to loose it, keep going, good shot selection, know where players are etc etc and WIN! Not a great start Dom concedes long shot, Stephen concedes runner thank goodness Anna scored her runner. Dom concedes long shot, then Highbury get a penalty 9 all!!!! Dom scores drop off, Stephen concedes long shot. I score after collect then Martin concedes drop off ooo its 11 all? Step up Anna 2 runners, me another under the post (instruction from Lynda to turn my girl, thank you very much) final goal was a penalty we gave but Paul didn't write who the culprit was unless all four defense thought that's it and picked on a poor Highbury player? so just my little chat at the end to read or not to read... We played well but could have lost game and it would've been our fault. Dom, tighter defense, Ian I'm happy with the voice, Stephen practice pens, Martin its our team, Keri score the runners, Annie good job, me score sitters, Susan thank you very much Anna nicely done. Paul thanks for the facts and what about all those supporters way too many to thank individually, good cheering and support and thanks for Nigel for being the ref! x Match Report by Lorna Previous photo Next photo1 of 7 Final Score: Croydon 3 14 vs 12 Highbury 2Dom(5)Ian(1)Stephen(0)Martin(0)Lorna(3)Annie(2)Kerry(0)Anna(3)Susan(0)
Croydon 4 come up against a Mitcham side firing on all cylindersCroydon 4 could have gone top of the league if they had just got a draw against Mitcham. They had Craig , Ellen, Kay and David in first attack and Janine, Sarah (W) Phil and Jon in first defence. Croydon started brightly and at the start of the first half quite a number of shots went close and Croydon could easily have gone ahead. Then after 20 minutes or so Mitcham scored first and then 3 times more, twice from penalties. At half time Ian and Jon had words of encouragement and Croydon went out fired up to pull the game back, with Kieron replacing Craig. But after a minute Mitcham scored and it was only a question of chasing the game after that, particularly when Kieron had his amazing shot disallowed for defended. (What was that you were saying Emma?) Croydon gave everything but it didn't quite work. This was epitomized by Jon sprinting the lengthe of the section and sliding in to keep a ball in play only to give it to Mitcham who promptly scored! David went close several times and was rewarded with a penalty. Janine tightened up her defensive work considerably and only conceded one goal which was undefendable anyway. Sarah, expecting a fairly gentle easing back into korf life, found herself against a formidable old adversary. Phil found himself against a tall opponent who wouldn't leave the post and it was fair to say that Mitcham had the height advantage all round, not that it worried Kieron who gave his usual good account of himself, picking up where Craig had left off. The twins thought they had left basketball for a non-contact sport but found themselves being hustled for the ball, sometimes by their male opponents. But the adjective 'tenacious ' was designed for them and Kay was rewarded with a couple of overarm running in shots. One couldn't fault the all round effort and at times there was good team work. But ( often because of the taller opponents) the ball wasn't recycled enough which then made some reluctant to shoot for fear of losing possession. But no-one could be disappointed with a position 3rd in the league (like last season) particularly as, for half the team, it is their first season. Well done. Match Report by JonD Final Score: Croydon 4 3 vs 10 Mitcham 2David(1)Philip(0)Jon(0)Kieron(0)Craig(0)Kay(2)Janine(0)Ellen(0)Sarah(0)
Swans sneak 2nd spot with strong first half performanceAfter a slow start in previous weeks, The Swans were keen to start brightly (unfortunately the referee was not!) but with our stand in ref from Mitcham the Swans leapt into a 3-1 lead. Tom George coolly dispatching a penalty and Ben scoring a runner off Jess' feed. Rog scored a rebound before Jess heroically kept the ball in play only for it to fall to a supernova player to score and make it 3-1. Swans wanted a fast start and the game plan was working as Ben's runner and another penalty from Tom made it 5-1. Roger turned the screw scoring a drop off and a runner to really apply the pressure and take a 7-1 lead. Another supernova goal and another runner from Ben took the score to 8-2. Emma finished her penalty well and supernova hit back again taking the scores to 9-3 before Ben finished from 4 metres, 10-3! Tom and Ben linked up well for the 11th goal and executed a move they have tried unsuccessfully in previous weeks. Tom took up the feed position and as both nova defenders were drawn to Ben, Tom backed away and finished nicely for his first Swans hat trick! Swans entered half time 11-3 up and Paul advised that with the job nearly complete it's important to focus in defence! The second half was a different affair and ended 2-2. Rog buried a nice runner and Ben scored a drop off to help close out a very efficient performance! As Paul said at the debrief, Swans have progressed a great deal and we now have the right players in the right positions! Tom and Amy were strong in collect and recycled the ball well! Jess and Emma assisted brilliantly from the feed position. Joe, Joce and Wends moved well and attacked their opponents throughout and Ben and Rog converted their chances. All in all a very well fought victory! Match Report by Ben Previous photo Next photo1 of 6 Final Score: Croydon Swans 13 vs 5 Supernova 4Ben(5)Roger(4)Tom(3)Joe(0)Jessica(0)Amy(0)Wendy(0)Emma(1)Jocelyn(0)
