|
PHC Chiswick Ladies 4s v Staines Ladies 3s
With only four games left in the season, Chiswick were looking for a win to cement their promotion plans. Staines came out firing right from the first push back, with an early turn over they then capitalised with a quick play down their left wing and a drive into the D. Chiswick were not expecting such pressure so early on and within minutes found themselves on the back foot, 0-1 down. Despite the early goal, Chiswick did their best to remain calm and worked on moving the ball back up the pitch. With plenty of side line support from Stacey Nevin as well as parents and team boyfriends, Chiswick began to get back into the swing of things. Staines were still attacking strongly, however the defensive tea of Yssie Richards, Jen Holman, Renee De Lepper, Clare Ormerod and Sinead McGeever worked tirelessly to minimalise the amount of playe GK Alice Taylor-Bennett faced. The defensive tea worked well to keep the play out of the D and any that did get through were then dealt with calmly and smoothly by Taylor-Bennett who made some stellar saves. The midfield combination of Emma Milton, Chloe Hole and Sophie Green played brilliantly to both track back and help out the defence and to move the ball up the pitch in attacking phases. It was because of the midfield that Chiswick's forward line were able to get in the game. The forwards had a couple of near misses and a penalty corner that went narrowly wide, but eventually they managed to level the score. From a foul just outside the D, Gemma McIntosh dribbled the ball into the D and took a shot from the top of the circle. Just passing the keeper's pads, she found the bottom right corner and Chiswick went to 1-1 at half time. At half time Chiswick made a tactical change. With Sophie Green out injured and the midfielders being over loaded it was decided that we play four across the mid line with either a forward stepping back or a defender pushing up. At the restart this new formation seemed to have had a positive effect with Staines being held slightly more at bay. Despite this Chiswick did still find themselves defending several short corners early on. Jenni Holman running out on the defending corners however proved too much for Staines and she managed to stop the striker at the top of the circle on multiple occasions. After several close calls, Chiswick finally got some play in their attacking end. A lovely ball down the line from Madeleine Walsh to Laura Bryant gave Chiswick the breakaway they wanted. Laura Bryant with the support of Fay Pullin then went 2 on 1 with the keeper, a nifty reverse stick shot from Laura found the back of the goal and Chiswick went 2-1 up. Trying to maintain the lead the Ladies 4s played their socks off, but the attack of Staines was simply overpowering. Staines quickly equalised and with two minutes left to play delivered a devastating blow that saw them go 3-2 up. Chiswick had played well and had thrown everything at this match, but unfortunately had to walk away without the points. They are now looking to regroup and will be after those valuable 3 points next week as they face second in the league...BRING IT ON! Goal scorers: Laura Bryant, Gemma McIntosh MoM: Alice Taylor-Bennett for some super human saves DoD: Clare Ormerod
0 Comments
PHC Chiswick L6s Vs West Hampstead L5s
Another tough match for the ladies 6s as they faced West Hampstead L5s, who had beaten them 7-1 in their last encounter in November. West Hampstead came out strong, netting an early goal. Unwilling to let history repeat itself, the ladies 6s' defence tightened up with some solid marking. Unfortunately they were unable to find a goal of their own and stood defeated at a more respectable 1-0. MoM: Talwyn for stick-tastic play DoD: Alex aka Frenchie for getting carded Score 0-1 loss This weeks ladies 1s match was what can only be described as a thriller with end to end hockey and 9 goals. It had the hearts racing of players, coaches and supporters from both sides throughout. With the return of Tee Barrack and Rhi Buchanan from injury Chiswick were ready to take on Banbury!
Banbury went out hard at the beginning of the match scoring two goals in quick succession. But Chiswick ladies are not known for giving up and a deflection from Harriet "pocket rocket" Stevenson from Rhi Buchanan's cross (or as we all know a shot that went a bit astray!) brought the score line back to 2-1. Chiswick managed to bring it level to 2-2 with a solid short corner strike from Bex Smith just before half time. Both teams came back out from half time prepared to fight for a win. Harriet Stevenson not satisfied with one goal slotted in another to push Chiswick in front 3-2. Tensions grew and the end to end hockey continued. Bex Smith, for reasons that we are not entirely clear on, was then shown a yellow card and sent to watch from the side lines. Banbury scored two breakaway goals putting Chiswick on the back foot once more. As the clock ticked away Chiswick threw all they had at trying to win the match. A smashing short corner strike from Rhi Buchanan bought the score back to 4-5 but unfortunately there was not enough time to secure a draw. Sorrows were (briefly) drowned at that evenings social but there is still plenty to fight for in this league. Watch out Hampstead and Westminster we are coming for you on Saturday. Following a training session that ended in high intensity attacking drills, the Chiswick ladies 2s were ready to face an always tricky Hendon and mill hill side. After tying 1-1 earlier in the season coach Nick Richards laid out the game plan of high energy, focused attack and controlled defense from the opening whistle.
Possession was easily controlled by Chiswick but Hendon struck first to put Chiswick down 0-1 off a fast break field goal. Super sub speedy Kate Murray entered the game and scored an equaliser in her first minute of play. Tara Feeney scored off a penalty corner deflection off a shot from Danni Petticrew. Zoe Jupp scored a goal in a scramble in front of the goal making the score 3-1 but Hendon quickly answered with a goal off a long corner making the game 3-2. Danni Petticrew stepped up again on for the Chiswick corner team to score the final goal leading the ladies 2s to their 4-2 victory! Man of the match goes to Danni Petticrew for her stellar play all over the field including an assist and goal! Dick of the day tie between Tara Feeney for her impressively timed burps and Zoe Jupp for what we aren't exactly sure. Up next away at Eastcote!  PHC Chiswick Ladies 4s v Southgate Ladies 5s
With only five matches left in the season the ladies 4s were looking for another win to take them a step closer to the promotion. With a comfortable 8-0 win over Southgate last time they met, the ladies 4s were hoping for a similar result, however it was a much closer and tougher match than anticipated. The game started a little to and fro with several turnovers early on, although it wasn’t long until a drive up the wing and into the D found a defenders foot and Chiswick were awarded a penalty corner. It wasn’t converted, but the girls in blue knew it wouldn’t be too long until they got points on the scoreboard. With Emma Milton working at 100% in the midline, the ball was turned over and passed up the right wing to Fay Pullin. Fay set up a brilliant cross to Laura Bryant, who was waiting near the P spot, with her usual composure Laura Bryant slotted the ball to the left off the keeper and put Chiswick 1-0 up. Unfortunately for Chiswick, Southgate were quick to equalise, with a break away play that found the defence in a scramble and the ball dribbling over the line. At the restart Chiswick tried to keep composure, but the girls in blue were just not their usual selves. Some sloppy passes and lacklustre play resulted in several turnovers and the defence being put under pressure. Up at the other end of the pitch, the attack were finding it difficult to convert, several shots went narrowly wide or were saved by their keeper. Finally the girls managed to make a bit of headway, with Laura Bryant following up a penalty corner to work the ball quickly past the keeper and keep her name of ‘two goals a game’ Laura. Laura’s goal took Chiswick to 2-1 up at half time. The half time message was clear; stay positive, play with conviction and use the ‘switch’ and ‘pivot’ to retain as much possession as possible. Chiswick didn’t get the start they were hoping for however, with the opposition coming out firing and scoring early on to level the game at 2-2. The ladies 4s aren’t a team that gives up though. The girls fought back and with stellar performances by Sophie Green and Nicole Shipperley working well down the left the ball was moved up the pitch to Chiswick’s advantage. With the ball travelling into the D from the left, it was now Fay Pullin’s turn to score. Fay received the ball, dragged it across the keeper and tapped it into the goal with ease. Chiswick were now back in the lead. It was hardly smooth sailing for the girls, but they had several more attacking opportunities and finally were awarded another penalty corner for their efforts. Sinead McGeever stepped up from defence to take the straight strike. With all of her family supporting on the sidelines, Sinead struck the ball with an almighty thwack, and scored in the bottom right hand corner, her first goal for Chiswick taking them to 4-2. With 6 minutes to play, Chiswick found themselves in the uncomfortable position of a defending penalty corner, while the first shot was saved, and the second saved with a dive from goalkeeper Alice Taylor-Bennett, Southgate managed to scoop the ball up in the scramble and score taking it to 4-3. With only moments left to play, Chiswick fought as hard as they could to keep possession and maintain their lead. It was nail bitingly close, but the girls in blue just managed to hold on right until the final whistle. With the 4-3 win the ladies 4s are still Top of the Table with a seven point lead and only four games to play. Goal Scorers: Laura Bryant (2), Fay Pullin, Sinead McGeever Man of Match: Emma Milton Dick of the Day: Alex Joss  PHC Chiswick Ladies 6s v Staines 4s
Chiswick Ladies 6s knew they had a tough challenge ahead of them this weekend facing Staines Ladies 4s who are currently third in the league. The game got off to a tough start with the opponents building pressure on the Chiswick defence as they repeatedly surged forward. Within the first few minutes Chiswick conceded a goal but they kept their heads high and came back with some great play from the defence line up to centre midfield Geri Sherwin and Sophia Marcoartu Basterra in right midfield. Staines kept up the pressure and managed to score following a short corner putting them 2-0 up. Chiswick fought back well but unfortunately luck was not on their side and Staines managed to grab another goal before the half-time whistle was blown. In the second half Ladies 6s managed to display some great ball work with tremendous passes from the defence line of Ann Pentecost and Talwyn Whetter into the midfield line. After a period of sustained pressure from Chiswick they managed to come up trumps with a great pass from Geri Sherwin onto Helen Lee which ended in a spectacular goal. MoM: Ann Pentecost for some spectacular passes into mid field and onto the forward line. DoD nominee: Denise Foy for turning up late and eating all the oranges! Score 3-1 loss Scorers: Helen Lee 1 The Ladies 2's came back from their half-term break refreshed and raring to go for a crunch game against second placed Harrow. Motivation was high following some early morning inspiring wisdom from Clara Balfour. What better way to welcome Tee Barrack back from injury and hand second team debuts to Nisha Denton, Caz Buckland and Bethany Evans.
Harrow came raring out of the gates and Chiswick unfortunately found themselves 2-0 down at half time. Coach Nick Richards imparted some words of wisdom and inspired the team to go out there and really fight for the second half. Harrow scored another to make it 3-0 but Chiswick didn't let their heads drop. This lead to some great team play, from solid defence work to some attacking forays which led to numerous short corners. Captain Lindsay Forbes stepped up and hit an absolute belter of a strike to make it 3-1. It could have been 3-2, but a strong strike from Georgie Wilson was ruled out by an early whistle from the umpire, who apologised with the promise of a beer. The game finished 3-1 but Chiswick can hold their heads high having played some great team hockey. M.O.M: Georgie Wilson D.O.D: Also Georgie Wilson, for falling over and sitting on the keeper in the first half, then at half-time realising that she had missed one of Harrow's goals and thought it was still only 1-0. Emotions were high! A must win game for the Chiswick threes to avenge the victory held over us earlier in the season. We were prepared for the battle although our lack of yellow socks tells a different story. With half our team not yet owning a pair yet (at this stage in the season) Lizzy Moir came to the rescue! After a thorough 2 hour hunt for a new hockey stick in the pro shop she purchased the socks. Thanks captain!
The opportunity for a threes bonding session in the beautifully scented changing room (aka the porta loo) was sadly turned down by our captain (Sorry Ellie Reed). Ellie’s suggestion of a warm up challenge to see how many Chiswick ladies can fit in a Porta Loo was sadly also turned down too. With shoulders and ankles taped up by our team paramedic we were up for the challenge. Well maybe not Marie who decided to see out her last game with a beast of a hungover. It was a positive start with early goals from Chiswick. Some great passes from defence to forward line gave Nathalie Dent the opportunity to deliver a stylish cross which was put away by Charlotte Cooper at the post. More hassling up front won Chiswick a short corner. Swept in and put away by Ellie with a stunning strike. Back from injury with another goal not bad at all Ellie! Short corners seemed to be a common theme for Chiswick although I am not sure I (Hazel Posso) understood what this process invovled. Who knew you needed to take the ball out of the D before you strike it? Stupid technicality! Marie De Creme spent most of her time on the pitch trying to sub herself off but Chiswick threes have no mercy and made her keep playing. She had some moments of excellence followed by time spent by the side line slowly dying. Just before half time Hampstead and Westminster got a goal back, making the score 2-1. Some words of wisdom at half time from our captain and supporters Caz, Nisha and Beth and the game was on! It was a tight affair and Chiswick was put under some pressure from Hamstead and Westminster. They were attacking in numbers and our defenders were outstanding in keeping them out of our goal. This nearly cost one of them their head with a lob into the D skimming past Joy Elliott-Bownan. Some great work by Katie Holmes to sweep clear the ball off the goal line kept Chiswick in it for the win. Final score final score: Chiswick 2 Hamstead and Westminster 1. The win was celebrated in true Chiswick style with a game of slap cup and French 21 to bid Marie goodbye. I must say though that Marie was very impressed with our French especially mine! WE WILL MISS YOU RIMA! Man of the Match: Marie for having an awesome season at Chiswick. Sadly we must bid you farewell. Dick of the Day: Yours truly L Hazel for not knowing the rules, trying to strike at goal but missing the ball and swinging at the oppo instead and drunken damage to ankle during team bonding session. Morale was high before push back for Chiswick after some great play the previous week, armed with the confidence that we could perform to the same level of play again. We were lucky to have a number of subs that meant that whilst on the pitch we could work as hard as possible knowing that we could get a well-earned rest on the side line.
The beginning of the first half of the match, Chiswick looked the stronger team with more possession than Eastcote and lots of play in the opponents half. However Eastcote, with a couple of very strong midfield players, great stick skills and speed were able to score a quick goal through the keeper’s legs in the first half. Chiswick had some great passing up the right hand side, with some excellent passing into the D by our midfielders however with strong defensive play from the opposition, Chiswick were unable to score, despite a few chances especially in the 2nd half. Chiswick were holding on to the ball a little too long rather than passing the ball around the opposition that gave Eastcote the opportunity to tackle and retrieve the ball. The pitch was also very quiet and Chiswick would have benefitted from talking to each another more. There were also points in the game where there were some gaps between our midfielders and forwards, as the midfielders retreated to help the defence however the whole Eastcote team moved with one another up and down the pitch as one, rather than holding their positions, enabling them to support one another. Although disappointed by the loss, Chiswick felt they played well and are looking forward to working on some areas of development for their match next week. So it seems it was not meant to be this week - an unlucky goal from Eastcote early on, teamed with the fact that we didn't step onto the pitch with the same fire in our bellies as last week to rally back from their early lead. MoM - Sofia for being everywhere on the pitch, solid effort!! DoD - Sophie for forgetting her skort and match fees Chiswick Ladies took on the Wycombe today in what one describe as a game filled with blood, sweat, passion and tears.
It all began in the warm up when our incumbent captain Lisa Crane began peppering the team with over zealous nuggets of sports wisdom and catch phrases. It was received and heard loud and clear from our northern pocket rocket, whose passion and talking was unwavering throughout the match; with Pras Puna and her, our unofficial sideline commentators who entertained us with their opinions and felt the need to enlighten the referee on the rules of hockey on several occasions, with the referee turning on one occasion towards both ladies in what one would say in a theatrical declaration "I beseech you." They were momentarily silenced. Wycombe came to play and play they did dominate most of the possession and territory in the first half, which resulted in them opening the scoring. That is not to say Chiswick did have their chances and created some wonderful opportunities to level, but went into halftime 0-1 down. Down, but never out of this game. The second half- Chiswick worked tirelessly but without reward and unfortunately Wycombe put another goal in. 2-0 down a rather ominous outcome was on the cards. But not in the hearts and minds of Chiswick. It was all part of the plan lulling them into a false sense of security. Every body loves a comeback. Sitting pretty at 2-0 Wycome were turned inside out and my my my how the tables turned within ten minutes. After some tactical changes, Bex Smith put on her superwoman cape and was everywhere. Through a beautiful piece of team passing Bex Smith produced a fantastic power strike from the right and pulled back the deficit to just 1. Then again Chiswick were back penetrating with countless attacks into the attacking circle. After a series of dubious tackles and a tenacious Bex Smith earning a PC, which was quickly put right and she was given a stroke, much to the annoyance of "Big Red" the Wycome captain. Bex Smith a true proficient of the penalty stroke slotted it in without hesitation. 2-2. Game on! Chiswick persisted and again were back in the circle where Laura Patterson was flipped and took flight mid air but through fantastic advantage played by the referee, Bex Smith appeared again having apparated into a position to pick up the loose ball and power it into the back board. 3-2. Time to consolidate and hold on, we tried but in the last dying seconds Wycombe earned themselves a penalty corner. Kylie Burnett who defended brilliantly denied their first shot, but the ball fell fortuitously for a Wycombe player and she finished it off, slotting it into the net. Full time 3-3. There were some tears at the realisation of drawing with Wycombe and having victory snatched from us in the dying moments, after such a heroic comeback. But the bigger picture was our hope and dreams of getting promoted and winning the league. It has become harder, but not impossible. All is not lost and while this was not the result we wanted or deserved. We take heart that we can still get there and all is not over. DOD- Lisa Cane - Over zealous and passionate display of verbal fireworks of sporting catch phrases MOM- Bex Smith- Hatrick Houdini and never gave up and kept believing! "There's winning and there's losing and in life both will happen, what is never acceptable is giving up." We are still in this, don't give up hope! A week off and then Banbury! |
Archives
December 2016
Categories |
RSS Feed
