Mens 1 xxx
THURROCK I 3 – 2 WALTHAM FOREST II
Thurrock started this NE14 Hockey Div 3SE game top of the table. Thurrock then continued where they finished the previous week, with short sharp passing and some very good opportunities falling to the strike force of Steve Abbott, Matthew Gaut and Jacob Agoro. Thurrock then broke the deadlock when Matthew Gaut was fouled by the Waltham Forest goalkeeper which resulted in a penalty which Steve Abbott converted, 1 – 0 to Thurrock. Waltham then hit back hard but the solid defence of Andrew Sargeant, Tommy Ing and Jorden Salmon kept strong and worked very hard. But then from a quick free hit, Tees broke through with Nick Sheard and Nick Stapleton and were awarded a short corner which was converted by man of the match Steve Abbott. Thurrock went in at half time 2-0 up. The second half was a different matter Thurrock opened the scoring through another short corner by Jacob Agoro flicking the ball into the top corner, but then Waltham Forest came but into the game and with two quick goals on the bounce Thurrock started to get nervy but with some great keep ball Thurrock sealed the 3-2 victory.
The Firsts stay top still one point ahead of Maldon & Little Baddow and five points ahead of third placed Redbridge & Ilford.
Next week Thurrock face Saffron Walden away at 3pm.
Mens 2 xxx
BRENTWOOD IV 0 – 0 THURROCK II
Another tough week for thurrock playing top of the league Brentwood in the NE14 Hockey 6SE, both teams having similar goal difference.
The game was played at a hugh tempo from start to finish, however chances were few and far between. The closest effort of the first half came from a Thurrock short corner which saw Declan Millane hit the crossbar only for Michael Murray to slice the rebound past the post.
The second half was a little heated with both teams striving for the winner, however both defences held firm with Tee’s man of the match Luke Butcher acting like a stone wall to curb the opponent’s attacks.
The game ended in a fair result with both teams taking a point. They are in fourth place three points behind Brentwood who remain top as Saffron Waldon lost.
Next week Thurrock entertain Witham, 11 at Palmers.
Mens 3 xxx
EAST LONDON IV 2 – 0 THURROCK III
Thurrock struggled to make an impact on this NE14HOCKEY Div 8SE game against a strong East London team who dominated the game from the first whistle. Thurrock went behind midway through the first half when a cross from the left was not dealt with and the ball was squeezed inside the far post just eluding keeper Bob Leeks dive. East London maintained their pressure and held Thurrock into their own half, cutting off the supply to the forwards. In the second half Thurrock briefly got into the game and Liam Birch was unlucky to see his shot go wide after latching onto a cross from Jimmy Venus. However East London quickly reorganised and scored their second goal from a short corner. The home team attacked in numbers and only some reflex clearances by man of the match Sam Webb prevented them adding to their score. Midway through the half an injury to Rick Clubb resulted in centre forward Michael Fleming moving into defence and any hope of a Thurrock revival evaporating. Thurrock are hoping to regain their winning ways next week when they play Brentwood at Palmers at 12.30.
They are in fifth place only five points behind leaders Old Loughtonian Woodsmen
Ladies xxx
The ladies section were able to field 3 teams this week and indeed the 1sts and 3rds were in the position of having a substitute. Spirits were high!
LADIES I 2 – 2 TUNBRIDGE WELLS I
This was always expected to be an evenly fought game as both teams were sitting at the bottom of their league. Thurrock showed early dominance with Natalie Beardwell and Tessa Ing linking up very well on the left side of attack. Thurrock were pleased with their performance and clever ‘rolling on and off’ substituting resulted in all players producing a fine performance and goals by Jo Taylor and Lou Pike ensured the team of a valuable point.
Next Saturday Ladies I away to Waltham Forest I
LADIES II 2 – 4 EAST LONDON
The ladies travelled to Mile End for a late 4pm start with a fair level of trepidation as the opponents were sitting very comfortably near the top of the league and the ladies were at the bottom.
Captain Emma Grant said that the teams performance was the best so far and indeed regarded their performance as a ‘win’! A fiercely contested game saw the ladies stretched to their limit and despite being two goals down in the early stages of the match sheer grit bought them back to 2-1 at half time. East London were clearly concerned as they had expected an easy victory. Sally Willett’s short corner was unstoppable and gave the ladies the confidence boost that was so clearly needed.
The second half saw end to end hockey and despite sterling work from the defence two goals were conceded. The ladies did come back very strongly and the speed of attacking partnership Becky Grant and Lauren Marshall proved too demanding for the opposition as they bought the game back to 2-4. It was at this point that East London were put under intense pressure.
A great performance and one that the ladies will now hope is their turning point!
Ladies II home to Old Loughtonians II at 2 pm next Saturday
LADIES III 1 – 1 OAKWAY
The ladies played host to the team that is third in the league and as they are sitting at the bottom a tough game was expected. The ladies fielded yet another new team and welcomed back Tina Turrant after an almost 25 year ‘retirement’! The ladies were in the unusual position of fielding a substitute, which proved invaluable as two players had to leave the field for treatment due to some ‘over zealous’ tackles. Despite playing soundly the ladies found themselves one nil down due to a momentary lapse of concentration from the ‘rock solid defence’. Stand in goalkeeper (playing her first ever game in goal) Eira Booth made two fine saves to keep the score down.
An inspirational team talk from First Teamer Ally Bonner motivated the ladies and her tactics proved inavlauable in the second half as a well worked move between Fay Tuffee, Liz Grey, Jackie Simmonds, and TinaTurrant resulted in Charlotte Adnams firing in the equaliser.
The game became quite one sided with Thurrock attacking with force but all to no avail!
Ladies III away to Old Loughtonians IV next weekend.
The ladies have had their best weekend and the following are all noted as highlights:
· All teams being fully complimented
· A new goalkeeper emerging
1st team fielding a consistent team
