Cheam Girls Colts 2006/7

Match report by Katie, Linze and Alfie

Report: Even before the game had begun, there was drama when we realised that we were short of three players (thanks to Linze). Luckily, some hockey players from Nonsuch, who were keen to join Cheam, were drafted in. Surprisingly, the weather was very hot and sunny, lovely for a picnic but possibly not for a tense hockey match. However, we soldiered on through the heat and managed to only let in 2 goals in the first half. After an inspiring team talk from our coach Panksta, we stormed into the second half, giving it 110%, playing a corker of a game. And, then suddenly, it was Kat versus the Wimbledon goalie, one on one. With incredible skill, she pushed the ball past the goalie effortlessly, making the score 2-1. Unfortunately, we could not convert our other attempts into goals, but neither could Wimbledon. When the final whistle blew, it was 2-1 to Wimbledon, but no one was disappointed after our terrific performance.

A huge thank you goes to our three stand in players, one of which had to be a goalie with little experience. Also, thanks to our coach Panksta, Denise and Nicky for organising the teams and, of course, for getting the doughnuts, and let us not forget are very loud supporters. Well done everyone!

Match report by Sara Faulkner

Report: Sunday 11th was a good day for hockey in some respect, but maybe not in accomplishing our goals. We had many attempts at goal, but Purley’s goalkeeper was just too good for our attack. We were short a few players, so both teams agreed to play 10 aside, it was going well. Good possession, good tackles, good running, good goalkeeping. Then after about 20 minutes Cheam started to break, and Lindsay all alone in the opposing circle got the ball. I think the opposition goalkeeper was asleep, she didn’t move. Cracking shot from Lindsay…we were 1 nil up, go Cheam!!! We stopped for half time, jokes were made, tactics were set, and off we went. Purley using their own skill managed to sneak one past us. Then the race was on. Grace fought hard in defence, and had some exceptional play, which she provides for Cheam most weeks. The game picked up, players were flying on the floor, they were all trying to get the ball, or prevent goals. On a Cheam break a superb shot from Clio, if you blinked you missed it! We were now 2-1 up, but Purley were jealous so they placed all 11 players on (1 more than us). Which confused us all, well not Sara, she still went on screaming “defence” or “Cheam, 11 players!” soon after Purley scored an unusual goal. Cheam tried to fight back, however were not successful. This was a great result for cheam, who had improved significantly from their last league game.

Match report by Katie Painter and Linze Gibbins

Report: It was a disappointing first lose of the season, but a close one it was. We had a late push back, at 2:30 and a very dismal first half, with few shots at goal. The game was practically 50-50, with both sides not at their best. After a very uplifting chat at half time, from Louise (aka Panksta) we went out for the first 10 mins of the second half fired up. However, the team suffered a lot of injuries in the second half. Clio was badly injured, getting hit in the wrist, from a dangerous lifted ball. She was sorely missed. We briefly lost Kat in the last few minutes due to illness and Grace pulled a muscle, followed by an injury to her other leg!! Emily had a great shot at goal, just saved by the keeper. We also had a few more good shots at goal, but so did Sunbury, one of which went in. But Cheam didn't give up without a fight, valiantly defending more than 6 short corners in a row, not letting them have a decent shot at goal.

Thanks to all our loud supporters, Louise for coaching us, our Umpires, Derry and Craigy, and of course to our team. Good try girls!

Match report by Lucy Edwards

Report: We began the game strongly with many good attacks and several near misses. The deadlock was finally broken by Lucy, who passed the ball through the keeper’s legs after a lucky deflection from a short corner. After a quick break we got our second when the ball was passed to Emily on the post who tapped it in. It was 2-0 at half time but probably should have been more looking at the amount of possession we had.

In the second half Teddington came out stronger with some decent attacks, catching us on the break. One of these paid off when one of them slid the ball into the far corner making it 2-1. But Cheam kept at it and kept up the dominance and sealed the win when Grace wellied it home from a short corner. Later in the game Kat came close after appearing to be tripped from behind giving her a bloody knee and a swollen finger.

It was a good win and we are currently undefeated! Hopefully we can keep this run going!
Thanks to Pankster for coaching and Craigy for umpiring.

Match report by Cliona O'Sullivan

Report: For the first half of the match, Cheam were mainly in Ashford's half of the pitch, but a lucky break made by an opposing player caught Cheam off their guard, resulting in a goal in the top right corner of Cheam's goal. This sudden incident caused Cheam to put in extra effort which meant a short corner was made in Ashford's D. A shot at the top of the D couldn't be stopped except by a defender's foot. The umpire gave a penulty flick to Cheam, which Kat promptly shot past the goal keeper. After continual drives down the pitch, short corners and shots on goal, we realised that we needed to take the ball around the goalkeeper which is exactly what followed. A pass made at the top of the D by Kat to Clio which was then struck across goal where Chloe was standing on the post, sweeping the ball in first time, straight pass the goalkeeper. Kat then scored the third goal for Cheam which brought us to the second half of the game.

The second half started with Ashford beginning with the ball, which was quickly taken away from them by Cheam. Cheam was again attacking, with Chloe making excellent runs down the right with Katie in midfield for support. With the help of the team Kat made another shot at goal giving her a hatrick. In the last ten minutes of the game, one of Ashford's player (who played for Middlesex) again took Cheam by surprised and shot at goal, scoring the final goal of the match, leaving the score at 4-2.

Thank you to Pankster for coaching us and Jonesy for bringing her support. Well played to the U16s, everyone was excellent!

Match report by Cliona O'Sullivan

Report: From the very start of the game Cheam had the ball in the opposing half, passing the ball with accute accuracy and ball pace. The teamwork of Cheam resulted in a goal in the first half, scored by Kat Boult. Although Cheam had many more shots at goal, and Purley a few, the end result was 1- nil. Cheam played exceptionally well and thanks must go to Jonesy and Craigy for umpiring.