Cheam Mens 1st XI 2006/7

Report: The last match of the season saw the Cheam superheroes – in fitting style – face arch nemeses Kenley. The mighty Cheam had drawn both earlier matches against the side, despite sitting far above them in the league with a superior goal difference of almost 50 goals. Could Kenley be their Kryptonite? A testing final chapter was expected.

From the off, Cheam showed great strength, maintaining possession and webbing the ball across the pitch with superhuman speed. The away side launched a flurry of attacks inside their opponent’s ‘D’ but the Kenley keeper did well to keep his side in the game. Then, against the run of play, the old foe scored an opener. An unbeaten season was under threat.

The superheroes rallied hard, but the Kenley goal had lifted the home side, who took possession more so than before. The mother of all goalmouth scrambles saw a goal for Cheam which was later disallowed amidst much confusion. The adversaries pressed the Nonsuch XI and dominated the remaining minutes of the first half.

From the second half whistle, Cheam got straight down to business. From pushback, Gareth Lautenberg and Andy Wright linked up with X-ray vision. The front man’s through ball attempt was intercepted, but his spider sense was tingling…With cat-like reactions, he reclaimed possession and slotted away a Cheam equaliser – with less than 10 seconds of the second half played. KAPOW!

Cheam piled on the pressure, hungry for more. Was it a bird? Or a plane? No; it was A. Wright again. WALLOP! 2-1.

Alas, the heroes were brought back down to earth with a well-finished Kenley goal: a ball launched into the Cheam ‘D’ saw a sneaky deflection that found the net. The score was level.

But with great power comes great responsibility, and Cheam owed it to themselves to avenge their foe. So, the final 15 minutes saw super striker Andy Wright taking out the trash – not once, but twice.

Reports of Andy Wright taking a telephone call at half time remain unfounded.

Report: Last Saturday, Cheam faced a potential make-or-break game at home against Sanderstead: word was in that only one team would be promoted from Surrey Div 2. Cheam were top of the league but Surrey Old Boys followed closely in second place, and it was vital that Cheam won all remaining games to keep their fate in their own hands.

Sanderstead began strongly, holding possession relatively well at the beginning of the first half. A number of their attacks were led by their centre back, who proved strong on the ball and a challenge for Cheam to deal with. Part way through the half, Sanderstead opened the scoring, and the pressure really was on for Cheam.

The home side began to find cracks in their opponents' defence and much counter-attacking play came from the right wing. Chances were created – but none converted. As half-time drew closer, Cheam piled on the pressure but were not rewarded.

After the break, Cheam pressed Sanderstead harder than before until Andy Wright drew the scoreline level with a reverse sweep that saw nothing but net. The home side piled on the pressure for the remainder of the match and a winner seemed due – but sadly never came. Despite Cheam dominating their opponents even more so than in previous encounters, the lack of short corners won was disappointing.

Ultimately, the fate of the Cheam 1st XI is now down to both their final fixture and the performance of Surrey Old Boys.

Report: Our Nonsuch heroes journeyed to the depths of Croydon on Saturday with the task of slaying sleeping dragon Croydon MOs, who sat at 5th place. Having lost 5-0 in the first encounter, Croydon bit back at Fortress Nonsuch with a 2-2 draw, robbing Cheam of 2 crucial points. Could our heroes put this foe to rest?

Croydon began with particular confidence on the ball, leaving the heroes singed – but not burnt. Cheam were quick to gain control and, from a penalty corner, a chance fell to Andy Martin, who slotted the ball to the left of the dragon’s den. 1-0.

Midway through the half, Andy Wright was carded, giving the Croydon beast a chance to claw her way back. Alas, Gareth Lautenberg finished a solo run, striking a reverse stick nutmeg with furious anger. The beast was bleeding, but she was not dead.

The second half began with another Cheam onslaught. A defender was struck by the ball on his greaves, and a penalty flick was awarded to the heroes. Richard Eggleton bravely stepped forward and delivered a mighty blow to the belly. There was much rejoicing.

The Croydon beast saw red, and one of her henchmen blew hot air. He was dishonourably discharged, and our heroes took full advantage. Faraz Shibli struck a reverse sweep to silence his critics (you know who you are). Be it legend or myth – we may never know – but some swore they heard the backboard cry.

The last 10 minutes saw the heroes relax – perhaps too much so. The dragon delivered a dying blow, leaving the score at 4-1. When the final whistle blew, the beast lay slain; her spirit vanquished. The Cheam heroes feasted and rejoiced, and went back to their wives to fight another day...

Report: Cheam vs Met Police

For the second time in a week the Police visited Fortress Nonsuch and obviously feeling they were overrun on the pitch they took the interesting step to sacrifice their goalkeeper and play with 11 on the pitch. An interesting decision but not really supported by the work rate given by certain members of their team up front which meant that once again Cheam ran the Police ragged. Despite their recent decision to re-form the Police seemed to lack that ‘Sting’ they had in previous years.

Cheam’s greatest problem was overcrowding as the opportunity to score seemed to great and the Met sat back. James Tebbs opened the scoring with a sublime effort from 6 inches (it proved harder to repeat later in the half). Andy Wright scored twice with a double reverse strike and completed his hat-trick in the standard way. Gareth Lautenberg added one and Martin Petts joined the party with a superb solo effort. Just before half time James Tebbs scored a second to celebrate his return to scoring form and at half time Cheam were 6-0 up.

The second half delivered much of the same and Gareth Lautenberg completed his hat-trick including a Penalty flick and a goal scored after Faraz Shibli selflessly let the ball go. Mark Atherton set up Andy Wright for two more and fittingly he completed a double hat-trick with a sweet strike. Richard Eggleton joined the party and when the whistle went Cheam had racked up 13 – certainly not unlucky. This was a superb performance in a difficult situation and Cheam completed the job with aplomb.

Man of the match was Andy Wright for the feat of 6 goals in a game.

Report: Sunday is usually the day of rest but not this one as Cheam played their rearranged fixture against the Met. Both teams appeared under strength with Cheam missing a number of key players in Andy Wright, Keith Boyce, Martin Petts, Andrew Defty, and Bob Stiff. Never fear because up stepped Alex Gillespie, Matt Hall and the returning Doug Gordon. The Met were missing that eleventh player, who are clearly suffering from there being more ‘bobbies on the beat’.

From the start Cheam dominated harassing the Police from all angles. An early penalty miss saw Gareth Lautenberg redeem himself with a crisp finish to break the deadlock. Now I would not say this opened the flood gates but it certainly weakened them as some chances were missed but others were scored. Mark Atherton was on hand to turn in a scuffed, post bound shot from Omar Shibli and Richard Eggleton continued his rich goal scoring form to take us into half time 3-0 up.

An eagerness to score was blamed for not being more goals up and this was taken slightly too far in the second half as there seemed to be no eagerness at all. The only activity was the incessant moaning of the Police.

It was not until the last ten minutes where Cheam were able to get a grip back on the game and it was the arrival of debutant Alex Gillespie at the far post who heralded this resurgence. Gillo had a great game on the left and exploited the acres of space he had to terrorise the Police defence. Gareth Lautenberg added the final goal and Cheam finished 5-0 up and opened up a gap at the top of the table. Man of the match went to Alex Gillespie.

Report: This was it – the weekend of hockey was upon us. Reports of fans arriving at the Nonsuch on Friday night to pitch their tents for this Festival of hockey were rumoured across Cheam Village and shop owners let their staff off for 2 hours to allow them to be part of this historic event.

Only 4 goals separated these two teams and the winner was likely to secure the title – nuff said. This was big.

The game began at a ferocious pace from the first whistle as both sides tussled for the advantage. At the back Cheam held firm and Andy Oldale was back in time from his honeymoon to prove why he is the best keeper in the league, denying the ex students in a one on one and controlling his area. Cheam commanded and it looked like a goal could be scored at anytime. At half time the scores were level and while this could be considered a good position a number of attacking opportunities had been missed with a number of clear short corners being overlooked. Anyhow, Cheam continued to stand firm and make their own chances with Richard Eggleton having the better of his marker but not able to beat the keeper for the Old Boys.

When the final whistle went a draw seemed to be a fair result with both teams missing the opportunity to steal the three points. The only surprise was that it was a goalless draw. For Cheam, their job was done and the pressure lies on the students to score goals in their remaining games. Man of the match was the married man in Goal – well done Stumples!

Report: In previous years Goan was the bogey team for your Heroes – watching them it was difficult to fathom what the problem was but we just could not beat them. This year was different 2 games, 2 wins and 16 goals scored meant that this game was now more of a game to improve our goal difference. However a couple of post Christmas slip ups meant that this game could not be taken likely and it was imperative that this opportunity was exploited to make it harder for the ex students at the top.

A beautiful spring day in Croydon started brightly with the usual array of freedom on the pitch to pass the ball around and exploit the gaps. The main problem was a very slow and sandy pitch which made it harder to move the ball. I think this is the best excuse for going in at half time only 1-0 up, as Cheam missed a host of chances to punish their opponents. Richard Eggleton scored the only goal.

A half time team talk free of blame, arguments and death threats Cheam came out determined to play their successful brand of hockey. Playing this way Cheam looked a lot more comfortable and pushed Goan back into their half. Two goals from Andy Wright, another from Richard Eggleton and a penalty flick from Gareth Lautenberg gave Cheam a deserved if not slightly less impressive 5-0 win but one with some great goals. Next week Cheam has a date with destiny…and some smelly students.

Report: Always a fiery game this was to be no exception when the fortress Nonsuch was the stage for the latest of the Cheam Heroes journeys to glory with a tough game against Kenley. Already missing was Stumps in goal, and with Frosty injured and Krish sking up stepped Sparky to talk his place between the posts for his 1stXI debut.

After a shaky start Cheam settled and Andy Wright stepped up to strike a short corner hard into the backboard and Cheam took a 1-0 lead. Kenley equalised from a short corner themselves and things went from bad to worse for the Heroes when Andy Martin injured his hand when the ball struck him hard.

The second half started sluggishly and Cheam could not exert their usual dominance Kenley used this to their advantage and took the lead. As Cheam fought back Kenley had no answer and Richard Eggleton slotted home calmly to equalise. From then on Cheam looked the better side and it was a relief but no surprise when Richard Eggleton repeated his earlier goal and put Cheam 3-2 up with barely 5 minutes remaining.

But there was a further twist to this story when in the last minute a penalty flick was awarded against your Heroes. Kenley converted and there was no time to come back. 3-3 and the title race was suddenly a lot closer.

Report: This was a massive game for the Cheam Heroes, to confirm that they are still the frontrunners for the title. A strong Cheam side lined up ready for a tough game and the first half performance delivered. Cheam showed they were the better side and the Cheam goal remained relatively free of action while Sanderstead played much of the half on the back foot. A commanding performance was needed and a deserved breakthrough came when Andy Martin turned the ball in at the near post from a short corner. The remainder of the half saw a battle fought out between two good sides and a second half of fun was ahead.

The second half was fun…for Cheam!! They continued to push forward refusing to sit on their lead and although no goals were added the final whistle signalled a deserved and important win which never really looked in doubt. Even in the final stages Cheam looked the most likely to score and Sanderstead were unable to get into the Cheam box to equalise. A superb team performance.

Report: Sometimes we play games you would rather forget – fortunately the lateness of this report as made this more of a reality. I genuinely cannot remember much about this game, so I have decided to go with the odds and report what I believe is most likely to be the truth….

Ian Boyce was brilliant commanding the pitch from left back…

Ok so maybe not exactly right.

This game was going to be a real test against an improving Croydon side and made harder by severe disruption to Cheam’s Christmas fixture list caused by the police. While I imagine you are thinking that the most likely cause was the police forcing Cheam to abandon the ever popular Christmas fixtures due to severe fan congestion in the village, you would actually be wrong. On two occasions league moaners Met Police were unable to raise a side, the second time after Cheam had arranged the whole fixture and had to cancel a post Christmas friendly, only to be let down on Friday night.

But back to this game - Cheam went into half time with a 2-0 lead after a less impressive performance but certainly doing enough to go in to the break in front. James Tebbs and Jimmy Rayner getting on the score sheet from two set pieces – great stuff.

The second half is best forgotten. Cheam did not do what has brought them success and looked lazy. While they still looked the better team the score did not look like it was going to improve and it didn’t…it got worse. Two attacks from Croydon and they nicked two goals. A poor performance by Cheam compared to their new standards they have set for themselves but credit to Croydon who stuck it out for a point.

Report: The postponement of Cheam’s last league game before Christmas meant that this game brought on added meaning to ensure that Cheam were in good shape to enter the new year.

With a number of senior players missing it gave the opportunity for Matt Hall, Mario and Matt Laidman to step up.

A strong Addiscombe side started brightly and stretched Cheam finding gaps through the midfield and applying pressure. As the half counted down Cheam began to relax and organise themselves to get back into the game. Matt Laidman on the left caused all manner of problems for his marker and after a couple of missed chances he converted to put Cheam ahead. Andy Wright hammered the goal with shots from the top of the D and after winning a short corner Keith Boyce duly converted and Cheam headed in at half time 2-0 up.

The second half started with a scare as Cheam got lazy and at the back Mark Frost in goal was left stranded. In a short period of time Cheam had gone from 2-0 up to 2-2. From here on Cheam regained their focus and produced a disciplined performance to finish. Matt Laidman who had got an appetite for scoring in the first half feasted for the second half and produced a sublime display. The 14 year old wonder-kid completed his hat-trick and received the much coveted Man of the Match award as a result.

The final goal was scored by debutant Matt Hall who work tirelessly up front along with Mario in midfield.

Report: This top of the table clash was billed as the clash of the season. A fast improving Surrey team were looking to avenge their previous defeat while Cheam knew the importance of this game in achieving their title aspirations. The game saw a league debut for 14 year old Matt Laidman. Despite appearing up to the challenge Cheam started slowly and the usually frugal Cheam defence conceded two sloppy goals and found themselves 2-0 within the first ten minutes. Surrey Old Boys dominated and were camped out within the Cheam half as Cheam were on the back foot.

In the whole half Cheam managed only one attack, which fortunately we were able to convert when Bob Stiff finished well to close the gap to just one.

At half time a stern talking to and a tactical change transformed the game with Cheam pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Surrey continued to press forward also making for an exciting end to end half. With 5 minutes to go it appeared that Cheam was heading for their first league loss of the season. James Tebbs brought a great save from the keeper to be denied and the luck just was not with Cheam.

A final opportunity came with a short corner as the final whistle went. All of Cheam came up and the unthinkable happened when Keith Boyces shot went straight to Andy Wright who poked the ball home. Cheam erupted and the game ended 2-2. This game was a game played in good spirit and hard fought and gave Cheam an invaluable point.

Man of the Match was Andy Oldale who’s saves had kept Cheam in it. An excellent second half performance.

Report: After a well earned mid season break the Cheam Heroes returned to the Home of Hockey at the Fortress Nonsuch to face Goan – last years bogey team. This year however a revitalised Cheam team defeated Goan 8-1 earlier in the season and were hoping for a repeat this time.

A bright but leisurely start by Cheam was kicked into gear with a potential for goal of the season – certainly team goal anyway. Starting the ball from the back the ball made its way up across the pitch and back before being crossed in and then buried by Andy Wright to open the scoring. Cheam were relentless in their onslaught and further goals from Keith Boyce and James Tebbs meant that Cheam went in at half time 3-0 up. The balance of the game was so one sided that Cheam were disappointed with this scoreline.

The second half was much of the same as the Goan goal was peppered from all angles. The only thing stopping Cheam was some tough illegal challenges from the usually aggressive Goan team, who were lucky to keep 11 players on the pitch. As they became more frustrated Cheam was able to exploit the space and further goals from Richard Eggleton, Andy Wright and Keith Boyce saw the game finish with a Cheam 8-0 victory. Both Andy Wright and Keith Boyce completed hat-tricks.

Man of the Match went to Keith Boyce with Andy Wright coming close. Both converted their chances and controlled play up front and in the midfield.

Report: Billed by many as the clash of the season this top of the table fixture drew in the crowds - so much so that it was reported that Cheam Village faced early morning traffic jams all the way into Worcester Park as spectators tried to catch a glimpse of their heroes at the Fortress Nonsuch.

After both teams respectfully observed a minutes silence the game got underway. A confident looking Cheam looked to preserve their top of the table status and extend the gap between the sides to more than just goal difference. Starting brightly both teams held the ball well…until a good old stick tackle would break up the play. The umpire made his presence felt by flashing sending a few warnings at both teams but quite harshly brandished 3 cards at Cheam players – a statistic that did not reflect either side being overly aggressive. After last the time being a man down Cheam took the lead. After gradually taking a hold of the game Cheam won a short corner which Keith Boyce duly converted after great work from both Andy Martin and Bob Stiff to complete the routine. Up until now Cheam did not look like conceding despite seeing less of the ball. The goal saw a greater confidence emerge and Cheam began to look like extending their lead. A dubious short corner awarded against! your heroes and a bobbling shot saw the crowd silenced and quickly the game turned. The usually miserly Cheam defence conceded their third and fourth goals of the season after failing to clear and Cheam went into half time 2-1 down.

The talk at half time focused on character – this team usually famed for falling at the last hurdle had a new attitude which was to be tested for the first time this season. The second half saw a complete change with space being created and Sanderstead hardly getting a look in. From the offset Cheam attacked using the space they created to attack down the wings and spread the play. Sanderstead had little in response apart from that valuable lead which was all that would count at the final whistle.

Cheam made their dominance pay and the only surprise was that the equaliser took so long to come. The ball started on the left and moved round the defence to the right where Dougal Monk’s Cross was met by Andy Wright who buried the ball hard into the back of the Sanderstead net. The jubilation felt by all was shown and all associated with the Claret and Blue were thirsty for more. This thirst was quenched when a short corner, won by James Tebbs, saw Keith Boyce’s shot only parried by the keeper into the path of Andy Wright who managed to bundle the ball home for his second and Cheams third.

The scoreboard never looked like changing from here on and while Cheam pushed forward and held the ball Andy Oldale in goal was hardly threatened. Unlike last season Cheam looked confident on the ball and did not give their opposition the chance to get back into this game. When the final whistle went the right team collected the points and not many would argue with that. Cheam sit proudly at the top of the league and well done to all concerned. Keith Boyce was voted man of the match. Keith has looked completely at home in his new role and in this game he exerted his influence to win the ball and set up attack after attack. He controlled the game and continued his goal scoring form. A big effort from Big Brother….

Sympathies go out to the Sanderstead centre back who gave an accomplished performance before breaking his arm. In obvious pain from a bad injury, all at Cheam wish him a speedy recovery.

Thanks must go to all the supporters that turned out, giving valuable support when it was most needed, especially the Ladies 1s who turned out in force and all those who shared this weeks success...we love you guys!

Report: Week 6 of Cheam’s Men’s 1’s campaign for promotion saw us travel to Croydon MO home ground on a cold Autumn morning. With great support from our back room staff, namely Phil Smith (Waterboy and Nutritionalist) and James Mantle( Camera crew).We turned up confident with 3 wins on the trot. With some last minute tactics sorted, the whistle went for Pushback.

Cheam started slow with Croydon getting a shorty in the 1 minute of the game, which our defensive unit dealt with. This was a quick wake up call for Cheam who started to play there style of Hockey, controlling the ball and moving it around with ease.

An Attack from the right resulted in Saffa getting the ball in the D and ‘tactically’ missing the ball, before Keith Boyce stepped into slot the ball home. 2md Goal was a clinically worked short corner with KB striking the ball far post for Andy W to deflect in. 3 rd goal was a fantastic long ball fro Ian ’Phil Neville’ Boyce to pick out Bobby S who coolly touched the ball past the despairing Croydon Keeper. With Cheam running supreme by now and at full speed ahead. Athers decided to make an appearance. Another Shorty for Cheam , which after scrambling the ball around the D, it fell to Andy ‘Fortress’ Martin who slotted home from a tight angle. 5th goal, a shock to all of us, Athers popped up at the far post to tap in and seal a solid 1st half. 0-5 lead.

The 2nd half was decidedly less uneventful. Cheam controlled the ball for long periods of time and sealed our 4th victory from 5 and kept our spot at the top of the pile for another week.

‘Fortress’ Martin was voted Man of the match- 2nd time in 3 weeks!!!

Report: Cheam vs Met. Police

As regular followers of the 1stXI I know you would have seen this match up and barely been able to control yourself at the thought of these two giants up against each other. Last year both teams just lost out on promotion but this year the Police were struggling, languishing at the bottom of the hockey hierarchy. However as expected all teams get up for the Cheam fixture and for the first time this year the Police fielded a full squadron of players.

It was an unusually subdued start by your Cheam Heroes – not looking in trouble but just not taking control of the game as they have got used to….perhaps the presence of the Police was a little too close for comfort for a few of the Cheam Boys. Or perhaps it was simply that the previous night was catching up with some.

No worries though because we took the lead. A second short corner after an illegal Police blockade saw the crowd erupt as Keith Boyce calmly converted the second short corner to give the keeper no chance and Cheam a 1-0 advantage. Now I am not one to criticise however it was at this point that the police collapsed and lost concentration. Feeling aggrieved by the decision they tried to overturn the verdict with a constant barrage of abuse at anyone that would listen – in fact I would say abuse would suggest it was hostile…not even that just good old fashioned moaning. Well done to them however as they did manage to keep this up for the rest of the game. From then on they managed to whine at the umpires decisions, whine at your Cheam Heroes for not admitting a foul (incidentally, the only time they were quiet was when they were happy to ignore their own fouls – can’t have it both ways boys!) Objection – sustained!!

Cheam did not mind however as they had their heads firmly in the game and exploited Police indiscipline. Quick attacks saw Gareth Lautenberg and Andy Wright put killer balls through for Faraz Shibli, who wasted none of the police time to convert. The second goal was sublime as he lifted the ball over the keeper perfectly. Half-time came and 3-0 was a good way to go in.

The second half continued to be an open affair with both teams attacking hard. Cheam probably had the best chances to score but could not convert until late on when Bob Stiff bundled the ball home after an Andy Wright shot. Martin Petts was a constant threat down the right side and the ever reliable Stumps in goal protected the lead. The only other point to note is that we had a brand new foul called by the Police – a professional foot…work that one out!
4-0 was the final score and Cheam sit proudly on top of the league. Man of the match was Andy Oldale who pulled off some great saves to produce the second straight clean sheet.

Report: This week it was the turn of the former tax dodging students to visit Fortress Nonsuch and they must have been quivering in their boots after seeing the style of demolition that the Cheam Heroes dished out the previous week. Unfortunately the only person quivering in his boots was our beloved skipper – who had been presented with the selection dilemma of late drop outs from illness and injury of key players,Messrs Wright and Petts as well as having to face the Old Boys Army who had managed to bring along an army of players on their team bus.

With a slightly changed formation Cheam embarked on another 70 minute whirlwind adventure into the unknown. This game also carried the added emotion that it was Jimmy Rayners final swansong before his travels to the Southern Hemisphere to recruit players for next year.

That is one of the longer introductions I have managed and that is mainly because there was very little to note in the game. Not to say it was bad but more hard fought with fewer chances. Cheam played solidly and confidently against a hard pressing Old Boys attack. Midway through the first half the deciding goal was scored and it can’t be more fitting than for the travelling Jimmy Rayner to bundle the ball in. 1-0 Cheam.

In this game Cheam showed what had been lacking in previous years – there was the usual flair but this was accompanied by determination and grit in grinding out a result. The expected threatening Surrey attack was nullified by an excellent defensive performance especially from Keith Boyce and the 4 goal hero James Tebbs. Keith played a superb game at the back and commanded the back line and James slotted into the defensive line superbly well. A tactically astute move by our skipper who had the confidence to move a proven goalscorer backwards…not many would have thought of that. Also worth commendation is Andy Defty who put in a much needed spirited performance despite injury and Mark Atherton who returned to the front line and worked tirelessly up front to cause all sorts of problems for those youngsters. Bob Stiff was also part of Captain Shibli’s plan to turn all forwards into defenders/midfielders and he put in a superb performance to hold the center of midfield. So o! nce again I digress however it was a great team performance and a much deserved confident win. Well done Boys! Man of the Match was Andy Martin who was a rock at the back and made defending look easy – top work fella.

So there it is – see you next week.

Report: Cheam vs Goan

As starts go you thought last week was bad – this week we reached a new level when 50% of the team turned up late. After last week the need to start well was made clear, so this week your Cheam Heroes had a point to prove - and this week we delivered. From the start Cheam looked composed and patient in possession. For long periods Cheam held possession looking for gaps in the defence and the Goan goal was regularly peppered with shots. It was not long before Cheam broke the deadlock with the returning Andy Martin turning in from a short corner. Cheam continued playing faultless hockey….until we conceded from a rare Goan attack. 1-1. Thankfully, this was the only attack Cheam suffered, as the remainder of the half was wave after wave of Cheam attacks from all angles. The midfield pressed forward and Andy Wright worked tirelessly up front. It was no surprise when Cheam took the lead, but the manner of the goal was the most pleasing. Starting from the bottom corner of the p! itch the ball moved from left to right and back and finished with a ball slotted across the D to the on rushing James Tebbs who did the hockey equivalent of ‘slam dunking’ the ball in the back of the net….the crowd (Athers) went wild.

The remainder of the half was a combination of Cheam goals (from an Andy Wright short corner and James Tebbs) and regular stoppages caused by Goan arguing with certain correct umpiring decisions. Unfortunately for them Cheam managed to take advantage of this lapse in concentration and went in 4-1 up.

The second half was all one way traffic with Cheam camping in the Goan half and looking like they would score with each attack. The only low point came when the whole team at different points throughout the half retaliated to some questionable decisions and tactics from the home team. Despite this, Cheam pushed forward and converted a further 4 goals with Andy Wright adding another to his tally and Jimmy ‘goal a game’ Rayner. But the real star of the day was the energetic James Tebbs caused havoc in the Goan defence and finished with a personal best of 4 goals. Rightfully, he received the coveted Man of the Match award.

Report: The season is finally is under way....

The Cheam men turned up at Kenly’s new home ground, confident for the new season ahead. After a heavy downpour it was game on. Cheam started slow, with a determined and organised Kenly side starting the stronger of the two teams. Cheam defence looked good but the as a unit unable to get a hold on the game. The pressured told and Kenly scored a scrappy goal from open play, after a wave of attacks and short corners.
Cheam switched on after the goal, finishing the 1st half with a few chances and were starting to look more like the side the league was expecting to see.

Half time

After an inspiring team talk from our leader and some news idea's from Athers. We took the field ready to get back onto level terms with Kenly. With some flowing hockey and better constructed attacks, the tables started to turn and Cheam’s hard work was rewarded by Faraz popping up at the far post to slot home the equalizer.

This opened up the game and left an exciting 15 minutes in store for the 20 people strong crowd gathering. With end to end hockey and a couple of chances for both teams but neither able to take advantage, the final whistle signalled the honours being shared on the opening day of the season.

Faraz Shibli was voted Man Of Match!!!

Report: This regular fixture has always been a tough fixture against opposition in the league above, however it provides a good basis to approach the league season. Andy Oldale returned to the posts after getting the all clear from the hospital over his insect bite…(I think it was a little more serious but an insect bite was definitely involved somewhere).

For once Cheam were switched on from the start and after dealing comfortably with some early pressure Cheam showed they were going to be a tough match. Mid way through the first half Cheam took the lead from a hit outside the D that split the defence and saw Jimmy Rayner left open, and bury the ball in the back of the net. The remainder of the half was balanced with both teams creating chances but it was Cheam went in at half time with the advantage.

The second half saw Walton raise their game and exploit a tiring Cheam side. Pressing the ball hard Cheam started making mistakes and it was not long before Walton equalised and then took the lead. The game ended 1-3 to Walton and although disheartened Cheam responded well to tough opposition. Frustrations showed highlighted the high expectations that the team has and the desire to perform well – something that will consistently be achieved if we continue along this road we are on. Its going to be a good season. Next week the League begins…..

Report: The sun shone on Fortress Nonsuch for this League warm up between the Men’s 1s of Cheam and Leatherhead. For Cheam, this was a chance to show some early promise and set the tone for the new season.

Cheam started well with a promising 2 minute burst of energy where they ran the opposition ragged, however as both teams settled so did the pace and the game turned into a scrappy affair. On paper it was a surprise when Leatherhead took the lead however from the balance of play they deserved the lead. Cheam were punished for repeated errors and it was the much needed reality check that your Cheam Heroes needed.

Errors continued but an improved work rate saw Cheam get a much deserved equaliser, but not before Gareth Van der Lautenberg missed from the penalty spot, forcing a good save from the Leatherhead keeper.
At half time the sides went in level thanks to new signing Andy Wrights strong finish on the reverse side left the keeper with no chance. The reaction of the home players showed that they knew they had to up their game.

After a stern half time talk a revitalised Cheam Team stepped onto the hallowed artificial turf. The performance to follow proved what this team can do and Leatherhead did not get a look in. The ball was sprayed all over the pitch stretching the opposition lines and opening up gaps to exploit. It was really good hockey to watch and pre-season fitness work proved invaluable. Goals from Gareth Lautenberg, Jimmy Rayner, James Tebbs and a second from Andy Wright gave Cheam a 5-1 win.

Report: A baptism of fire would be an understatement when describing the Surrey Cup draw – but even better it would also be our first game of the season; nothing like a comfortable 3-game run out for the pre-season warm up. Our first game against hosts Woking allowed us to try out a new formation against a team 3 divisions above us and to start with Captain Shibli looked like a master tactician as Saff dispossessed the Woking Centre back and slotted the ball coolly home. 1-0 Cheam. Sadly, this was short lived as Woking got back into the game and at half time were 3-1 up. Keith Boyce gave us hope at 4-2, hammering home a short corner but Woking were too strong and completed a 7-2 rout.

The next game was supposed to be harder against an even higher placed Wimbledon team. Cheam put in their most impressive and disciplined performance defending resolutely and matching them. This game produced some great holding play by Cheam and the 0-0 draw was well-deserved and hard fought.

The final game was supposed to be against the easier team, UCL, who were a mere one league above us but were top of the table after a win and a draw. This game also came 30 minutes after our last and everyone was physically drained. These worries were furthered when 10 minutes in, new signing Andy Wright slotted home a short corner and we were in danger of going through to the next round. As the game went on payers were dropping exhausted and for the first time were racing to be substituted. However , UCL fought back and claimed a 3-1 win.

This was great experience for all and promise was shown against tough opposition. Special mention should go to 13 year old Matt Laidman who showed what a great prospect he is and coped admirably with the level being played.