Cheam Mens Vets (Clarets) 2006/7

Match report by David Balchin

Report: On Saturday the Clarets drew 2-2 with Tring at their place. A good result but shame Cheam could not hold onto their two goal lead going into the fourth quarter. David Parker did his best by heading out a full on shot that reached the side line. All in the line of duty but in the end it was not enough. Mike Henwood and Derek Wright got two excellent goals for Cheam either side of half time.

Match report by David Balchin

Report: Last week the Clarets notched up a 3-2 win against the HAC. Despite dominating the play for much of the game the Clarets managed to make heavy weather of securing the victory. Cheam went two up with goals scored by Richard Cuthbert ,from a fine Simon Youlton centre, and Kevin French. Craig Wilson and David Parker kept them out at the other end before succombing to an unstopable shot from a short corner. Bob Stiff replied with a neat flick over the goalkeeper to keep blue water between the contestants at half time. The second half can only be described as ugly but Cheam held onto a one goal lead at the final whistle.

Match report by David Balchin

Report: Last Saturday the Clarets had a stunning 6-0 win over the Old Cranleighans. Getting off to a flying start ,Cheam had two excellent goals on the board after 5 minutes scored by Kevin French and Glyn Jones. Despite continuing to dominate the match , the Cheam defence was brought into action from time to time and smart saves on the line by David Parker and Malcolm Paul kept the oppo out. Immediately after the break Bob Stiff broke free on the right. Kevin French picked up the pass, outpaced the defence and beat the goalkeeper with a firm strike from the edge of the circle made unstopable by imposing a controlled fade. This basically sealed the match. Two goals from a rampaging Derek Wright up front followed. At the final whistle the Clarets were awarded a penalty corner. Craig Wilson came up to the circle in the hope of glory but was smartly sent back by umpire Ian Sharpe with the threat of a card. Meanwhile David Parker spotted his chance when Kevin French delivered a short pass. Parky miscued but several defensive sticks and legs were bamboozled by the sequence of bounces that followed and the ball dribbled into the net. Great goal, well maybe but very much worthy of the jug that followed.

Match report by David Balchin

Report: Last Saturday the Clarets defeated St Albans 1-0 in a competitive game which went to the wire. The visitors started with all guns blazing only to be thwarted by some fine saves by Craig Wilson in goal. When the match settled down Cheam started to take control in midfield. Mike Henwood, full of running after a long absence, was enjoying the challenge and supporting an in form Kevin French who frightened the hell out of the defence with his aggressive dribbling . Inevitably this led to some desperate tackling by St Albans resulting in a series of short corners. After trying various intricate plays Kevin French opted for route A on the third attempt smashing the ball directly into the net giving the Clarets the lead. For much of the remainder of the game Cheam controlled the play but were always vunerable to St Albans scoring on the break. Two excellent late chances were not taken by the Clarets and the game remained in the balance until the final whistle. Great win, lets have more of the same.

Match report by David Balchin

Report: Last week the Clarets lost in a friendly game against the Surbiton Jokers. Sporting a younger, new look team, Surbiton were always going to prove a handful for a depleted Clarets side. However, early on it was Cheam that did most of the attacking with several opportunities created that could have generated an encouraging lead. At the other end the main man for Surbiton was happily firing blanks over the cross bar at a somewhat startled Craig Wilson in goal. Eventually the ball was on target and Cheam found themselves two down and in trouble. The situation was all but saved when the Clarets broke free on the right. The centre reached Simon Youlton with a clear shot but unluckily the ball struck the upright and Clarets went into the break two down but having done a solid job against their younger opponents. After the interval everything went pear shaped. Graham Head was already on the sideline nursing a pulled hamstring and to make matters worse Richard Cuthbert joined him, retired lame, for the rest of the game. Playing with 10 men, the Clarets were no match for Surbiton who, as expected, would take no prisoners. The 8-0 defeat did not reflect the Clarets performance when at full strength. Fletch, if you are still out there, we are running short of runners and may need to fly you in!

Match report by David Balchin

Report: Last week an understrength Cheam vets were soundly beaten at Southgate playing against the run away league leaders.  After recruiting a guest player to make up numbers, the Clarets got off to a positive start and dominated much of the play in the first quarter.  However, the new look Southgate  Flagons team, composed of younger vets  from their senior teams, gradually overpowered Cheam and scored three goals in quick succession despite  some fine saves by Craig Wilson. At this point Malcolm Paul was felled trying to fend off a wild hit from outside the circle, which reduced Cheam to 10 relatively fit men.  Southgate took full advantage of the injury and rattled in several more goals to ensure victory was theirs.  The second half surprisingly proved to be a slightly more even contest .  The Clarets limited the oppo to two, or was it three, more goals and even had opportunities of their own before the sun set over an 8-0 drubbing.

Match report by David Balchin

Report: On Saturday the Clarets lost 2 - 0 away to HAC. Going into the second period all square, Cheam were optimistic that their fortunes were about to change. However, two, out of the blue, goals soon shattered that hope. Despite looking dangerous towards the end of the contest, the Clarets could not go the final step by testing the keeper. The only option left was to accept the defeat gracefully and drink Dulwich Village out of Bombardier.

Match report by David Balchin

Report: Last Saturday the Clarets lost 0-3 to Tring. The contest got off to a disastrous start when Mike Henwood pulled his hamstring in the fourth minute reducing Cheam to ten men. Tring took full advantage and scored two well taken goals before the Clarets could reorganise their defence. Despite the disadvantage the home side created a number of opportunities for themselves but could not find the net. Immediately after the break Tring scored again just when Cheam started to believe they could get back into the game. However, it was not to be and the hard tackling enthusiastic play of a younger Tring team eventually wore down their opponents. With balanced Cheam should and would have taken something from this game.

Match report by David Balchin

Report: The Clarets lost 2-1 to the Old Cranleighans last Saturday in a mid table clash. A combination of forced positional changes and some very loose play allowed the home side to take a two goal lead early on. Both goals were excellent shots from the edge of the "D", which deserved to go in. Tighter marking and better passing was all that was needed but it just never happened for the Clarets in the first half. Not having a game the week before after the New Year celebrations was clearly a factor.

After the break the Clarets focused on their marking, which forced their opponents to go backwards. Inevitably mistakes were made allowing the visiters to threaten for the first time. Midway through the half Derek Wright scored. Continued pressure force the Old Cranleighans into desperate defending but Cheam just could not take advantage of the numerous short corners and a relieved home side were happy to take the points.

Match report by David Balchin

Report: The Clarets won the Christmas game against the Puritans 6-3 in an enjoyable contest. Derry Brophy was on fire scoring four goals, three in the first half. He was supported by Graham Head with two late goals, Glyn Jones playing a blinder in the holding position and Barry Bartram containing the dangerous Greg Hutchings. Despite dominating play for much of the game the Clarets did have a few scary moments to contend with. However,Craig Wilson was up to the task pulling off several fine saves including a one handed dive in the corner. Michael Gallant got two for the oppo in the second half so you could say Cheam HC had a field day.

Match report by David Balchin

Report: On Saturday ten Clarets and guest had a most enjoyable game followed by drinks at Sevenoaks. Playing against a Sevenoaks vets side made up of the Shadows in disguise as the Old Oaks, Cheam did well to keep the oppo under pressure early on. To the surprise of the home side, the Clarets scored first when Paul Williams spectacularily finished off a passing move out of defence involving four Cheam players. This put Sevenoaks firmly on notice that they had a challenge on their hands, which they rose to by scoring three goals by the interval. The second half was competitive with neither side able to get on top. In the end Sevenoaks ran out worthy 4-1winners.

Match report by David Balchin

Report: Last Saturday the Clarets had a convincing 3-0 win against an enthusiastic Chelmsford vets team.  Cheam played some impressive hockey in the first period making numerous chances.  Despite clear domination with Cheam pushing forward at will, it has to be said the opposition were being allowed the odd flurry themselves.  However, Craig Wilson was up for anything and made several smart reaction saves. Just as the frusration of not converting started to agitate the Clarets defence Bob Stif [2] and Richard Cuthbert [1] got  three great goals to take the home side into the break with a clear lead.  The second half was played in a feastive spirit with the Clarets scoring two more but after some amicable debate neither were accepted.

Match report by David Balchin

Report: Last Saturday  the Clarets lost two players before the game commenced leaving the magnificent nine to take on St Albans at St Albans under the setting sun. After recruiting one player from the side line, the Clarets went into battle.  To the oppos surprise, the visitors were able to dominte proceedings in the early phase aided by Bob Stiff controlling play from his sweeper role.  Following several short corners the Clarets justifiably went into the lead when Kevin French managed to make one count with  a clean strike to the back of the net.  The game remained competitive for the rest of the half.  However, by taking advantage of a gifted goal and a second just before the break, a rattled St Albans went into half time with  a dodgy two one lead.  After the break the contest remained even early on until the understrength visitors began to tire allowing St Albans to get the vital third goal.  In the dieing minutes Cheam abandoned their defensive line in an effort to salvage something from the challenge.  However, their efforts were to no avail. and under  fading light , the home side  sneaked  two  late goals to avenge their defeat earlier in the season.

Match report by David Balchin

Report: Last saturday the Clarets were beaten by a last minute goal in a 4-3 thriller away at Southgate. After an encouraging start the Clarets unfortunately lost a fired up Derek Wright to a serious hamstring injury. Southgate took advantage of the new situation and almost immediately went ahead. Despite this early set back, Cheam managed to reorganise and gradually got back into the game. Just before the interval the team were rewarded with a Kevin French special from the back of the circle having been put away by a well disguised pass from Richard Cuthbert. The second half was a half in two halves. First Southgate pulled ahead scoring twice in quick succession. At this stage the game looked all over to some. However, the Clarets were not to be beaten that easily and came roarting back. It was from a free hit just outside the circle, taken by Colin Bishop, that David Balchin deflected the ball around his back leaving the goalkeeper nowhere and the ball going into the net against the opposite post. This was followed by a spectacular goal scored by Richard Cuthbert who beat three or four players before creaming the ball into the back of the net. After scoring three great goals it seemed it was going to be Cheam's day after all but it wasn't to be when Southgate spoilt the party by getting that late winner.

Match report by David Balchin

Report: Last week the Clarets went down by one goal to nil to HAC at Nonsuch. The contest got off to a fast flowing start with the visiters flying into tackles at every opportunity. This robust approach unsettled the more measured Clarets style and it was soon clear that they had a game on their hands. Some fine saves by Craig Wilson in goal kept the first half scoreless. After the interval the balence of play switched to the Clarets with HAC now limiting their offensive play to long balls down the middle to their front two runners. On one such break HAC managed to score, which doubled their efforts to keep Cheam out by massing their ranks behind the 25 yard line. Kevin French did manage to break free on a couple of occasions but it wasn't to be the Clarets day with shots flying over and around the woodwork. The Clarets kept pressing to the final whistle but to no avail leaving HAC to take the honours.

Match report by David Balchin

Report: Last Saturday the Clarets, in a top of the table clash, lost 6-2 away to Tring. From the start both sides gambled on attack .Cheam looked particularily dangerous moving fast down the right flank, which required some rather robust tackling to keep the visiters out of the circle . However, it was Tring's quick passing in midfield that paid dividends first. After several near misses, they found the net not once but three times in short order. Despite this set back the Clarets kept their heads and were rewarded just before halftime when Simon Youlton, making his debut, fired in an unstoppable shot from the left edge of the circle. Immediately after the interval Tring got their fourth dampening any thought of a Cheam recovery. Paul Williams scored a second for Cheam. However,with Malcolm Paul now off injured ,the reorganised defence was unable to contain the aggresive Tring offensive line that did not let up until the final whistle. Despite the setback, the Clarets remain at the head of the table on goal difference.

Match report by David Balchin

Report: Last Saturday the Clarets had a cracking 4-3 win over the Old Cranleighans. Both sides displayed some excellent hockey in a highly competitive but well spirited game. For once neither side questioned any umpiring decisions, which reflects credit on both players and the umpires officiating this contest.

Cheam started strongly passing the ball smoothly through the team. The home side were soon rewarded with two first class goals scored by Graham Head and Derek Wright. A third was on but Kevin French's powefull drive went high over the cross bar. Seeing they had a game on their hands, the Old Cranleighans regrouped and gradually took charge of the midfield. By half time the game was all square. However, immediately after the break Derek Wright secured his second. Had Cheam then converted a number of good opportunities that came their way, this would have surely seen the oppo off. However, as it turned out the away side forced a goal after some prolonged pressure. With the game now in the balence, Kevin French took charge with a number of determined raids , which finally bore fruit when Paul Williams managed to force home a save from a French shot. The growing crowd were kept on edge until the final whistle blew leaving the Clarets the victors.

Match report by David Balchin

Report: The Clarets had a splendid 4-2 win against St Albans last week. Always a highly competitive fixture this one was no different. The first half proved very tight with both sides fighting to control the midfield. In the second quarter Cheam changed tactics and started to move the ball down the flanks keeping play away from the opposition strength. It was from one such move that Mike Henwood received the ball from the left wing in an attacking position, moved the ball smoothly forward to Kevin French who scored a cracking goal from a narrow angle on the stroke of half time. The second half proved to be a goal feast. St Albans netted first bringing the scores level. The Clarets immediately responded with another great solo goal from Kevin French. The Clarets then pulled ahead with goals from Derek Wright and Paul Williams. St Albans did not give up but continued to press and were rewarded with a second goal leaving Cheam the winners by 4 goals to 2.

Match report by David Balchin

Report: Well done last week. This time the Clarets did not let a 2-0 lead slip and eventually swept to a 5-1 victory against the Masonians.
Early on the Clarets permitted their younger opponents to see far too much of the ball. However, the defence held firm allowing the Clarets more skillful forwards to play on the break. It was not long before Paul Williams had the ball in the net to be followed by a cracker from Kevin French into the roof of the net from wide on the right. Going into the second half with a comfortable 2-0 lead the Clarets were not aware of the storm brewing in the opposition. After a series of short corners the Masonians pulled one back and nerves began to jangle once again. Cometh the hour,cometh the man when Mike Henwood made his late appearance. The final quarter saw Kevin French scoring from a short corner, Paul Williams and Graham Head combining on the right for Graham to score. Derek Wright nailed the final blow just before the end.

Match report by David Balchin

Report: In the season curtain raiser the Clarets managed to let a comfortable lead slip away and ended up losing to Sevenoaks by the odd goal in five.  In the first half the Clarets always looked the more likely to score but were guilty of giving possesion away far too often. After the interval Cheam got their act together and dominated play from the start. They were rewarded with a series of short corners.  After several aborted attempts they finally found the net not once but twice to take a two goal lead. At this stage there was only one team going to win. However, by the fourth quarter , with a two goal lead still safely in their pocket, the home side ran out of steam, relaxed their grip and were as a consequence painfully punished by three breakaway goals. Shame, as a few sherberts afterwards to celebrate a fine win,  would have got the nights entertainment off to a far better start. Next week will be different.