Marden Russets Hockey Club
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12th January 2008
Marden Mens 1sts 1 – 4 Worthing
Despite the 21st Century media’s obsession with the ‘Size Zero Model’, Saturday’s fixture
was a victory for the fuller figure, as second place Worthing recorded a victory courtesy of
four goals from their corpulent centre-forward. Sports fans across the land have frequently
mocked incompetent centre-forwards, with such cries as ‘he couldn’t finish his dinner’. In
the case of this accomplished player, he really could finish his dinner, and he’d probably
have some of yours if you didn’t eat it quickly.
Alisdair MacDonald, a man who in the past has been named a UNESCO World Heritage
Site because of the pygmy tribes living in the shadow of his thighs, looked both waif-like
and sluggish, as he tried manfully to cope with the balletic movement, and the sheer girth
which, had it stayed still long enough, would have town planners budgeting for a by-pass.
Despite enjoying the majority of the possession, Marden fell behind, as Worthing,
employing their now familiar tactic of throwing high balls, enjoyed a fortuitous bounce prior
to what was ultimately, an excellent finish. The visitors extended their lead in the second
half following a well-worked short-corner, and as Marden pressed to try to get something
from the game, Worthing scored a third on the counter-attack. Rory Brett, himself a keen
advocate of the healthy build, pulled a goal back with a spectacular dive, before Worthing
completed the scoring with a close range flick.
The game was also notable for the fact that the Marden kitchen ran out of sausage and
beans at the close of play. Local police are still investigating, and it’s believed their inquiry
has extended to Sussex.
Cranbrook School 3 – 7 Marden Russets (Sunday 13th)
University of Kent 1 – 0 Marden 2s
A scouting mission the previous week on the 1s, saw the 2s mirror their play exactly. In
regards there where two yellow cards, (bone) crunching tackles and some very
questionable decisions by the umpire.
The game was entertaining and open, if not constructive as both teams tried to blow away
the turkey and vast quantities of alcohol consumed over the festive period. Kent took the
lead when a foot on the line resulted in a goal. They complained as the ball had crossed
the line, but the whistle had already gone. It made little difference as it was put away to
give the home side the lead. Marden pushed for an equalizer and nearly got it when a
Cooper squeezed a shot over the keeper but onto the bar. Marden should have had a
stroke of their own when Dixon’s shot was kicked of the line, but bizarrely on a short was
given. 1-0 at the break.
The second halve was just as open with Marden having the clearer chances. Despite
Dixon’s dismissal for a push on the halfway line (another questionable decision.) Marden
continued to push forward. Their 10 men outplaying the 12 of Kent (umpire included).
The Kent keeper made two brilliant saves at the end to first deny Ant Hughes and then a
stinging shot from the impressive Cooper.
Kent held on but Marden can take heart from the amount of chances created and will be
looking to convert them against bottom of the table Ashford next week.
Marden 3s 3 – 2 Sevenoaks
Get ahead….get a helmet
With 5 sides at the wrong end of the table separated by just one single point, including
both of these teams, this was the proverbial six-pointer so preparations were not exactly
helped when home Keeper Kennedy declared his helmet had ‘gone missing’. Many thanks
to the ladies 1st XI for loaning theirs and we hope the required fumigation goes
successfully.
As expected, the game was tight throughout with Marden looking like a side who had
enjoyed their Christmas fare (with all the trimmings it would seem). That said it was the
home side who went closest early on with Bardsley having one short well saved and
another whistle past the post. All too often however Russets failed to control the ball or
pick the wrong pass allowing a good Sevenoaks side back into things. Having created a
few chances of their own, the visitors snatched the lead when Marden gave away
possession in defence and they slapped home after a bit of a scramble for the only goal of
the half.
Much of the team talk centred on the need to get back to short sharp passing and away
from the long-ball with Giles coming on at left wing as the Special One tinkered with tactics
and formation. His introduction helped open things up for the Marden forwards but a
couple of superb crosses didn’t get the goals they deserved. Eventually Burdge picked the
ball up on the left side of the circle, shrugged off a few challenges and smashed the ball in
at the near post.
With their tails up, Russets looked more like the team they were in December but ironically
it was a long ball from a Bardsley 16 that finally released Hancox from the shackles of his
marker to skilfully slip the ball into the goal by softening his wrists at the crucial moment.
Needless to say the two most vociferous opponents of the long ball during the half time talk
were of course Bardsley & Hancox. Sevenoaks responded but came up against the rock of
defence Ward, who didn’t miss a single tackle all game. The Golden Helmet came into
play, deflecting a short corner over the bar to deny Oaks but minutes later a poor kick to
an attacker was dispatched straight back in for the equalizer. Both sides pressed hard for
the winner and fortune was on Marden’s side when Hancox coolly collected the ball after a
short corner broke down and whipped in a cross which Bardsley was able to divert into the
net. Sevenoaks threw caution to the wind in search of a point so Russets could have done
without losing Crispin to injury. They almost capitalised when Bardsley did what is fondly
referred to in these parts as a “Rutherford” from a 16 but the striker was so surprised the
ball came off his foot instead of his stick. The visitors also forced a couple of late short
corners in the final minutes but Russets were able to hold out and take the win.
This was the first of three successive six-pointers, so the squad should also thank the
good men of Hubble & Freeman who were subsequently able to supply Kennedy a new
helmet at short notice for the forthcoming matches….at a most reasonable price of
course….
Tunbridge Wells Vets 6 – 2 Marden Vets
The absence of a warm up lap that was our undoing at Maidstone and the return of
Sunnucks junior from the golf course, led to a much more spirited and competent
performance.. despite the result. Excellent keeping from Dave Hancock ( including
fantastic reaction save on a penalty flick) kept the score in single figures. On the downside
the injury list is likely to grow as our crowded fixture list takes its toll.
Marden Ladies 1sts 5 – 5 Sutton Valence
An administrative error left the Marden team short one player for this local friendly. It didn’t
seem to have an effect in the first half with Marden dominating the play and goal-scoring.
Joy Henson, Anne Romilly (twice) and Charlotte Sharp all managed to put the ball away,
and whilst Sutton Valence managed to score the once before the break, they didn’t really
challenge the home side. Marden’s passing was strong and accurate, and they were
intercepting the ball frequently to take the advantage from the guests.
Unfortunately complacency and exhaustion took over in the second half, with Marden really
noticing the lack of the eleventh player. Sutton Valence scored twice, bringing the score to
4-3, before Zoe Sage smacked one into the left hand corner. Russets couldn’t hold onto
the advantage however, allowing SV to score another two to bring the scores level.
Marden were just showing some dominance when the final whistle went.
Many thanks to Scott Moen for umpiring again.
Holcombe 4 – 4 Sutton Russets
Russets got more than they bargained for this week when facing Holcombe in Kent Division
6. Margaret Turner opened up the scoring early on into the game after the midfield
managed to get the ball into the attacking D. Holcombe rapidly retaliated with two goals
that were gained on penalty corners to take the lead. Play was not up to the usual
standards from the Russets as passing was inaccurate and communication seemed to
break down. Holcombe were certainly the stronger side in the first half, taking a far more
proactive attitude towards the game.
Being a game of two halves, Russets returned to the pitch with a rejuvenated mindset.
Suddenly the Russets had the main possession and several shots on goal. Margaret
scored two further goals, one from a deflected Laura Gregory strike on a penalty corner
and the other saw Margaret make a solo run into the top D and smash the ball into the
backboard to complete her hat-trick. We nearly scored again, but instead were awarded a
penalty flick. Unfortunately Laura Gregory’s flick was saved by the skilful and ambitious
Holcombe keeper.
The Russets continued to push forward and passing dramatically improved in the midfield,
which helped set up Sophie Simmonds for our forth goal. 4-2 up we were feeling pleased
with our efforts and became somewhat complacent as Holcombe managed to get 2 further
goals past us in the last ten minutes, again from their attacking penalty corner routines.
Although rusty on the defensive short corners, our defence line had a fantastic game,
which included some stunning clearances made by Claire Matthews and Agnes Pawlik.
Despite just losing out on a victory, this was an enjoyable match from which the Russets
will take heed by working on improving their team performance during next week’s fixture.
U16 Girls
Marden 6 – 2 Gravesend
The first half saw Marden dominate the game, with slick passing and good movement off
the ball, with the score at half-time being 4-0. The defence was solid when needed, with
Amy/Gina and Zoe rarely looking troubled, and Jenny assured in goal. Claudine was able
to play an advanced sweeper position in front of the backline, and worked well,
interchanging with the midfield. Emily/Ellie and Danni all provided excellent support for
each other and moved the ball well most of the time, while choosing to take on opponents
at the right times. It was also very good to see that having taken on, and beaten, an
opponent, more often than not the ball was laid off and the forward momentum continued.
Great to watch !
Up front, Gemma, Sophie and Lucy worked tirelessly and we always looked a threat going
forward, with Gemma in particular providing some excellent runs down the left. It was also
good to see the forwards working back to tackle.
Perhaps we committed ourselves a little too far up the field because in the second half
Gravesend managed to score a couple of break away goals, where we were left exposed
at the back once the ball had broken through our ring. Against stronger opposition we will
need to be careful not to over-commit to attack, but in this game it was a fair tactic which,
having given up the two break away goals, then restored the equilibrium by securing two
more goals of our own, and providing numerous chances for additional goals.
Excellent game and effort !
U14 Girls
Canterbury 3 – 0 Marden
Marden U14 girls had tough game on Sunday against a strong Canterbury side, who have
now appear to have resolved their differences with a local school. The first half saw
Canterbury dominating down their right and only determined defence, from India Harding,
Kat Merrifield and some excellent saves by Charlotte Marsh, kept them at bay. On the
counter attack Russets were guilty of hiding behind their opponents with Canterbury
constantly regaining possession. Marden were lucky to be 0-0 at half time though we did
have a couple of chances in their D.
The second half was a little more even with Emily Harris and Alice Walden Smith making
some progress on our right. This, however, opened up more room for the visitors on their
right and some poor marking gave Canterbury the space they needed to score. Charlotte
Marsh was a little unlucky with the first goal but could do nothing about the other two.
Canterbury now played with confidence and moved the ball well. Finally, in the last 10
minutes, Marden played their best hockey, passing the ball to their own side and marking
more effectively at the back with Harriet Preston intercepting and making good use of the
ball. Final score: 3-0 to Canterbury. Man of the match, Charlotte Marsh, keeping the
scoreline respectable.
U14 Boys
Marden’s Rob Wickham played for KentU14's in the South Boys County Championship.
Kent had a successful day, winning both of their matches beating Buckinghamshire 5-0,
and beating Hampshire 3-2 in a closely fought match.