Marden Russets Hockey Club
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Mid Sussex like fish out of water, as Russets shoot, eat and leave
Marden Russets 8-2 Mid Sussex
In the wonderfully Corinthian arena of amateur sport, even Marden Russets can’t send a
scout to analyse upcoming opponents and so teams’ websites provide a useful insight into
patterns of play. In the week leading up to the Mid Sussex game, Marden employed Lynne
Truss, author of ‘Eats, shoots and leaves’ and doyenne of all things grammatical, to profile
the opposition and search for chinks in their proverbial armour.
Unfortunately, this weeks’ dossier proved less useful than normal, as the research painted a
picture of a team of half-men, half-fish, contravening all established laws, and scoring a
“well worked goal from the gills”, in a sort of, Kevin Costner in Waterworld meets Sean Kerly,
way. Is it any wonder that the Mid Sussex team are sponsored by a firm of Cosmetic
Surgeons, or should that be Sturgeon?
The game itself left Mid Sussex floundering as Russets’ passing and movement created five
first half goals and numerous other chances. The power of Marden’s midfield quartet,
frequently bolstered by the overlapping Clive Felton, ensured that the game was played in
the Mid Sussex half. Nick Greenwood and Andy Beer shared the role of Captain Ahab,
hunting and haranguing with vim and vigour, producing goals for Simon Hughes, Ollie
Reynolds, Sam Traill and two for Pete Creelman. The visitors’ solitary reply in the first
period was a well-executed short-corner, indicating that with possession in the right areas,
Mid Sussex were dangerous.
Naturally, with a four goal lead, the home side dropped the level of their performance in the
second half, allowing Mid Sussex more territory. As the game became stretched, Russets
managed three further goals, with Traill, Hughes and Reynolds all registering their second
of the game, and as a further consolation, Mid Sussex converted a swift counter-attack.
Marden Russets remain unbeaten at the top of Kent & Sussex Division 1, whilst Mid Sussex
travel to Bexley Invicta next week, favourites to register their first points of the season.
Cobdown 3 – 4 Sutton Russets
This week the Sutton Russets played a very closely fought game against local rivals
Cobdown on grass. Sutton started off extremely well, having the majority of the possession
in the first half. Excellent passing and positioning in midfield lead an opening goal from Mel
Russell-Vick. Player of the match Zoe Wright was outstanding in defence, tackling any
advancing Cobdown player out of the game. Her skilful passing to Alex Auger gave the
Russets their second goal. Minutes before half time Cobdown replied leaving us 2-1 up.
In the second half Sutton maintained their good positioning and strong passing. Nicola
Andrews excelled in midfield, working a brilliant routine of feeding the ball up to winger
Sophie Simmonds who slotted in a further two goals. 4-1 up Sutton became complacent as
they allowed Cobdown several opportunities on goal. Some slack marking and mistakes in
the D lead to Cobdown winning numerous penalty corners. Sutton keeper Liz Talbot was
bombarded but managed to make several good saves. However two further goals got past
her. A close game in which we deservedly gained a 4-3 victory.
Gore Court 5 – 0 Marden Russets 3rd XI
Another frustrating afternoon when the scoreline, if not the result, failed to reflect the
spirited endeavors of the Russets. Starting with ten men against the league leaders and
with no less than five new faces from last weeks side not to mention the various positional
changes (spot the excuses being made early readers), Marden were on the back foot in the
early stages but prevented GC from getting a clear site of goal. Once Steve Redman had
answered the SOS and restored the side to eleven men the action swung from end to end
with Daley & Cooper linking particularly well on the right side of the pitch. With the game still
scoreless Cooper was taken out in the D but rather than the flick it deserved, the home
umpire made the first of a series of debatable decisions which both Rob Dixon and Redman
were more than happy to debate with him as the game went on. (Not another excuse you
understand but I do admit I’m open to accusations of moving into bitter wine territory). The
hosts then took the lead with a scrambled effort from a deflected short corner and when that
man Steve “we’re in yellow” Redman picked out the home centre forward inside his own
circle another scramble ensured with the ball again ending up in the back of the Russets
goal. However, for the rest of the half it was Marden in the ascendancy with Dixon running
tirelessly in midfield but as in previous weeks we just couldn’t find the all important killer
touch, stroke of good fortune or rational umpiring decision required to convert the pressure
into goals. (OK – I admit this is clearly sour grapes by now). The game was by no means
over at the interval but the next goal would prove vital and sadly another weak clearance
found it’s way to the left winger who cut inside and fired home. A fierce shot deflected at
close range made it four before yet another lapse in concentration allowed GC to grab a
somewhat flattering fifth. Although the game was lost, Russets still kept plugging away and
really deserved at least one goal but it was not to be. Special mentions for debutant
Graeme Dignan, who was playing his first game for several seasons and Steve for helping
us out at such short notice. The foundations are being laid and some day soon, things will
finally start to go our way………
Old Oaks 4 – 1 Marden Vets
A first defeat of the season for the Vets who have the opportunity for immediate revenge
when they take on the Vintage Oaks this weekend.