Old Cranleighans 1–1 Spencer HC
Old Cranleighans returned to league action today against table-toppers Spencer HC in their first game back after Christmas, with preparations disrupted by frozen pitches and no training during the week.
Spencer started strongly and put OC under pressure for the opening 10 minutes, but the home side soon grew into the game, picking up exactly where they left off before the break with some excellent, composed hockey. The defence stood firm throughout, with special mention to Sylvie who was outstanding at the back, defending the sustained pressure.
The breakthrough came just after half-time as OC went 1–0 up from a well-worked penalty corner. Gabby delivered perfectly, with Easy getting a crucial deflection in front of the keeper to send it home.
Spencer pushed hard for an equaliser and were unlucky to hit the post, but OC continued to battle and looked set to take all three points. However, in a dramatic final minute, Spencer found a late goal to level the match at 1–1.
The draw keeps the promotion hopes intact, with 2nd and 3rd now separated by just one point, setting up an exciting second half of the season.
MOM: Sylvie Adams
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Puricrans 3 Spencer 2
Another game where neither side could afford a draw as this was a game between 2 of the 4 teams separated at the top of the table by one point. The other two sides, Reading and Brom Becks were playing each other with Reading winning comfortably, 5 – 1.
One down after 2 minutes was not the start, we wanted with our being caught on the break in a very swift and efficient counterattack. However, we clawed our way back into the game with concerted pressure resulting in John Marnitz popping home a loose ball to level the scores. The turning point came 5 minutes later when another counterattack saw one of the Spencer forward nip round Simon C and promptly miss from 3 metres the most obvious of open goal with no one within 4 metres. A few minutes on and we were 2 – 1 up with Knappy rolling the ball home as Macca set the chance up on a plate.
Determined not to subside Spencer continued to look very dangerous on the break and were correctly awarded a penalty stroke midway in the second half put home by Max Jason for his second goal of the game albeit with Simon nearly pulling off a save.
Either side could have won the game from this point on but Simon C made two wonderful one on one saves and this allowed us to win the game 3 – 2 when Macca smashed home a super strike just inside the far post from the top of the D. Our commitment was evidenced by Andrew Sanders who in the last minute tracked all the way back to our D to be on hand to clear the ball to avert a last-minute hiccup. Our game plan was executing well which resulted in Spencer berating the umpires, us and their own teammates as frustration began to show.
This was the most enjoyable game of the season so far with both sides wanting to play open and attacking hockey with our team spirit and cohesion ultimately coming to the fore.
MoM Simon Cooney
Goals John Marnitz, Macleod and Knapp
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Women’s 3s 4 – 0 Tulse Hill & Dulwich
In at exciting game at Tulse Hill and Dulwich hockey club, Old Cranleighan won 4-0. The game was fast paced from the first whistle, the first half started intently with a goal from Jo assisted by Ele! This confidence continued with many attempts at goal and strong counterattacks down the wings resulting with 1-0 at half time!
Pressure by both teams was strong and encouraged more determination, leading to the second goal by Alice from the p-spot! THD did have many opportunities but overall weren’t able to finish them. A goal from Hannah off a short corner on the right slip and shortly followed by another also by Hannah with a tap in on the post assisted by Jacqs!
Many amazing saves my Michele and great passing throughout both halves. Overall, Old Cranleighans mostly dominated the game coming home with a 4-0 win!
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Women’s 7s 2-1 Mitcham W1
OCs Ladies 7s were away against Mitcham this Saturday. It was a fantastic performance despite the cold weather. We worked very well as a team, linking up passes and impressive attacking movements.
Jess scored our opening goal 20 minutes into the match from great positioning in the D. Our opposition also scored in the first half making it 1-1. Going into the second half, we knew we needed to score first, which Jess did 10 minutes in, with a strong strike from just inside the D. Our defense stayed strong and focused on marking their attacking players. Unfortunately, 2 of our teammates were injured during this match. This was a great win for us, which brought us to 5th position in our league. Overall, it was a good match and a well-deserved win.
PoM: Esme Edge
Goals: Jess Sabell x2