O.P.M. Hockey Club Archive

O.P.M. HOCKEY CLUB

1st XI Match Reports

Season 2002/2003

14/09/2002 (A) vs Newquay, Friendly
This quote is from the first friendly of last season. I've reused it for this game: "If it wasn't for Tim Chalmers in goal, this could have been a lot more than [3-0]. OPMs held their own against a side who had several players who ran the game." Score: Newquay 3-0 O.P.M.
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Gary Tuckett, Paul Rushton, Jason Sweby, Chris Frude, Colin Bishop, Steve Kennard, Russell Owen-Moody, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Pete Thompson.

28/09/2002 (A) vs MoP B, Friendly
A slow start by the OPMs gave the Marjons of Plymouth side, mixed with players from all levels, an early head start which they duly capitalised on by scoring. This woke most of the players up but quick counter-attacking from the home team caused continued problems at the back. A penalty stroke was awarded midway through the half to MoP for a goal-preventing foot by Ian Johnson which was subsequently converted. This appeared to trigger a comeback gene in the OPM players who fought hard in all areas, and when Russell Moody put Jason Sweby in on goal, the Spitfire didn't miss!
OPMs began the second half as they had ended the first but the introduction of some higher level MoP players evened out the game. In fact, the home side went 3-1 up with a soft goal early into the second half. OPMs responded with strong attacking play, and when Sweby's shot was deliberately swept away by the MoP 'keeper's hand, Chris Vinson stepped up to the spot to reduce the goal deficit to one. OPMs were in overdrive by this point and one of their many penalty corners later, Vinson was again on target to level the score. Youngsters Jack Horton and Jack Allman often interchanged brilliantly and both had several excellent chances go begging.
The game played out fast and furious but neither team could break the deadlock. Everyone worked hard, of particular note was Charlie Irish in central midfield who ran tirelessly and held the middle of the park, as well as another all-giving performance from Chris Frude.

Score: Marjons of Plymouth B 3-3 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Jason Sweby, Chris Vinson (2, 1 pen)
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Johnson, Ian Stone, Gary Tuckett, Paul Rushton, Jason Sweby, Chris Frude, Charlie Irish, Russell Owen-Moody, Steve Kennard, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Jack Allman, Pete Thompson.

05/10/2002 (H) vs Plymouth University A
OPMs started the new season with a fantastic home win against Plymouth University A. Despite going a goal behind 15 minutes into the first half, the home side's possession and passing was much stronger than the university's. It took a while to penetrate the university midfield but finally Chris Vinson, last season's top scorer for OPMs, opened his account for the new season and levelled the match with a strong strike from the edge of the D. The university lost their way in the half from this point and OPMs found they could open their opposition up easily. The second OPM goal came from a short corner, Gary Tuckett firing the ball home with an able assist from Chris Frude (so he says). By this point, OPMs were on fire and a goal of extraordinary class came from the front pair of Vinson and Jack Horton, who exchanged 6 passes between them before Horton got the final touch and put OPMs 3-1 up at half time.
The break should have favoured the away team who needed to regroup, but instead OPMs just got stronger. Capitalising time and again on poor passing from the university, players were lining up for shots on goal. A fourth goal came when Chris Frude had his shot blocked but received the rebound and effortlessly flicked the ball into the net. Striker's Vinson and Horton teamed up again for Horton's second and OPMs fifth, by which time the game was over as a competition. The home side flagged at this point and the university had many opportunities to try and come back into the game but failed to do so, with veteran defender Gary Tuckett leading from the back by example and 'keeper Tim Chalmers making a series of terrific saves in both halves. Debutant midfielder Jason Carr worked tirelessly throughout the match, as did Jack Allman on the left wing who showed a level of fitness that the rest of the team would do well to aspire to.
A terrific opening display that sees OPM's unbeaten in the league since December 2001.

Score: O.P.M. 5-1 Plymouth University A
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson, Gary Tuckett, Jack Horton (2), Chris Frude
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Johnson, Ian Stone, Gary Tuckett, Paul Rushton, Jason Sweby, Chris Frude, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton (MoM), Jack Allman, Jason Carr, Colin Bishop.

12/10/2002 (H) vs Penzance A
OPMs continued their strong start to the season with an emphatic 9-4 home win against Penzance 'A'. 3-0 up inside 15 minutes with early goals from Chris Vinson and Jack Horton, Penzance pulled it back to 3-2 at half-time. OPMs started the second half as strongly as the first going 5-2 up, Chris Vinson completing his hat-trick and skipper Jason Sweby finishing well one-on-one with the 'keeper. Penzance picked up another goal and missed a penalty stroke but OPMs' defender Ian Johnson rifled one home to make it 6-3. Horton scored again twice to complete his hat-trick, the second of which was a terrific finish which ended up in the top corner to make it 8-3. Penzance got their fourth which was equally as strong, before Vinson, although having a penalty stroke saved, got his fourth and the home side's 9th.

Score: O.P.M. 9-4 Penzance A
Paul Rushton
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson (4), Jack Horton (3), Jason Sweby, Ian Johnson
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Johnson, Ian Stone, Gary Tuckett, Paul Rushton, Jason Sweby, Chris Frude, Chris Vinson (MoM), Jack Horton, Jack Allman, Nick Tippett, Colin Bishop, Russell Moody, Steve Kennard.

19/10/2002 (A) vs Tavistock
Report 1 by Gary Tuckett

OPM arrived with Chris Frude in charge. Everyone was expecting 8 players but we had 12. The game began, with Tavi applying most of the pressure, a few good attacks from OPM but Tavi were looking more like scoring when about 15 mins in, a cross from a Tavi player followed by half his stick coming into the D, seemed to put the OPM defenders off and the ball was struck home - Tavi 1 up.
OPM now seem to get better. The new midfield trio seemed to get to grips and play better together, taking control of the middle of the park and OPM were awarded a penalty corner, the only one of the half. Chris Vinson’s strike at goal came back out to Frudey who squared it to Tuckett whose flick was blocked by a Tavi defender who then played the ball on the floor. Penalty flick was awarded, dispatched by Chris Vinson. All square at half time.
Second half starts with end to end stuff with OPM looking much the stronger and with their efforts in mid field (Jason Carr and Charles Irish), OPMs went 2-1 up from another strike from Vinson which the Tavi goalie seem to leave for some reason. Tavi seemed to pick up their game and attacked. Some good saves from Chalmers who even booted one into his own goal but the shot was from outside the D. From the long corner, OPM failed to clear and the Tavi forward should have put the ball into the partially open net but he blazed the shot wide. This could have changed the game but OPM became stronger. A good move and through ball from Stoney gave man of the match, Vinson, another opportunity - he latched onto it and squeezed the ball home in the corner for his and OPMs third. This only made Tavi up the pace for the last fifteen mins. Some stout defending from Rushton, Tuckett and Johnson was to no avail as Tavi pinched one more to make it 2-3. OPM withstood the attacks and were very relieved to hear the final whistle.

Report 2 by Rob Logan

Tavistock started well keeping O.P.M's pressed back, they eventually scored from a short corner after 15 mins. This woke O.P.M.'s and from a penalty stroke Chris Vinson equalised, Jack Horton's goalbound shot stopped illegally. Second half was end to end with C.V. putting O.P.M's in front with a strike into the corner from the top of the D. With 15 mins remaining O.P.M.s substituted Steve Kennard for Ian Stone, his first touch of the ball put C.V. in for his hat-trick. O.P.M.'s then rode their luck as Tavistock poured forward, they had a goal disallowed and also shot wide of an open goal before pulling a goal back to make it a nervous last 5 for o.p's.

Score: Tavistock 2-3 O.P.M.
Charles Irish
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson (3, 1 pen)
Team: Tim Chalmers, Paul Rushton, Gary Tuckett, Ian Johnson, Steve Kennard, Ian Stone, Charles Irish, Jason Carr, Chris Frude, Jack Horton, Chris Vinson (MoM)

26/10/2002 (H) vs Bude
by Rob Logan

C.V scored one and Frudey the other (piledriver from edge of D) (barely crossed the line). MoM was Steve Kennard followed Carl EVERYWHERE until they took him out of the game by taking Carl off!!! Mind you Tuckett had hit him 3 or 4 times on each foot with the ball poor bloke could hardly walk. Not a classic but a very gutsy performance especially from the back 4 of Chalmers, Stone, Rushton & Tuckett.

Score: O.P.M. 2-1 Bude
Chris Vinson
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson, Chris Frude
Team: Tim Chalmers, Paul Rushton, Gary Tuckett, Ian Johnson, Steve Kennard, Ian Stone, Chris Frude, Jack Horton, Chris Vinson, Jack Allman

02/11/2002 (A) vs Unitend Services HC Plymouth 'A'
OPMs slogged out a 5th victory out of 5 matches with an unconvincing 2-1 away win over United Services 'A'. As usual OPMs opened the brighter of the two teams but they did not adapt early enough to the difficult conditions and failed to make any headway. The game levelled out for a while and eventually it was the home side who broke the deadlock with a well struck shot that should have been defended better. U.S. didn't make many more chances in the first half and OPMs had a Jason Sweby goal disallowed. The away team's passing improved and some good moves resulted but OPMs could not level the score.
The second half, during which conditions worsened, was an open affair but with OPMs making more of the breakthroughs. Man of the match Colin Bishop worked hard in midfield linking well with Charlie Irish and Chris Frude. It eventually took a penalty stroke, awarded for a high stick save in the U.S. goal, to level the game and Chris Vinson scored his 10th goal in the five league matches this season. OPMs were revitalised by this and piled on the pressure. The winner came when Jack Horton, who was called up for Devon U17s on Sunday, scored an incredible goal from the top right hand edge of the D, which deflected in off the crossbar and the post leaving the U.S. 'keeper stranded. U.S. did not give up and it took a fine one-on-one save from OPM goalkeeper Tim Chalmers to keep the away side ahead. A series of penalty corners for the home team towards the end made for an intense finish, especially when OPM defender Gary Tuckett was yellow carded for a dangerous tackle, but the advantage was not taken and OPMs ended up the winners.

Score: USHC Plymouth A 1-2 O.P.M.
Ian Stone Gary Tuckett
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson (pen), Jack Horton
Team: Tim Chalmers, Paul Rushton, Gary Tuckett, Ian Stone, Jason Carr, Steve Kennard, Colin Bishop (joint MoM), Charlie Irish, Jason Sweby, Chris Frude, Jack Horton (joint MoM), Chris Vinson, Jack Allman, Mark Rushton

09/11/2002 (H) vs St Austell
OPMs continued their winning start to the season with a 5-2 home win over St Austell. Despite an early scare when a St Austell goal was disallowed in the opening minutes, OPMs completely dominated the first half. A Chris Vinson penalty stroke opened the scoring and Vinson was on target a second time from a penalty corner. Vinson then spotted skipper Jason Sweby's run in behind the defence who smartly pushed it past the away 'keeper for OPM's third. With the defence and midfield working tirelessly, Jack Horton was on target from the edge of the area to make it 4-0 at half time.
The second half opened brightly for OPMs but St Austell changed tactics and caught the home side on the quick break several times. St Austell scored their first with a shot which only just made it over the line before the defence could reach it, and looked like taking control of the second half until Chris Vinson's saved penalty corner shot came back to Chris Frude who duly fired home. Not to be beaten, St Austell got another back to make it 5-2 but the damage from the first half was too much for the away team to rectify. OPMs' Colin Bishop was awarded Man of the Match for the second successive week, although both goalkeepers deserve a mention for making fine saves at crucial moments during the game.

Score: O.P.M. 5-2 St Austell
Jack Horton
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson (2, 1 pen), Jack Horton, Jason Sweby, Chris Frude
Team: Tim Chalmers, Paul Rushton, Gary Tuckett, Ian Stone, Ian Johnson, Colin Bishop (MoM), Jason Carr, Jason Sweby, Chris Frude, Jack Horton, Chris Vinson, Tom Langridge

16/11/2002 (A) vs Okehampton
OPMs battled out a professional victory away against Okehampton to maintain their 100% start to the season. The away side scored a typically early goal when Gary Tuckett's free hit into the area was deflected in by Jack Horton. OPMs then scored another 2 in quick succession, both from penalty corners and both from leading scorer Chris Vinson who is averaging 2 goals per game. Okehampton turned up the pressure, showing good pace and giving the OPM defence plenty to do. Okehampton got a goal back mid-way through the first half when the ball was only cleared to the midfield and stand-in 'keeper Paul Mingo had no chance.
OPMs were in total control of the second half, Okehampton spending a lot of time building up the play but rarely breaking through. Goal chances fell to Vinson and Jason Sweby but the Okehampton goalkeeper was equal to the challenges. Towards the end, the home side started to get in behind the OPM defence but man-of-the-match Paul Mingo made some fine saves that kept OPMs lead in tact. Noteable performances from Paul Rushton, Jason Carr and Chris Frude ensured that OPMs came away with all three points.

Score: Okehampton 1-3 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson (2), Jack Horton
Team: Paul Mingo (MoM), Paul Rushton, Gary Tuckett, Ian Stone, Ian Johnson, Jason Carr, Jason Sweby, Chris Frude, Jack Horton, Chris Vinson, Tom Langridge

23/11/2002 (H) vs Marjons of Plymouth B
A goal each from the two Jacks, Allman and Horton, sealed OPMs' eighth win from eight games this season. Neither side could break the deadlock in an action-packed first half which saw OPMs Jack Horton green-carded for an altercation with a Marjons midfielder, OPM skipper Jason Sweby's goal disallowed and OPMs Tom Langridge's goal incorrectly disallowed for being struck outside the D. Whilst OPMs built up play well and had several penalty corners, Marjons of Plymouth hit hard and fast on the break, but it was 0-0 at half time.
Marjons had the brighter start of the second half and caused problems between midfield and defence but the home side's back line of Gary Tuckett, Chris Frude and Ian Johnson defended magnificently. The opening goal came when more good build up play from OPMs gave winger Jack Allman the opportunity which he duly dispatched with a cracking strike. MoP hit back hard and when Mike Timson was left with an open goal after an initial good save from OPM 'keeper Tim Chalmers, his chance to level the game went sailing over the top. The home side responded with Sweby taking the ball fully 40 yards to the other end before crossing in for Jack Horton to hit home his 9th goal of the season. MoP had the chance to pull one back late on with a penalty corner that looked to have beaten the goalkeeper but Tuckett was on hand to steer it off the line.

Jack Horton, Chris Vinson
Score: O.P.M. 2-0 Marjons of Plymouth B
OPM Scorers: Jack Allman, Jack Horton
Team: Tim Chalmers (MoM), Gary Tuckett, Ian Johnson, Jason Sweby, Chris Frude, Colin Bishop, Jack Horton, Chris Vinson, Tom Langridge, Jack Allman, Steve Kennard

30/11/2002 (A) vs Bodmin
OPMs 100% start to the season ended in crushing style on Saturday with a 5-0 away defeat at the hands of second-placed Bodmin. The league leaders hardly looked like they had started before Bodmin had scored their first. Some good short corner moves tore the defence apart and at half-time it was 3-0 to the home side, although it could have been more were it not for good saves by OPM goalkeeper Tim Chalmers.
OPMs changed formation in the second half but it was Bodmin who came out of the traps stronger. Eventually OPMs adjusted to the pitch and speed of the game and started to create good chances. Despite being awarded several penalty corners, OPMs failed to stop the ball once as the pitch took control of the ball and they all broke down. When the defence and midfield could get to ball through to the front three, they looked like scoring but Bodmin defended well and the home 'keeper also made good saves. Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Jack Allman & Jason Sweby all had chances which were not seized but in the end, Bodmin's quick breaks and strong passing tore OPMs open again and two more goals came in the second half. The fourth came shortly after Ian Johnson had been shown the yellow card for persistent use of the "el'bow" in the tackle, and the fifth goal came after another break which, despite Chalmers saving the first shot and getting a touch on the follow-up, ended up in the roof of the net.
OPMs were outplayed and will hopefully take lessons from this complacent and disappointing performance. Due mention should go to the outstanding run that the club has had before this defeat: not only was this the first league game that OPMs haven't scored in since the 1st December 2001, it is the first league game since the same date that they have lost - an undefeated league run of exactly one year.

Ian Johnson
Score: Bodmin 5-0 O.P.M.
Team: Tim Chalmers (MoM), Gary Tuckett, Paul Rushton, Ian Stone, Ian Johnson, Jason Sweby, Jason Carr, Colin Bishop, Jack Horton, Chris Vinson, Tom Langridge, Jack Allman

01/12/2002 (A) vs PGSOB (Devon Cup Round 1)
OPMs failed to overcome a much stronger PGs side in a one-sided affair at Stonehouse. With a depleted side and Colin Bishop not turning up, OPMs were left understrength and outplayed for most of the game. PGs stretched their opposition at every level, despite good defending from Ian Stone and Paul Rushton. Chris Vinson scored an excellent reverse stick sweep from a penalty corner in the second half and although it was not an isolated attack, it was never enough to stop PGs progressing to the second round, leaving OPMs to contemplate a poor weekend and concentrate on the league. Both teams had a dismissal, Charlie Irish receiving his orders for OPMs.

Charlie Irish Charlie Irish
Score: PGSOB 6-1 O.P.M.
OPM Scorer: Chris Vinson
Team: Tim Chalmers, Paul Rushton, Ian Stone (MoM), Jason Sweby, Jason Carr, John Horton, Charlie Irish, Jack Horton, Chris Vinson, Tom Langridge, Chris Tremblett

07/12/2002 (A) vs Plymouth University 'A'
OPMs put last week's defeat behind them with a competent and hard earned 5-1 victory away to Plymouth University 'A', the same result as the last time these two teams met. Unlike the Bodmin game, OPMs started better than their opponents and scored very early on when Jack Allman was put through by Jack Horton and the 'keeper's save went back in the goal off of one of his defenders. Having got the early goal OPMs so desperately wanted, they dominated almost the rest of the first half. Horton got on the scoresheet himself, capitalising on poor defending, and Chris Vinson continued his impressive goal scoring record with his 15th league goal of the season. Horton then made a terrific solo run through midfielders and defenders to score his second of the match and his eleventh of the season. The university applied more pressure towards the end of the first half, mainly gaining from too many OPM midfielders going forward. However, the away defence put in another terrific performance and ensured that goalkeeper Tim Chalmers did not have too much to do before half time.
Both teams came out fighting in the second half and goals looked likely but none came until the last 15 minutes. The home side were pushing harder and quicker but the back line of Ian Stone, Gary Tuckett and Paul Rushton was in top form, aided by good midfield covering especially from Ian Johnson. Chris Frude was shown a yellow card for abusive language towards one of the blonde members of the university team but the university could not make use of the man advantage. However, they did get one highly questionable goal back with a strike from outside the area which did not appear to touch any other home players' stick inside the D but which was awarded anyway. This seemed to give the university a boost and they had several penalty corners but the defending and one particularly fine save from Chalmers kept any more goals out. OPMs sealed the game when, with minutes to go, Jack Horton fired a free hit into the area which skipper Jason Sweby deflected in past the keeper.
This was an excellent response to last weekend's poor results, every one of the 12 players in the squad deserves credit for the attitude and commitment shown. In particular, Paul Rushton and Ian Stone were very unlucky not to pick up more man of the match points, but Gary Tuckett and Tim Chalmers took second and first place respectively and it was well earned.

Jack Horton Chris Frude
Score: Plymouth University 'A' 1-5 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Jack Allman, Jack Horton (2), Chris Vinson, Jason Sweby
Team: Tim Chalmers (MoM), Gary Tuckett, Paul Rushton, Ian Stone, Ian Johnson, Jason Sweby, Chris Frude, Jack Horton, Chris Vinson, Tom Langridge, Jack Allman, Steve Kennard

04/01/2003 (A) vs PGSOB (Friendly)

Score: PGSOB 5-1 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Chris Frude
Team: Tim Chalmers, Gary Tuckett, Paul Rushton, Ian Stone, Charlie Irish, Jason Sweby, Chris Frude, Jack Horton, Tom Langridge, Jack Allman, Steve Kennard, Colin Bishop

11/01/2003 (H) vs O.P.M. 'A' (Friendly)
A better performance than last week, although the 1st XI started slowly and failed to finish any of the chances they made. Played much better towards the end of the first half and throughout the second half, although the troublesome gap in midfield opened up again. Chris Vinson finally recalibrated his targets and could have scored half a dozen more were it not for Paul Mingo in goal for the 2nd XI. Jack Horton also started hitting the target again, whilst Jack Allman and Chris Frude added to the tally.

Score: O.P.M. 6-2 O.P.M. 'A'
OPM Scorers: Jack Horton (2), Chris Vinson (2), Jack Allman, Chris Frude
Team: Tim Chalmers, Gary Tuckett, Paul Rushton, Jason Sweby, Chris Frude, Jason Carr, Jack Horton, Tom Langridge, Jack Allman, Steve Kennard, Chris Vinson

18/01/2003 (A) vs Penzance 'A'
The Christmas break had left plenty of time for the OPM players to think over their success in the league to date this season. To this end, the tension before this match to restart the season was palpable, not least because of the long trip down and not wanting to waste the opportunity. This was a tough match, there was never one team fully in control at any stage of the game although it was the home side who pressed harder in the opening 15 minutes. Despite this, the OPM defence was watertight and the game was mostly played in the midfield. A good shout for a penalty stroke went unanswered when Jack Horton's short corner flick was somehow kept off the line. OPMs broke the deadlock when Ian Stone played a sideline hit to Jason Sweby, who sent it forward to Chris Vinson who surged forward and played in Jack Horton; Horton's run was perfectly timed as the keeper rushed out to clear the pass but the first touch from the striker was enough to put it past the keeper and into the goal. The away side played better from this point but that didn't stop Penzance making it difficult. Tim Chalmers in the OPM goal made some crucial clearances before half time to prevent any equalizer.
The second half was more of the same, a very open game which was never really dominated by either side. The OPM midfield were everywhere, covering the attackers and the defenders, although it was the defence that had more of the work to do. Jack Allman especially on the left wing ran tirelessly all afternoon. Gary Tuckett was impassable in central defence, both Paul Rushton and Ian Stone on the flanks looked comfortable whilst Chalmers continued to control his goal. OPM central midfielder Jason Carr paid for his magnificent game with a high stick in the face which saw him replaced by the injured Chris Frude. Eventually, OPMs grabbed their second when Horton this time released Vinson who fired the ball in to the back of the goal. Vinson had further opportunities to put the game beyond reach but the home 'keeper was more than equal to him.
This was a good result, Penzance played far better than their bottom of the table position and a 2-0 home defeat suggests. OPMs can be pleased with the way they played together, no player could be singled out for player of the match, although Phil Wass's debut in midfield, having been called up from the 2nd XI, was strong and he fitted in excellently.

Score: Penzance 'A' 0-2 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Jack Horton, Chris Vinson
Team: Tim Chalmers, Gary Tuckett, Paul Rushton, Ian Stone, Jason Sweby, Phil Wass, Ian Johnson, Jason Carr, Jack Horton, Jack Allman, Chris Vinson, Chris Frude. MoM: the team

25/01/2003 (H) vs Tavistock
Having beaten rival title-chasers Bodmin last week, Tavistock were always going to be a formidable opposition. Although the game was even to start with, OPMs soon took complete control. Tight marking and hard running meant that the ball was rarely out of the Tavistock half and 16s could barely be cleared. The first goal of the game came when Jason Sweby ran the ball to the by-line and crossed in for Jason Carr to easily tap home, his first goal for OPMs, followed shortly after by a green card, his first ever in hockey. Tavistock failed to respond and OPMs upped the pressure, going close several times before Chris Vinson fired home his 17th league goal of the season for 2-0. Not content with this, OPMs pushed hard again, wingers Sweby and Jack Allman running hard up and down the length of the wings to cover the defence and support the attack. Eventually, central-defender Gary Tuckett went on a dizzying run that took him to the Tavistock by-line and his cross in was brilliantly touched in by Allman who had completely lost his marker. Tavistock had one attack that nearly came to fruition but the first majestic save of many for the afternoon came from home 'keeper Tim Chalmers. An inexplicable yellow card for the Tavistock number 5 Hess reduced the away side to ten men until half time. This was one of the best performances in a half OPMs had given this season.
The second half looked like continuing from where it left off, OPMs much in control and running hard, passing well. Substitutions were made that left OPMs a little out of sorts, players not knowing who they were supposed to be marking and Tavistock took full advantage. Had it not been for more skillful saves from man of the match Chalmers, the game would have been much closer. The away side eventually broke through when a third attempt at a short corner was fired neatly into the corner by Lethbridge. The game became scrappy after that, neither side had complete control although both sides had many more chances, but with both goalkeepers playing well, there were no more goals. Chris Vinson saw yellow for dissent and did not return to the match as the final whistle went during a short corner which was unconverted.

Score: O.P.M. 3-1 Tavistock
Jason Carr Chris Vinson
OPM Scorers: Jason Carr, Chris Vinson, Jack Allman
Team: Tim Chalmers (MoM), Gary Tuckett, Paul Rushton, Ian Stone, Jason Sweby, Ian Johnson, Jason Carr, Jack Horton, Jack Allman, Chris Vinson, Chris Frude, Charlie Irish

01/02/2003 (A) vs Bude
Everyone was aware that this game could be the turning point of the season, a win over 2nd-placed Bude would put OPMs 12 points clear, but a defeat would reduce the margin to only 6. Bude were much more organised as the game began and OPMs found themselves under constant pressure, predictably with Carl controlling the midfield for the home side. The OPM midfield looked disorganised but hard work overcame any deficiency (especially from Colin Bishop), yet it was the away team's defence that kept them in the game. The back line of Ian Stone, Gary Tuckett and Paul Rushton were solid, although when they were broken on several occasions, goalkeeper Tim Chalmers made some crucial, and at times, well reacted saves. Despite this, the game was relatively open and eventually the OPM forwards started getting some service. A short corner came which Chris Vinson duly dispatched with a neat drag flick into the bottom corner and the away side were ahead. It did not take long for Bude to counter however, persistent attacks saw some frantic activity in the OPM defence and eventually a penalty stroke came when the ball hit Gary Tuckett on the line. Carl stepped up and launched a fierce flick which Chalmers had no hope of saving. This inspired Bude and OPMs were probably lucky to go in at half time with the scores level.
The break had given OPMs time to regroup and the midfield were much more organised in the second half. Jason Carr eventually limped off with an ankle injury but the sound squad that had travelled to Bude were able to cope with the loss. More strong defensive work from OPMs dealt with the exceptionally strong attacking force of Bude, the man marking was excellent and no goals came. It took a break from the OPMs to really launch their first attack of the second half, Colin Bishop found Jason Sweby who put Jack Horton through; Horton's deft wall pass allowed Vinson to crash home his 19th league goal of the season and put OPMs ahead. Ian Stone was yellow carded 20 minutes from the end for dissent, and OPMs came under fire but held tight, largely thanks to Gary Tuckett who couldn't put a foot wrong and thus found himself awarded man of the match. The away side put together another attack which resulted in a penalty flick of their own, Vinson stepped up to take for his hat-trick and put it wide. This was merely seconds from the end of the match, however, and OPMs claimed three crucial away points, once again putting on a fabulous team display.

Score: Bude 1-2 O.P.M.
Paul Rushton Ian Stone
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson (2)
Team: Tim Chalmers, Gary Tuckett (MoM), Paul Rushton, Ian Stone, Jason Sweby, Ian Johnson, Jason Carr, Colin Bishop, Jack Horton, Jack Allman, Chris Vinson, Chris Frude, Tom Langridge

08/02/2003 (H) vs United Services Hockey Club Plymouth 'A'
OPMs first league draw of the season was a result of a poor performance and a last gasp equaliser against United Services 2nd XI. OPMs started slower than ever and US had scored within minutes of the start with all players in disarray. From the restart, OPMs were still on the back foot but held firm and eventually got themselves into the game. A short corner strike from Chris Vinson was saved and Jason Sweby, with his back to goal, put the rebound wide. Sweby was put in again by Vinson who selflessly squared the ball across the face of the goal but the goalkeeper smothered the shot. Both Vinson and his striking partner Jack Horton squandered chances, whilst at the other end OPM 'keeper Tim Chalmers had to make good saves as the US attacks down the left side tore through the midfield and defence. The score remained 1-0 until halftime.
OPMs reshaped a little and the result was a few more wasted chances, until a short corner came which Vinson dispatched with venom. This opened up a goal festival, with U.S. again taking the lead when a strike from the edge of the OPM area sailed into the goal. It was Vinson again who levelled the game when he rifled home a fanstastic flick on from Jack Allman. Thinking this was it, OPMs tried to regain control of the game but instead found themselves on the end of another U.S. break which resulted in the third away goal: the cross from the edge of the D seemed to pass Gary Tuckett by and the attacker simply swept the goal past the incredulous Chalmers. The game remained open and both sides continued to have chances but eventually OPMs picked up a series of consecutive short corners. With the very final touch of the game, Jack Horton flicked the ball over the keeper, who was down having saved Vinson's initial strike, and into the goal, preventing U.S. from picking up their first win of the season.
Jack Allman's first half left-wing performance and second-half as a striker earnt him man of the match from his team mates as he consistently tracked back, supported forward and played others in, whilst Ian Stone was very strong at the back.

Score: O.P.M. 3-3 USHC Plymouth 'A'
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson (2), Jack Horton
Team: Tim Chalmers, Gary Tuckett, Paul Rushton, Ian Stone, Jason Sweby, Ian Johnson, Jason Carr, Jack Horton, Jack Allman (MoM), Chris Vinson, Tom Langridge

15/02/2003 (A) vs St Austell
The game that made us champions
OPMs only needed 3 points out of the next 4 games to secure the South West Division 1 title but had hoped that they could clinch it today away to St Austell. With a few key players out and the second non-arrival of Colin Bishop this season, it was down to the bare eleven to take up the challenge. The frame of mind was absolutely bang-on as the match started and the work rate was faultless. With Chris Vinson and Jack Allman causing the home defence trouble from the outset, OPMs looked set to dominate the encounter - St Austell's quick midfield and attack had other ideas. The OPM midfield, pushed up too far, was caught out from the quick break time and time again leaving the back 3 and goalkeeper to deal with the counter-attack. Fortunately, the defending and goalkeeping kept the home side from scoring although one St Austell strike did find the goal but the whistle had already been blown. OPMs gained the only short corners of the first half and had a golden opportunity to take the lead when the half-time whistle went during a short corner. The resulting push from Chris Frude went about 3 yards and the home defence smahed the ball away.
A tough half-time teamtalk encouraged OPMs to up their work rate, and it happened. The away side dominated the first 20 mintes of the half, with both wingers Jason Sweby and Tom Langridge finding themselves in acres of space and good crosses coming in from both sides. In the end though, it was a free-hit into the area by central midfielder Charlie Irish, who had an excellent game, which was deftly deflected by Jack Allman past the defence and into the goal. The OPM pressure continued and a cross in by Jason Sweby resulted in a foul on Chris Vinson that brought about a penalty stroke. After Vinson and Frude had contested the stroke against Bude and Vinson missed, Chris Frude stepped up to the mark. Unfortunately, his flick was too high and sailed over the goal. St Austell then took charge of the game but this time their breaking was covered better by OPMs, although on occasion Tim Chalmers was called into action, saving excellently from a series of St Austell penalty corners. In the end though, OPMs had done just about enough to claim a victory, the final whistle went and the players celebrated. Gary Tuckett, Ian Stone and Paul Rushton all had very good games at the back, the midfield 5 worked hard and both Allman and Vinson worked well together; Chris Vinson was passing and creating space well and Allman picked up his 2nd man of the match award in 2 weeks.
We knew before the match that to get any points away in St Austell would be a bonus, but to win the league there was an excellent achievement. St Austell played hard and fast and sometimes caught us out but we worked hard, rode our luck on occasion and ground out the result we wanted. Congratulations to everyone involved in the 1st XI, all those who played for us this season and a special mention to Rob Logan for his endless support.

Score: St Austell 0-1 O.P.M.
Charlie Irish
OPM Scorers: Jack Allman
Team: Tim Chalmers, Gary Tuckett, Paul Rushton, Ian Stone, Jason Sweby, Phil Wass, Chris Frude, Charlie Irish, Jack Allman (MoM), Chris Vinson, Tom Langridge

22/02/2003 (H) vs Okehampton
Having already claimed the league title, OPMs fell victim to complacency against an Okehampton side who were more up for the game. The away side scored very early on taking full advantage of a sleeping defence which woke OPMs up and after a series of penalty corners, OPMs' Jack Allman got a touch to level the game. Not long after, Okehampton had scored again, when the ball was not cleared from defence and a shot from the edge of the area found its way into the goal. The remainder of the first half was spent in the Okehampton half, OPMs creating plenty of opportunities but some good goalkeeping and poor shooting kept them behind at the interval.
Okehampton came out better again in the second half and the game became very open. However, OPMs were defending better and Tim Chalmers made some key stops. Another series of penalty corners for the home team finally resulted in a penalty stroke when the goal-bound ball struck an Okehampton defender's foot. Chris Vinson laid the recent penalty stroke ghost to rest with a clever flick in the bottom corner to level the match.
Both sides had chances to take the lead again, Okehampton carving up the left side of the field, whilst OPMs did the same down the right. OPM defender Gary Tuckett had the ball in the net but the whistle had already been blown for an earlier offence. The game ended level and both sides probably deserved the point. Jason Carr was a workhorse in midfield and duly picked up OPM player of the match with Vinson not far behind.

Score: O.P.M. 2-2 Okehampton
OPM Scorers: Jack Allman, Chris Vinson
Team: Tim Chalmers, Gary Tuckett, Paul Rushton, Ian Stone, Jason Sweby, Jason Carr (MoM), Chris Frude, Charlie Irish, Jack Allman, Chris Vinson, Ian Johnson, Steve Kennard

01/03/2003 (A) vs Marjons of Plymouth B
OPMs twice came back from a goal down and eventually went on to win the game against Marjons 3rds. Marjons took an early lead, capitalising on a poor clearance from defence. OPMs were lacklustre in the first half but it remained 1-0 until half-time. The second half was a different game, OPMs played full attack but they did not equalise until half way through the second half when defender Gary Tuckett fired home from a penalty corner. OPMs' Ian Johnson was yellow carded seemingly for trip which lead to a penalty corner for Marjons which was duly dispatched. OPMs equalised again when Chris Vinson struck for the 23rd time this season and OPMs then went on to win the game when Jack Allman laid off central midfielder, and eventual man of the match, Colin Bishop, who slotted it past the 'keeper.
This was a difficult game and Marjons put us under a lot of pressure with good hockey. However, the spirit that won us the league came through and we showed what we can do.

Score: Marjons of Plymouth B 2-3 O.P.M.
Ian Johnson
OPM Scorers: Gary Tuckett, Chris Vinson, Colin Bishop
Team: Tim Chalmers, Gary Tuckett, Paul Rushton, Ian Stone, Jason Sweby, Jason Carr, Chris Frude, Colin Bishop (MoM), Jack Allman, Chris Vinson, Ian Johnson, Steve Kennard

08/03/2003 (H) vs Bodmin
No report

Score: O.P.M. 1-1 Bodmin
Chris Frude
OPM Scorers: Jason Carr
Team: Tim Chalmers, Gary Tuckett, Steve Copper, Ian Stone, Jason Sweby, Jason Carr, Chris Frude, Phil Wass, Jack Allman, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton