O.P.M. HOCKEY CLUB
2nd XI Match Reports
Season 2002/2003
14/09/2002 (A) vs Marjons of Plymouth
M.O.P. fielded a strong side including two ex county players Neil Major & Sam Blonden, the latter scoring a hat trick. O.P.Ms battled hard during the first period and deserved to go in 0-0 at half time, Chris Tremblet debutising for the holidaying Mingo, making several good save's including one outstanding save from a Chris Hall lob!. Shortly before half time O.P.Ms had the ball in the opposition net, the celebrations from skipper Langridge senior did not fool the umpire who noticed that it was a M.O.P. player who beat his own keeper at the near post. The second half saw M.O.P. make changes and on a very hot day fitness began to tell, despite the sterling efforts of messrs Horton and Norfolk in defence M.O.P began to dominate the game. It was not all one way traffic as O.P.M. with Patterson on the right caused M.O.P. to remain in a defensive formation for long periods. Highlight of the second half was seeing the M.O.P keeper taking out his own player and the ball almost falling to an O.P.M (who I think may have stopped to have a chuckle). Although the team were beaten there were a lot of plus point to come out of the game, and with players returning in the next few weeks the team can only get stronger. Score: MoP 7-0 O.P.M. A
Team: Chris Tremblitt, John Horton, John Hutchings, Nick Langridge, Tom Langridge, Adam Kelly, Gareth Logan, Luke Patterson, Mike Wilson, Dan ?
05/10/2002 (A) vs PGSOB B
No report Score: PGSOB B 4-0 O.P.M. A
Team:
12/10/2002 (A) vs PGSOB C
No report Score: PGSOB C 1-1 O.P.M. A
OPM Scorer: Adrian Rundle
Team: Paul Mingo, Steve Copper, Alistair Rose, John Horton, Luke Patterson, Chris Tremblitt, Tom Langridge, Mike Wilson, Pete Thompson, Phil Wass, Adrian Rundle, John Hutchings, Nick Langridge
19/10/2002 (H) vs Plymouth University B
No report Score: O.P.M. A 1-0 Plymouth University A
OPM Scorer: Russell Owen-Moody
26/10/2002 (A) vs Tavistock A
No report Score: Tavistock A 5-2 O.P.M. A
OPM Scorers: Adrian Rundle, Russell Owen-Moody
02/11/2002 (H) vs Torbay C
No report Score: O.P.M. A 2-5 Torbay C
OPM Scorers: Arthur Norfolk (2)
09/11/2002 (A) vs Chudleigh A
No report Score: Chudleigh A 5-0 O.P.M. A
Luke Patterson16/11/2002 (H) vs Okehampton A
No report Score: O.P.M. A 9-0 Okehampton A
OPM Scorers: Steve Copper (2), Luke Patterson (4), Russell Owen-Moody, Adrian Rundle, Phil Wass
23/11/2002 (A) vs Marjons of Plymouth C
by Paul Mingo
Marjons started hard and fast, achieving the 'D' within seconds, but due to solid defense they couldn't find the goal. The play stayed like this for the first 20 minutes until Marjons eventually scored. That is not to say that OPMs were not active. Luke Patterson ran the ball down the wing and crossed to Chris Tremblett, who shot just went wide and defenseman Steve Copper's daring runs down to the opposition's 'D'. Even though OPMs midfield were now getting used to the speed of the pitch, Marjons scored again. OPMs heads did not go down and just before half time Tremblett scored with a great strike to the top righthand corner of the goal.
The second half was more of the same, with the defensive four standing solid and Phil Wass, Adrian Rundle and Mike Wilson playing well. Steve Copper had to be substituted due to an injured hand and Nick Langridge entered the field in a defensive role. Marjons scored another 2 goals, one of which was a lucky rebound of the post into the path of a parasitic forward. Adrian Rundle was the next casualty and had to limp off the pitch with a pulled hamstring, forcing Copper to come back on in midfield with only one hand. But it was all to late and OPMs lost 4-1 even though keeper Paul Mingo saved 18 shots at goal, and did some good shouting. Man of the match was Chris Tremblett as he found both space and the goal.
Goalkeeper stats: Shots saved: 18. Goals against: 4. Save percentage: 82% Score: Marjons of Plymouth C 4-1 O.P.M. A
OPM Scorers: Chris Tremblett
Team: Paul Mingo, John Horton, Steve Copper, John Hutchins, Pete Thompson, Phil Wass, Adrian Rundle, Mike Wilson, Luke Patterson, Chris Tremblett (MoM), Alistair Rose, Nick Langridge
30/11/2002 (H) vs Torbay B
by Paul Mingo
Captain Nick Langridge had a hard job getting a full squad together this week, due to injuries (see last weeks match report). Two players from the first team were gratefully drafted in to complete the line up (all legal and binding). It wasn't just OPMs that were put under pressure by Torbay at the start of the match. The umpires also felt the brunt, but remained in control of the game. The first half saw OPMs concede three goals even though the defence did their best. OPMs only goal came in the second half after fifteen minutes of good play resulted in a short corner. Chris Vinson had two shots denied by the keeper until the ball found Russell Owen-Moody who hammered it home. Torbay struck back quickly and ended the match 1-7 by outplaying OPMs on both wings. Players to mention are Russell for getting the goal, Tim Lancaster for intercepting passes, Tom Langridge for running up and down the field and generally being everywhere, and Mike Wilson for a good second half. Man of the match goes to Phil Wass for excellent man marking and chasing the ball down while defending short corners. Good job!
Cumulative goalkeeper stats: Shots saves: 27. Goals against: 10. Save %: 71%. Goals against average: 5.00
Gary TuckettScore: O.P.M. A 1-7 Torbay B
OPM Scorer: Russell Owen-Moody
Team: Paul Mingo, John Horton, Phil Wass, Mike Wilson, Luke Patterson, Alistair Rose, Nick Langridge, Russell Owen-Moody, Tim Lancaster, Gary Tuckett (D), Chris Vinson (D), Tom Langridge (D)
07/12/2002 (H) vs PGSOB B
by Paul Mingo
The first 10-15 minutes saw OPM A's play the best hockey they have all year. Team spirit was high and the team was hungry for a win. A Luke Patterson and Chris Tremblitt double act attacked the PG's goal early on, but was saved by a sliding keeper. Other quick runs resulted in the same way, either being saved by the keeper or just going wide. PGSOB's goal came in the middle of the first half, when Steve Copper's hit out rebounded off a PG foot at close range to the 'D'. PG's crossed the ball past a sliding (floundering) keeper to score in a empty goal. The goal took the wind out of OPM's sails and the rest of the half was spent defending.
The second half saw OPM's game pick up again, coming out stronger and more determined than ever. Midfield played well, feeding the play to forwards and defending when necessary. Forwards Patterson, Russell Owen-Moody, and Chris Tremblitt did their best forcing PG's keeper to make some good saves, or just shooting wide. OPM's also defended well, so well in fact that keeper Paul Mingo only had to make 4 saves in the entire match. Despite all this good play OPM's could not find the goal to draw level, and the match ended 0-1. Man of the match goes to Tim Lancaster for a good midfield performance and some solid tackling.
Cumulative keeper stats: Saves: 31. Goals against: 12. Save %: 72%. Goals against average: 4.00 Steve Copper added:
Although we didn't win this was clearly the best game that the OPM As have had, working well with each other and playing as a team. There wasn't a man of the match as the award should go to the whole team. Let's hope the second half of the season see play like this...... Score: O.P.M. A 0-1 PGSOB B
Team: Paul Mingo, John Horton, Steve Copper, Pete Thompson, Phil Wass, Tim Lancaster, Tim Ellis, Mike Wilson, Alister Rose, Chris Tremblett, Luke Paterson, Russell Owen-Moody, Nick Langridge
11/01/2003 (H) vs O.P.M. (Friendly)
This game was memorable for one thing in particular: Paul Mingo's performance in goal. The 2nd XI played well in general although once the 1st XI started putting quicker play together, the defence began to struggle. Defence and midfield linked up well and Russell Owen-Moody was strong on the ball every time he received it. However, the 1st XI finally seized control and had it not been for Mingo in goal, the goal count would have been unflattering. As it was, Paul kept out almost a dozen shots, most spectacularly from Chris Vinson towards the end when a point blank save forced the ball over the crossbar. Owen-Moody scored with a good finish at 2-0 down and Nick Langridge came on as a substitute, injured Steve Kennard for the 1sts and then scored. Score: O.P.M. 6-2 O.P.M. 'A'
OPM 'A' Scorers: Russell Owen-Moody, Nick Langridge
Team: Paul Mingo, Arthur Norfolk, John Horton, Phil Wass, Mike Wilson, Alister Rose, Chris Tremblett, Luke Paterson, John Hutchins, Russell Owen-Moody, Nick Langridge
18/01/2003 (H) vs PGSOB 'C'
by Paul Mingo
Could OPM A's carry on the excellent play from last week? Frankly no (well not to begin with anyway). Confidence had seemed to desert OPM's early in the first half and the defence had to work extremely hard to maintain the clean sheet. There were better plays later in the first half as OPM's slowly regained confidence. Alister, Tim and Russell made triangles around the opposition and breakaways from Luke, Chris and Russell were ended by a sweeping PG's keeper. At the end of the first half both keepers had been tested but there was still no score.
Confidence disappeared again early in the second half when PG's scored past a static defence. The home team then spent 5 minutes defending before making their move on goal. OPM pressure resulted in a long corner being crossed to Nick who beat the keeper, but the ball was saved on the line by a defender. The weak clearance went Russell's way and he didn't hesitate to finish into an empty goal. After more pressure from Chris and Russell the ball was fed to Luke, who found the back of the net to give OPM's the lead. PG's came back fighting and after several long corners, which OPM's couldn't clear, they scored. OPM keeper Paul had to make a good final save in the dying minutes to keep the score line equal. M.O.M - Tim Lancaster
Cumulative keeper stats: Saves: 41. Goals against: 14. Save %: 76. Goals against average: 3 Score: O.P.M. 'A' 2-2 PGSOB 'C'
OPM 'A' Scorers: Russell Owen-Moody, Luke Paterson
Team: Paul Mingo, John Horton, Arthur Norfolk, Pete Thompson, Luke Paterson, Adrian Rundle, Tim Lancaster (MoM), Alister Rose, Nick Langridge, Chris Tremblett, Russell Owen-Moody
25/01/2003 (A) vs Plymouth University B
by Paul Mingo
OPM A's started very strong and determined. Almost all of Plymouth Uni's attacks were cut out by a hard working midfield. OPM's forwards were also busy running the ball through the defence. Although OPM's had many scoring opportunities, they failed to find the goal. Late in first half 'keeper Paul had to dive to "head" the ball around the goalpost. Just before the end of the first half Plymouth Uni scored after a scramble in front of the goal mouth. OPM's knew they could win this match if only could convert a scoring chance into a much needed goal. After bucket loads of pressure OPM's forward Chris Tremblett found the goal's backboard with a satisfying thwack. Even more pressure by OPM's was rewarded by another goal from Chris, this time a flick over the keeper into top righthand corner. Shortly after this Chris was unfortunatley hit on the knee forcing him to retire for the rest of the match. Plymouth Uni had most of the play in the final minutes of the game and keeper Paul, once again, saved a well struck ball with his head. Did he see it coming? Judging from the sand in his eyes, I would say yes. Another good result for OPM's and another well played game. Cheers lads.
Cumulative keeper stats: Goals saved: 47. Goals against: 15. Save percentage: 76%. Goals against average: 3 Score: Plymouth University B 1-2 O.P.M. A
OPM 'A' Scorers: Chris Tremblett (2)
Team: Paul Mingo, John Horton, Arthur Norfolk, John Hutchings, Phil Wass, Luke Paterson, Mike Wilson, Adrian Rundle, Alister Rose, Chris Tremblett (MoM), Russell Owen-Moody, Nick Langridge (capt).
01/02/2003 (H) vs Tavistock A
by Paul Mingo
Another great start for OPM A's. Despite an early attack by Tavistock, which hit the post, OPM's had most of the possession and countless chances in front of goal. Adrian supplied some great crosses into the 'D' for the the forwards to line up to swing their sticks at and miss. It wasn't until mid way through the first half that Adrian, with sniper precision, found Russell just waiting to hammer the ball home past the keeper. Tavistock picked up their game now and worried the OPM defence, but John, Arthur and Tommo staved off all attacks until the whistle finished the first half.
The second half started with renewed pressure from both teams. Quick tight passes from Tom, Tim, Phil and Alister in midfield, challenged Tavi's defence on many an occasion, but it was Tavi who scored next. OPMs had conceded a short corner, which Tavi shot through the legs of keeper Paul. The Umpires made a fair decision at the other end by disallowing an OPM goal when the ball was seen to bounce up and under the sidenetting and into the back of the goal. OPM's still created chances and it was down to Adrian and Russell again, in a carbon copy of their first goal, to set the score at 2 - 1. A goal hungry frenzy pushed OPMs midfield forward leaving the defence isolated and the keeper shouting himself hoarse. Near the end of the half it was Adrian's turn to score with a rebound in front of the goal. Due to the smothering effects of OPM's defence, keeper Paul had little to do but stand around and shout.
Cumulative keeper stats: Saves: 50. Goals against: 16. Save: 75%. Goals against average: 2.66 Score: O.P.M. 'A' 3-1 Tavistock 'A'
OPM 'A' Scorers: Russell Owen-Moody (2), Adrian Rundle
Team: Paul Mingo, John Horton, Arthur Norfolk, Pete Thompson, Alister Rose, Phil Wass, Tim Lancaster, Luke Paterson, Adrian Rundle, Russell Owen-Moody, Nick Langridge(capt), Tom Langridge.
08/02/2003 (A) vs Torbay C
by Paul Mingo
OPM's started well with the midfield working hard, and after 20 minutes they were rewarded. Tim Lancaster dribbled the ball down deep into Torbay's half, stopped, and passed to Chris Tremblett, who pushed it past the advancing keeper. The team celebrated as they realised that they had a good chance to win the match. Unfortunately a mistake in midfield saw the ball fed to a Torbay forward who ran past the defense and slotted the ball under the armpit of a sprawling keeper. Needless to say OPM's heads dropped and the rest of the half was dominated by Torbay.
The second half was started with an immediate goal through the OPM's keepers legs, OPM's didn't even get to touch the ball! OPM's started to pick up their play and the Torbay keeper saved a good strike from Phil Wass. At the other end keeper Paul Mingo had to make a good reflex save after a shot was deflected off Phil's stick, and John Hutchings was quick to clear the ball to the sideline. In the middle of the second half Torbay scored off a saved rebound which was flicked over the prostrate keeper. In a last ditch attempt Chris passed to Alasdair who only just failed to to flick the ball over a sweeping keeper. Man of the match was going to Paul Mingo for saving the home goal, but the chef at the Pier inn stole the show with hotdogs and chips.
Cumulative keeper stats: Game: 7. Shots saved: 56. Goals Against: 19. Save %: 74.6%. Goals Against Average: 2.71. Score: Torbay 'C' 1-3 O.P.M. 'A'
OPM 'A' scorer: Chris Tremblett
Team: Paul Mingo, John Horton, Arthur Norfolk, John Hutchings, Phil Wass, Tim Lancaster, Mike Wilson, Alasdair Rose, Luke Paterson, Nick Langridge (capt), Chris Tremblett.
15/02/2003 (H) vs Chudleigh 'A'
by Paul Mingo
Playing against high in the league Chudleigh was always going to be a hard fought match, but finding out, just minutes before the match, that we could only field nine players was soul destroying. This was evident early on as Chudleigh lay seige around the OPM goal. After twenty minutes Chudleigh had scored four goals (two of which were very controversial). Four goals down, what would OPM's do next? Fight back of course! OPM's first goal came from a short corner. Chris pushed out to Mike, who stopped the ball for Adrian, who's shot was deflected past the keeper by Luke. Three minutes later Chudleigh conceded another short corner and were punished in the same fashion, but this time Chris was on hand to get the deflection. OPM's now became focused on the game and played well up to the end of the first half which finished 2-4.
Despite the overwhelming pressure from Chudleigh, OPM's played the best hockey they have all year. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the defence, keeper Paul had to make lots of saves and eventually Chudleigh had scored another three goals (one from a penalty flick). OPM's were not finished yet though. Arthur hit a great long pass to new boy Peter, who quickly passed to Chris, who scored between the legs of the Chudleigh keeper. Unfortunately the final score does not reflect the passion that OPM's put into thier play in the second half, and it begs the question 'what could we have done if we had a full side?'. Man of the match goes to Peter Honey's debut, lets hope we see more from him in further games.
Cumulative keeper stats: Game 8. Shots Saved: 71. Goals Against: 26. Save %: 73.2% . Goals Against Average: 3.25 Score: O.P.M. 'A' 3-7 Chudleigh 'A'
OPM 'A' Scorers: Chris Tremblett(2), Luke Paterson
Team: Paul Mingo, Nick Langridge(Capt), Arthur Norfolk, Alasdair Rose, Luke Paterson, Peter Honey (MoM), Adrian Rundle, Mike Wilson,Chris Tremblett.
01/03/2003 (H) vs Marjons of Plymouth 'C' (played at Marjons)
by Paul Mingo
OPM As started very shakily (possibly due to not playing last week?). Marjons put the defence under lots of pressure and OPM keeper Paul Mingo had to save six shots in the first ten minutes. Tim, Arthur and John did their best, but the speed of Marjons forwards found gaps in the OPM defence. At the end of the first half OPMs were 3-0 down.
After a spirited pep talk from Gary Tuckett, OPMs started the second half a different side. After lots of pressure, Marjons conceded a short corner. Chris pushed out to Phil, to stop the ball for Adrian, who managed to bounce the ball under the keeper "to set the momentum going". Chris got OPMs second goal single handedly, via an interception at Marjons 16 yard line, and struck the ball directly into the centre of the goal. Shortly after, Phil ran the ball around two Marjons players, and knocked a through ball into the 'D' for Russell to hit a "sublime one touch shot" into the bottom right-hand corner of the goal. With the score level at 3-3, Marjons picked up their game and scored after a scramble in the goal mouth. OPMs only other chance was denied by a great save by the Marjons keeper.
Cumulative keeper stats: Game 9. Shots Saved: 80. Goals Against: 29. Save %: 73.4% . Goals Against Average: 3.22 by Jason Sweby
OPM 2nds staged a terrific 2nd half comeback having been 3-0 down. Adrian Rundle got one back from a short corner before half time, Chris Tremblett scored brilliantly from the edge of the area early in the second half and Russell Owen-Moody scored from a tight angle to level the game. Marjons' keeper made a crucial and excellent save from Tremblett that could have given OPMs the lead; this changed the game and Marjons went on to score their fourth and the decisive goal. Score: O.P.M. 'A' 3-4 Marjons of Plymouth C
OPM 'A' Scorers: Adrian Rundle, Chris Tremblett, Russell Owen-Moody
Team: Paul Mingo, Arthur Norfolk, John Horton, Luke Paterson, Peter Honey, Adrian Rundle, Chris Tremblett, Phil Wass, Tim Lancaster, Russell Owen-Moody, Steve Kennard
08/03/2003 (A) vs Torbay B
Match report to follow...
Score: Torbay B 4-1 O.P.M. A
OPM 'A' Scorer: ?
22/03/2003 (H) vs USHC Plymouth B (friendly)
by Rob Logan
O.P.M. started well and after sustained pressure scored from a well struck cross by Horton which Logan deflected into the path of Allman at the far post. On the stroke of half time Moody found the net only to have it ruled out as the whistle went fractionally before the whole of the ball had crossed the line!!
2nd half saw U.S. push forward and the 3 man defence of Langridge (T), Lancaster and Honey stood firm in front of the watching (first half anyway!!) Mingo. O.P.M. scored again with a good finish from Horton before U.S. pulled a goal back, U.S. then put O.P.'s under pressure and Mingo was called on to make several saves one of which could only be described as unbelievable!!! (didn't know he could send his body in different directions at the same time!).
Logan then played Moody in for his second with a sublime through ball although he still had to beat the advancing keeper. The last goal came when Logan unselfishly left the ball for the on rushing Moody who played a one two with the goalkeeper before finding the net. The whole team played well and special mention should go to man of the match Rundle for a tireless preformance in the middle of the park. Score: O.P.M. A 4-1 USHC Plymouth B
OPM 'A' Scorer: Allman, Horton, Moody (2)
Team: Mingo, Langridge.T, Lancaster, Honey, Wilson, Horton, Owen-Moody, Rundle.(m.o.m.), Allman, Logan, Patterson