O.P.M. Hockey Club Archive

O.P.M. HOCKEY CLUB

1st XI Match Reports

Season 2004/2005

11/09/2004 (H) vs Tavistock, Friendly
OPMs began their pre-season friendlies with some key players missing, replaced by some former 1st XI players who won't be available for the season, namely Tom Wood, Tom Langridge, Duncan Rutherford and Jack Horton.
The game started brightly with both sides trying to claim early dominance. Both teams pushed forward but neither made a serious threat on goal. After 15 minutes however, Tavistock broke the deadlock with a well worked break that really opened up the game. Both sides continued to press for goals, with Chris Vinson and Stuart Bennett up front for the home side starting to work well together. Eventually it was these two who levelled the game; Vinson slipped the ball into the D for Bennett who mis-hit the first attempt but when the defenders failed to clear it, took another strike and scored. Tavistock's John Barratt hit the crossbar and OPM's Steve Copper hit the post from a short corner but the half ended 1-1.
Tavistock raced out of the blocks for the second half and scored almost instantly to reclaim the lead. OPMs had stopped because of a seemingly obvious foot from a Tavistock midfielder but play continued and the visitors pounced on the indecision. Shortly after, Tavistock had it in the goal again but this time it was ruled out for a foot in the area. However, the away side did make it 3-1 when some slick passing left OPMs chasing the ball and the shot cannoned in off the post. OPMs started to press again, and when Vinson put Jason Sweby through against the keeper, the initial shot was saved but Sweby stroked in the rebound. As players grew tired the game opened up into a real end-to-end battle, but it was OPMs who made their play count; both Vinson and Jack Allman had shots to try and beat the defenders and keeper but it was Bennett who managed to beat them and claim his second of the match to level the game.

Score: O.P.M. 3-3 Tavistock
OPM Scorers: Stuart Bennett (2), Jason Sweby
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Johnson, Ian Stone, Gary Tuckett, Tom Wood, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Steve Copper, Jack Allman, Tom Langridge, Stuart Bennett, Jason Sweby, Duncan Rutherford

25/09/2004 (A) vs North Devon, Friendly
by Ian Stone
On a damp Saturday afternoon OPM travelled to Barnstaple for a friendly before the 2004/05 season starts. OPMs were missing 4 regular players and fielded some second team players as a result, they welcome 3 new players to the squad, who all made good contribution.
Both teams started well with end to end chances, but with both defences working hard the scores stayed level. The deadlock was broken half way through the first half with a short corner converted by the North Devon Centre forward. OPMs were back level before th end of the half with a neatly taken short corner.
Following the break OPMs failed to get into the game and the lively pace of the North Devon forwards began to pay dividends and they took the lead very early into the half. Helped by some umpiring decisions and poor tracking back, North Devon seemed to score at will, scoring eight second half goals. At the end the OPM players were very down due to the score line and the decisions going against them.

Score: North Devon 9-1 O.P.M.
OPM Scorer: Chris Vinson
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Loze, Ian Stone, Ian Johnson, Colin Bishop, Rob Cross, Alex Peacock, Laurence Peacock, Jack Allman, Chris Vinson, Luke Patterson, Pete Honey

02/10/2004 (A) vs Ashmoor, South West Division 1
OPMs opened the new league season with a hard-fought win away at promotion-candidates Ashmoor. The home side started the brighter on a difficult rubber-crumb pitch and OPMs were defending for much of the opening quarter, but Ashmoor didn't make the pressure tell. OPM striker Stuart Bennett sufferred a head injury half way through the first half but continued the game with a bandage; the break seemed to have done OPMs some good. They pushed forward much stronger and quicker but didn't really make any headway in the final third of the pitch, until the dying seconds of the half when Chris Vinson's bouncing cross to Jason Sweby on the far post was just flicked away from Sweby's stick by the Ashmoor 'keeper.
Once again, Ashmoor started more brightly in the second half but could not sustain the pressure for as long as they had previously. Eventually, it was OPMs who broke the deadlock when Stuart Bennett drove a brilliant shot home whilst on the run, and OPMs then looked in total control for a period. Moments later, when Jack Allman's pass was missed by both Ashmoor and OPM midfielders, Jason Sweby picked it up in the middle of the pitch and should have scored when one-on-one with the Ashmoor 'keeper but the attempt at an angled shot under the goalkeeper was saved. Ashmoor then scored from a short-corner to level the game but OPMs followed it with a series of 4 straight short-corners of their own. Eventually they paid off when centre-half Charlie Haswell, on his OPM debut, crashed home a thundering shot from the edge of the D to restore the OPM lead. Ashmoor then piled on the pressure for the remainder of the game but OPMs defended strongly and in numbers to ensure that they maintained their lead and picked up a fantastic result to open the new season. This was an all round excellent performance from OPMs, the back line of Stone, Tuckett and Bishop were strong throughout the game, and the midfield work tirelessly to support both defenders and attackers, notably Martin Simpson-Scott and Laurence Peacock on their league debuts for OPMs.

Score: Ashmoor 1-2 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Stuart Bennett, Charlie Haswell
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Ian Johnson, Colin Bishop, Laurence Peacock, Jack Allman, Chris Vinson, Jason Sweby, Martin Simpson-Scott, Stuart Bennett, Gary Tuckett, Charlie Haswell (MoM)

09/10/2004 (A) vs Marjons of Plymouth B, South West Division 1
OPMs made it two wins from two with their second consecutive away victory at Marjons of Plymouth 3rds. The only team change was Chris Frude returning to the defence. The game started very lively with both sides trying to find the advantage but both defences were playing well. OPM skipper and 'keeper Tim Chalmers was largely untroubled in the first half with Stone, Tuckett and Frude in the back line and the midfield once again tracking back well in support. OPMs had 5 short corners in the opening half and finally the pressure told when Chris Vinson's strike was neatly deflected by Jack Allman into the goal. Marjons were increasing the pressure with the half way mark approaching, with short corners of their own. However, nothing came of these and the half ended before a Marjons long corner could be taken.
The second half started brightly again with both sides attacking, OPMs determined to extend the single goal lead. Chances fell to Colin Bishop, Chris Vinson, Jason Sweby and Stuart Bennett but no goals. Eventually, it was Marjons who scored, when a scrappy set of clearances was eventually punished and the game was level. OPMs responded positively however, and a series of passes ended up with Bishop finding Jason Sweby on the right wing, who had time to take it right to the back line and look up for Vinson, who selflessly touched it on again to ex-MoPs player Charlie Haswell who cracked home his second in two games. Marjons really piled on the pressure but Stone, Tuckett and Frude again were excellent in defence, Tuckett deflecting a certain goal onto the post and away. But it was 'keeper Chalmers who kept the away side in the lead with a series of excellent saves from short corners, one notable stick save which, again, looked to be a certain goal. OPMs had a few breaks but were largely under pressure for the remainder of the match. Laurence Peacock, Jack Allman, Colin Bishop and Charlie Haswell were massive in midfield, supporting the defence.

Score: MoP B 1-2 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Jack Allman, Charlie Haswell
Laurence Peacock
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone (jMoM), Chris Frude, Colin Bishop, Laurence Peacock (jMoM), Jack Allman, Chris Vinson, Jason Sweby, Stuart Bennett, Gary Tuckett, Charlie Haswell, Ian Johnson (sub not used)

16/10/2004 (H) vs PGSOB B, South West Division 1
OPMs missed a good opportunity to make it three wins out of three with a disappointing home defeat to PGSOB 3rds. The starting XI was unchanged from last week's win over Marjons apart from captain and goalkeeper Tim Chalmers who was injured mid-week, meaning 2nd team goalkeeper Paul Mingo got his 1st team call-up. OPMs started well, playing the ball around excellently and keeping possession, whilst making good breakthroughs into the PGs defence but failing to make the most of it. Against the run of play, PGs opened the scoring 20 minutes into the game and OPMs were unsettled. The chances came and went, with plenty of short corners and good crosses being squandered. Very little of note occurred from any OPM player.
The second half was a different story, OPMs totally dominating the entire half, although incredibly, PGs earned a short corner 5 minutes into the half and scored from it to make it 2-0. OPMs stepped up a gear and everyone started to work. Laurence Peacock and Martin Simpson-Scott were dynamos in midfield, preventing the PGs clearances from getting up field and maintaining the pressure. Colin Bishop worked well and was replaced by Alex Peacock who also worked tirelessly to maintain the attack. Stuart Bennett also was winning the ball back when attacks broke down. Chances came to Bennett, Chris Vinson, Charlie Haswell and Jason Sweby, but when Sweby's shot was stopped on the line by a defender's leg, Vinson converted the subsequent penalty stroke to bring OPMs back into it. The home side had another half a dozen short corners, all of which failed to make any impression. PGs held on to their lead though with some solid, and sometimes desperate, defending and took all three points from a game OPMs were expected to win.
The game will be remembered for Rob Logan's run-in with veteran PGs striker Mike Chetwynd who somehow escaped a card for his words to the umpire.
Despite the defeat, the second half performance proved the OPM spirit and everyone worked 110% to try and secure at least a point, if not more, but it was not to be.

Score: O.P.M. 1-2 PGSOB B
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson (pen)
Chris Frude
Team: Paul Mingo, Ian Stone, Chris Frude, Colin Bishop, Laurence Peacock, Jack Allman, Chris Vinson, Jason Sweby, Stuart Bennett, Gary Tuckett, Charlie Haswell, Alex Peacock, Martin Simpson-Scott, Rob Cross

23/10/2004 (A) vs Truro B, South West Division 1
by Tim Chalmers
After last weeks disappointing result OPMs were determined to make amends against Truro away from home, starting brightly OPMs attacked from the off with great purpose with a few early efforts testing the Truro keeper and it wasnt long before OPM's vice captain Jason Sweby opened the scoring after some good play by Alex Peacock, making his first full start, down the left side that gave the OPMs great confidence and they never looked back taking a good 4-1 half time advantage with goals from Alex Peacock and Jack Allman, the first of which was the goal of the match in which Jack was faced one on one with the keeper after good play by midfeilders Lawrence Peacock and Charlie Haswell, he waited till the keeper commited and cooly took it around him for a great finish.
With the OPM players starting to gel the 4-1 score line at halftime flattered the home side. After a good halftime team talk, OPMs came out firing on all cylinders with the defence of Ian stone, Ian Loze and Colin Bishop, well marshalled by keeper Paul Mingo, containing the home side and limiting them to few chances, while the central midfield of Lawrence Peacock, Charlie (the Terminator) Haswell and outstanding new French signing François Ravin controlling the game and winning the ball for creative wingers Peacock and the rejuvenated Sweby to open the scoring for the second half, with the fantastic link up play of forwards Chris Vinson and awesome Jack Allman the goals flowed like vintage wine with Allman capping a wonderful display by reaching his hat-trick first, ending the game with a personal total of four, followed by good finishing from Vinson who finished with 2 as well as 2 a piece for Alex Peacock and Jason sweby with the final score as 10-1 to the OPMs. All in all a good team display by everybody with the added bonus of a mini-bus of former OPM players to enjoy our success and enjoy the day.

Score: Truro B 1-10 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Jason Sweby (2), Jack Allman (4), Alex Peacock (2), Chris Vinson (2)
Charlie Haswell
Team: Paul Mingo, Ian Stone, Colin Bishop, Ian Loze, Laurence Peacock, Jack Allman, Chris Vinson, Jason Sweby, Charlie Haswell, Alex Peacock, François Ravin

26/10/2004 (A) vs USHC Plymouth, Devon Cup Preliminary Round
OPMs caused an upset in the preliminary round of the Devon Cup by beating United Services 6-1 away at Bull Point. US started strongly with an instant attack that looked set to provide the tone of the match but OPMs countered several times early on with quick breaks. One of these breaks led to a short corner, which Jason Sweby converted from Chris Vinson initial strike. US were rattled by this surprising goal but OPMs were buoyant and not long after, scored again when Martin Simpson-Scott made an electrifying run through the home defence and neatly slipped the ball to Vinson who lifted the ball past the oncoming keeper. Shortly after, Simpson-Scott was involved again when he himself scored his first goal for OPMs. Stuart Bennett got stuck in for OPMs, making some strong runs and tackles and creating chances for the forwards. A spell of US pressure followed in which strong defending from Stone, Loze and Bishop prevented any goals, and almost on the stroke of half-time, OPMs earned another short corner, this time Sweby slipped the ball to Charlie Haswell who crashed home a brilliant strike into the far corner, for a 4-0 half-time lead.
US scored early in the second half to show that they were determined to make a come-back, so OPMs once again put in the work rate. Colin Bishop was massive at the back, earning himself joint Man of the Match, alongside Martin Simpson-Scott who was everywhere on the pitch and causing real trouble to the US defence. Ian Loze and Ian Stone were also strong all night at the back, putting in tackles and pressure where it was needed. Paul Mingo in goal for OPMs made a few fantastic saves to keep US down to 1 goal, and then OPMs struck again when a few attempted shots were saved but Vinson finally found the goal. Then it was the turn of Richard Davies on his first team debut, Vinson slipped the ball to Sweby whose strike was saved by the US 'keeper, but went straight to Davies who calmly tucked home his first 1st team goal. Vinson had a late short corner drag-flick disallowed for being outside of the D, but US were beaten by this point and OPMs make it through to the first round proper against Marjons of Plymouth.

Score: USHC Plymouth 1-6 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Jason Sweby, Chris Vinson (2), Martin Simpson-Scott, Charlie Haswell, Richard Davies
Team: Paul Mingo, Ian Stone, Colin Bishop (jMoM), Ian Loze, Jack Allman, Chris Vinson, Jason Sweby, Charlie Haswell, Richard Davies, Pete Honey, Ian Johnson, Martin Simpson-Scott (jMoM), Stuart Bennett

30/10/2004 (H) vs Bude, South West Division 1
OPMs could not repeat their two performances in the past week against Truro and United Services which had provided 16 goals, at home to Bude. OPMs have never lost to Bude but they were too strong this week, despite OPMs having the lion's share of possession in the first half. Both Chris Vinson and Jason Sweby had good chances to open the scoring for OPMs but it was Bude who scored first, a penalty stroke which came as a result of Gary Tuckett's foot on the line; OPM skipper Tim Chalmers in goal did well to get a stick to the shot but it cannoned in. Shortly after, Bude scored again when a weak shot was allowed to bobble over the line. OPMs played better towards the end of the half and when Alex Peacock played a free hit into the D for his brother Laurence to run onto, the latter scored to bring OPMs back into the game at half-time.
The visitors scored very early in the second half to restore a two-goal advantage but then the visiting keeper gave away a needless penalty flick by pushing the ball with his pads, which Vinson duly converted to make it 3-2. Once again, OPMs then took control of the game and played by far their best period of hockey in the match and despite numerous short corners, could not make the pressure pay. Bude bided their time and scored two quick goals on the counter to make it 5-3. Charlie Haswell and Gary Tuckett both made goal-line clearances to keep Bude from scoring more, before Tuckett had to go off injured after a collision. OPMs earned another penalty stroke for a dangerous tackle in the area and Vinson once again made it count but Bude played the clock down well to ensure the game ended 5-3 to the visiting team. Once again, there were notable performances from Laurence Peacock and Colin Bishop.

Score: O.P.M. 3-5 Bude
OPM Scorers: Laurence Peacock, Chris Vinson (2 pens)
Team: Tim Chalmers, Chris Frude, Colin Bishop, Gary Tuckett, Ian Loze, Jason Sweby (jMoM), Stuart Bennett, Charlie Haswell, Laurence Peacock (jMoM), Alex Peacock, Chris Vinson, Martin Simpson-Scott

06/11/2004 (A) vs PGSOB A, South West Division 1
OPMs picked up 3 points in a dramatic away win against PGs 2nd XI. OPMs started much stronger than their hosts but failed to create any decent chances. 20 minutes into the first half, and against the run of play, PGs scored on a break and then took control of the remainder of the half. The home side made it 2-0 with a neat short corner and OPM heads were down. OPMs nearly pulled one back when a quick break between Chris Vinson, Martin Simpson-Scott and Jack Allman gave Allman the final touch on goal but PGs 'keeper John Wollington pulled off a save with the facemask of his helmet to give the home side a 2-0 half time advantage.
PGs came out attacking stronger in the second half than the visitors but were kept at bay by better defending from Ian Stone, Francois Ravin and Ian Loze, along with a couple of key saves from 'keeper and skipper Tim Chalmers. Eventually PGs allowed themselves to soak up OPM pressure and Charlie Haswell in the centre of the OPM midfield began to control the match. With 8 minutes to go and the score still at 2-0, the pressure finally told. Jack Allman scored his 6th of the season to bring OPMs back in the game, and then minutes later put a pass between all the PGs defenders to give Jason Sweby the chance to level. With the keeper beaten, Sweby's shot was stopped by a defender's foot and Chris Vinson scored the resulting penalty stroke to equalise. By this stage, OPMs were charged and PGs were deflated. With 2 minutes left, Sweby made a run down the right wing and as the cross came in, earned a short corner, which Charlie Haswell thundered home for a deserved goal. A dramatic late comeback that proved the OPM spirit lives on despite recently disappointing results. MoM was Charlie Haswell and Charlie Irish performed well in the right-half position.

Score: PGSOB A 2-3 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Jack Allman, Chris Vinson (pen), Charlie Haswell
Charlie Irish
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Francois Ravin, Ian Loze, Jason Sweby, Charlie Haswell (MoM), Laurence Peacock, Chris Vinson, Martin Simpson-Scott, Jack Allman, Charlie Irish, Duncan Townsend

13/11/2004 (H) vs Penzance A, South West Division 1
OPMs finally claimed their first home win of the season with a 6-1 win over Penzance A. The first twenty minutes was reasonably even with very few chances being created. OPMs finally opened the scoring with a short corner, Jack Allman deflecting in Chris Vinson's shot. Minutes later, a fantastic spell of link up play down the right hand side gave Martin Simpson-Scott the chance to make it 2-0, which he did, scoring his first of three for the match. OPMs hadn't played particularly well however and 2-0 flattered the home side at half time.
Penzance started the second half much strong and the hosts were under pressure but the defence held firm. Finally, OPMs got back into gear and Simpson-Scott scored again to settle the nerves and make it 3-0 after another superb piece of link up play between the right of midfield and the front two. Penzance then got a goal from a controversial short corner back to bring them back into the game, but Chris Vinson fired home a reverse sweep to restore the three goal advantage. Penzance were still applying a great deal of pressure but very few chances on goal, although Tim Chalmers was forced to make some good saves and the back three of Colin Bishop, Chris Frude and Ian Loze were kept busy. OPMs kept hitting on the break however and Simpson-Scott crashed home his best goal of the day to complete his hat-trick for 5-1. Moments later, Duncan Townsend, in only his second game for OPMs, was gifted an excellent cross from Vinson to finish the game at 6-1.

Score: O.P.M. 6-1 Penzance A
OPM Scorers: Jack Allman, Chris Vinson, Martin Simpson-Scott (3), Duncan Townsend
Tim Chalmers
Team: Tim Chalmers, Colin Bishop, Chris Frude, Ian Loze, Jason Sweby, Charlie Haswell, Alex Peacock, Chris Vinson, Martin Simpson-Scott (MoM), Jack Allman, Stuart Bennett, Duncan Townsend

20/11/2004 (A) vs Bodmin, South West Division 1
OPMs slipped up away to Bodmin although this was more due to the terrible umpiring than their performance. In a game which the visitors dominated both halves, major umpiring decisions went against them on several occasions and cost them the game, earning apologies even from their hosts. OPMs started strong and were playing very well, causing problems for Bodmin and creating many chances but not taking them. On a counter attack, which was also their first attack, the home side scored against the run of play, OPM defenders having stopped because of the ball clearly being lifted dangerously but no decision being given. Tim Chalmers was then forced to make an outstanding save to prevent a second. OPMs attacked again but another counter attack resulted in a second goal which had hit a Bodmin player's foot which he himself admitted to the umpire, who gave the goal anyway. OPMs were disheartened by this and decisions continued to go against them. Realising the only way to get past this was to up the tempo, the midfield grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and OPMs pounded the Bodmin area for the final 15 minutes of the half. Charlie Haswell was a wall not letting the ball go past him and Stuart Bennett was causing trouble running at the defenders and earning multiple short corners. Jason Sweby and Jack Allman were causing their defenders grief and Chris Vinson and Martin Simpson-Scott were firing their chances but some good saves and desperate defending maintained the host's clean sheet at half time.
The second half was all OPMs from the start. Bodmin had 2 short corners, one of which was brilliantly saved from the top corner by Haswell but this was the only attack they mounted. Simpson-Scott twice beat the goalkeeper by going wide but missed the mark with his shot. Whenever Bodmin looked like they might enter the OPM area, Ian Stone, Colin Bishop and Man of the Match Francois Ravin kept them out brilliantly. Both Bishop and Ravin made runs up the pitch, Ravin keeping possession and laying it off whilst Bishop was trying to create an overlap on the right wing. After 12 short corners with no goal, one of Bishop's runs eventually paid off when a Chris Vinson cross from the left was neatly deflected into the goal by Bishop to make the last 5 minutes very tense but more terrible umpiring decisions prevented OPMs from being able to mount a serious challenge.
The day was capped by captain Tim Chalmers being ordered to the half way line by one of the umpires to discipline his players, with Chalmers apologising but telling the umpire that he had brought it upon himself which should have resulted in discipline of its own but nothing came.

Score: Bodmin 2-1 O.P.M.
OPM Scorer: Colin Bishop
Team: Tim Chalmers, Colin Bishop, Ian Stone, Francois Ravin (MoM), Jason Sweby, Charlie Haswell, Chris Vinson, Martin Simpson-Scott, Jack Allman, Stuart Bennett, Duncan Townsend

27/11/2004 (H) vs Liskeard, South West Division 1
OPMs made up for last week's robbery with a 5-0 thumping at home to Liskeard. This was a very one-sided game and the home side could easily have scored double the amount they did.
Missing Colin Bishop and Francois Ravin at the back and leading scorer Chris Vinson at the front, OPMs reverted to a formation they used earlier in the season. This proved to be extremely effective as the midfield 5 of Charlie Haswell, Laurence and Alex Peacock, Martin Simpson-Scott and Jason Sweby controlled the game. Simpson-Scott had an early goal disallowed for OPMs when it was spotted that he had used the reverse side of his stick to control the ball. However, OPMs were not deterred and moments later some great midfield interplay led centre forward Jack Allman to put Simpson-Scott through again and this time the resulting goal stood. Moments later, it was 2-0 when Charlie Haswell's instant strike of a short corner push out crashed into the back of the goal like a bullet. The home defence didn't have much to do but when Liskeard did break through the midfield, they were ably swept up by the Ians: Stone, Loze and Johnson. Stone also picked up a green card for deliberate foul play. Rarely was keeper Tim Chalmers asked to make a save, but on the few occasions he was, he pulled them off comfortably. OPMs drifted off the pace a little towards the end of the half, as a result of trying to do too much and not letting the ball do the work. However, Allman scored his first of the afternoon just before half time to make it 3-0 at the break.
The second half was more of the same, complete OPM domination. Liskeard continually lost possession and gave the ball away in crucial areas. The midfield again controlled the game, with less running and more incisive passing. Stuart Bennett made some good runs into the D but couldn't get the shot away. Plenty of good opportunities came from open play and short corners and it wasn't long before Allman scored his second and OPMs fourth with another neat finish from good build-up play. The fifth came with an excellent goal from Simpson-Scott who was looking for his second hat-trick of the season. No more goals came but it was complete control for the home side, especially when the Liskeard captain was dismissed from the pitch for persistent foul play. An excellent performance by OPMs against an out of sorts Liskeard. Jack Allman's brace now puts him top of the scorer's leaderboard this season.

Score: O.P.M. 5-0 Liskeard
OPM Scorers: Martin Simpson-Scott (2), Jack Allman (2), Charlie Haswell
Ian Stone
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Loze, Ian Stone, Ian Johnson, Jason Sweby, Charlie Haswell, Martin Simpson-Scott (MoM), Alex Peacock, Laurence Peacock, Jack Allman, Stuart Bennett

04/12/2004 (H) vs Ashmoor, South West Division 1
2nd placed OPMs made an astonishing comeback from 2-0 down against league leaders Ashmoor to go 3-2 ahead only to lose the top of the table clash 4-3. OPMs were nowhere in the first 15 minutes of the game and were under total pressure from an Ashmoor side that sprinted out of the blocks. Some good and some desperate defending kept the goals out but then a short corner led to a well worked first goal for the visitors. OPMs began to spread the play more and looked like they could create chances but Ashmoor struck a blow by hitting home an identical short corner to go two goals ahead. Once again, OPMs tried to pick up the pieces and the chances started to come. Some great work down the left between Laurence Peacock and Martin Simpson-Scott opened up that side but few goal chances fell. However, OPMs picked up a short corner on the stroke of half time and Charlie Haswell's mishit shot was swept in by Jason Sweby to put the home side back in the game.
Rob Cross was substituted for Duncan Townsend in the second half and OPMs looked stronger in midfield. Ten minutes into the half, Jack Allman's bouncing shot was picked up by Chris Vinson who cannoned it home to level the game. Sensing Ashmoor's dejection, OPMs hit again, this time Jack Allman crashing home a brilliant strike from the top of the D to give OPMs a 3-2 lead. Ashmoor however proved why they're top of the league. Their passing got slicker which left OPM legs with more to do and as they tired, Ashmoor began to dominate. Tim Chalmers was forced to pull off some fine saves but two more short corners led to two more similar goals to those in the first half and Ashmoor once again led the match. OPMs pushed to get the equaliser but Ashmoor played the clock down well and took all three points in a thrilling game.
All OPM players were ragged after the game which was testament to how well they played, especially Ian Loze and Ian Stone in defence. Stone and Sweby picked up the joint man of the match award.

Score: O.P.M. 3-4 Ashmoor
OPM Scorers: Jason Sweby, Chris Vinson, Jack Allman
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Loze, Ian Stone (jMoM), Rob Cross, Jason Sweby (jMoM), Charlie Haswell, Martin Simpson-Scott, Laurence Peacock, Jack Allman, Stuart Bennett, Duncan Townsend, Chris Vinson

09/12/2004 (A) vs Marjons, Devon Cup Round 1
OPMs were easily undone in the Devon Cup by a far superior Marjons side. From the start, Marjons held control of the game, passing and moving effortlessly and creating plenty of chances. Two short corners in the first half and another goal from open play put them 3-0 ahead. OPMs had shown signs of a threat when they had the ball but lost possession too easily. However, five minutes from the end, a move between Jason Sweby and Martin Simpson-Scott gave Sweby the chance to strike and he fired into the back of the net to give OPMs something to cheer about at half time.
Five minutes into the second half and OPMs scored again, this time a move between Stuart Bennett, Chris Vinson and Simpson-Scott, with the latter finishing well from the edge of the area to make it 3-2. However, Marjons stepped up a gear and despite some brilliant goalkeeping from Tim Chalmers and some outstanding defending from OPM Man of the Match Francois Ravin, Ian Stone and Colin Bishop, the goals began to go in. OPMs weren't totally dominated though and had a third goal disallowed but at the final whistle, Marjons were in complete control and had put eight past a tired OPM side.

Score: Marjons 8-2 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Jason Sweby, Martin Simpson-Scott
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Jason Sweby, Charlie Haswell, Martin Simpson-Scott, Laurence Peacock, Stuart Bennett, Duncan Townsend, Chris Vinson, Francois Ravin (MoM), Colin Bishop

15/01/2005 (H) vs Marjons B, South West Division 1
An understrength OPMs were beaten at home by Marjons B. OPMs had won the previous encounter between these two sides earlier in the season at Marjons, and this time it was the visiting team again who took all the spoils. Marjons opened the scoring midway through the first half from a short corner, before Martin Simpson-Scott equalised for OPMs minutes before half time.
A strong spell for Marjons early in the second half saw them score three times to make the score 4-1, before OPMs hit back with a Chris Vinson short corner and a Vinson penalty stroke to make it 4-3. However, Marjons were also, controversially, awarded a penalty stroke which was duly converted to finish the match 5-3.

Score: O.P.M. 3-5 Marjons B
OPM Scorers: Martin Simpson-Scott, Chris Vinson (2, 1 pen)
Chris Vinson
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Jason Sweby, Charlie Haswell, Martin Simpson-Scott, Chris Vinson (MoM), Pete Honey, Chris Frude, Ian Loze, Ian Johnson, Matt Allen, Jack Allman

22/01/2005 (A) vs PGSOB B, South West Division 1
OPMs failed to take all the points from a game in which they were 2-0 up inside the first five minutes. A penalty stroke converted by Chris Vinson in the first minute was exactly the start the visitors were looking for, and when Charlie Haswell crashed home a rebound from the edge of the D minutes later, it looked like OPMs were going to have a comfortable win. However, PGs weren't disheartened by their poor start and began to capitalise on OPMs who were pushing forward for more goals and leaving gaps. A few warnings from the home team weren't heeded and eventually PGs got one goal back when a free hit outside the area was deflected off an attacker's stick and flew in.
OPMs again dominated the opening of the second half but PGs earned a quick equaliser when they broke and scored from some disappointing defending on the line. With their heads up, PGs began to apply more pressure but finally the OPM defence was sure and they didn't look like scoring again. Instead, it was OPMs who continued to dominate possession and a series of excellent build ups all created chances but the hosts were defending resolutely and the deadlock was never broken.

Score: PGSOB 2-2 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson (pen), Charlie Haswell
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Jason Sweby, Charlie Haswell, Martin Simpson-Scott, Chris Vinson, Chris Frude, Ian Loze, Ian Johnson, Laurence Peacock (MoM), Alex Peacock

29/01/2005 (H) vs Truro B, South West Division 1
OPMs won their first match of the new year to bottom side Truro B. Despite their convincing 10-1 away win earlier in the season, OPMs did not field as strong as a side this time around and it took some time for the deadlock to be broken. Despite complete domination and numerous short corners, the home side wasted plenty of chances to grab an early lead. Finally, the opener came when Chris Vinson took a quick free hit which Martin Simpson-Scott dispatched well. However, OPMs were not themselves and allowed 10-man Truro back into the game with some poor midfield and defensive play; a free-hit for the visitors was neatly deflected into the goal for the equaliser. And so it remained until half-time.
The hosts immediately stole possession of Truro's pushback and Vinson and Jack Allman weaved their way between the midfield and defence to score an immediate opener to the second half. Shortly after, Vinson himself got onto the score sheet when a well worked short corner routine finally paid off to make it 3-1. OPMs were now in complete control and despite a few breaks from Truro when the passing was poor, it looked one-way traffic. On those occassions where the visitors did attack, Ian Stone, Chris Frude and Ian Johnson were defending magnificently and Tim Chalmers in goal, when rarely called upon, made a couple of fine saves to deny the Cornish side. Laurence Peacock also played exceptionally well, covering lots of ground and making crucial tackles and passes. Simpson-Scott added to the tally with his second and OPMs fourth. And a short corner on the full time whistle saw Ian Johnson come up from defence and poke home a fifth to end the match. Matt Allen deserves a mention on his full debut for an excellent hard-working display.

Score: O.P.M. 5-1 Truro B
OPM Scorers: Martin Simpson-Scott (2), Jack Allman, Chris Vinson, Ian Johnson
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Jason Sweby (jMoM), Charlie Haswell, Martin Simpson-Scott, Chris Vinson, Chris Frude, Ian Johnson, Laurence Peacock (jMoM), Matt Allen, Jack Allman

05/02/2005 (A) vs Bude, South West Division 1
A terrible first half display from 4th placed OPMs gifted 2nd placed Bude a 4-0 lead at half time. OPMs created a few chances towards the end of the half but it wasn't until the second half that they began to play.
Within the first minute of the restart, a Chris Vinson strike from a short corner was stopped with a foot on the line and Vinson despatched the resulting penalty stroke. Five minutes later, Vinson was involved again, this time in a 1-2 move with Jason Sweby who slotted the return ball under the Bude 'keeper for 4-2. Sweby was in again moments later but a stick tackle from behind was controversially only penalised with a short corner and not a penalty stroke. Even more controversial was Bude's 5th, two players crossed on the edge of the D to conceal the strike but the goal was awarded for 5-2. Alex Peacock scored OPMs third with a neat flick into the corner but Bude sealed the win with a sixth goal to effectively end OPMs chances of promotion.

Score: Bude 6-3 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson (pen), Jason Sweby, Alex Peacock
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Jason Sweby, Charlie Haswell, Alex Peacock, Chris Vinson, Chris Frude (MoM), Ian Johnson, Ian Loze, Matt Allen, Jack Allman, Pete Honey

12/02/2005 (H) vs PGSOB A, South West Division 1
OPMs once again emerged victorious from a five goal thriller against PGs A. In the same match earlier in the season, OPMs won 3-2 after being 2-0 down. This time, OPMs were 3-0 up before they allowed their opposition back into the game. Jason Sweby opened the scoring for the home side within two minutes of the start, after brilliant midfield and forward linking between Vinson, Allman, Simpson-Scott and Sweby tore the PGs defence apart. PGs had a good chance to equalise when they found themselves 2-on-1 with keeper Tim Chalmers, but Chalmers was equal to the task and saved brilliantly. In fact Chalmers had his best half of the season constantly being called upon the save and come off his line. Mid-way through the half, Chris Vinson scored his 14th league goal of the season after a well worked short corner with Charlie Haswell.
Early in the second half, Vinson made it 3-0 before OPMs began to relinquish control. A penalty stroke started PGs back on the trail and they scored a second shortly after. However, OPMs kept possession and maintained their lead to the end. Laurence Peacock covered a lot of ground to make crucial tackles and the return of Francois Ravin in defence was welcome and noteable.

Score: O.P.M. 3-2 PGSOB A
OPM Scorers: Jason Sweby, Chris Vinson (2)
Chris Vinson
Team: Tim Chalmers (MoM), Ian Stone, Jason Sweby, Charlie Haswell, Laurence Peacock, Chris Vinson, Ian Loze, Matt Allen, Jack Allman, Martin Simpson-Scott, Tim Ellis, Francois Ravin

19/02/2005 (A) vs Penzance A, South West Division 1
by Ian Stone
An undrestrength OPM side travelled to Penzance with 10 men, missing 9 first team squad players and won a hard fought but bad tampered match.
OPM's took the lead early in the first half when Martin Simpson-Scott scored from a free hit, Jack Allman then doubled the visitors score following a good run from Simpson-Scott. Penzance got a goal back following a mix up between the two Tims (Ellis and Chalmers) and then equalised late in the half following a hard shot that was well saved by keeper Tim Chalmers but the ball rolled in off his pads.
The second half started off well and OPMs took the lead from a free hit, joint men of match Alex Peacock passed to his brother Laurence Peacock who slotted home. Tempers flared when Laurence Peacock hit a thunderous shot into the net but the whistle had blown, the Penzance keeper threw off his helmet and gloves and chased after the OPM player who managed to run and shout back at the advancing angry keeper. OPMs made sure of the result when Jack Allman got his second after a well worked short corner routine. Tempers boiled over when Matt Allen made a good tackle but the Penzance winger took exception and grabbed him by the throat, this resulted in his red card and Penzance down to 10 men.
In the last minute Gareth Logan missed an open goal from 6 inches out after a great cross from Allman(another Logan family miss), the words of Gary haunted Gareth for the whole journey home ("I could have scored that with my knob")
Luke said he played well!
This was a great well fought result, the Peacock brothers deserved their joint man of match award but Ian Stone and Matt Allen deserve special mention in defence for making vital tackles and clearances throughout the game.

Score: Penzance A 2-4 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Martin Simpson-Scott, Jack Allman (2), Laurence Peacock
Team: Tim Chalmers , Ian Stone, Gareth Logan, Alex Peacock (jMoM), Laurence Peacock (jMoM), Luke Patterson, Matt Allen, Jack Allman, Martin Simpson-Scott, Tim Ellis

26/02/2005 (H) vs Bodmin, South West Division 1
OPMs fielded a much stronger side for the visit of Bodmin, a game they lost in the away fixture. Early on the game was very even and both sides missed early chances to take the lead. Bodmin began to dominate the half with slicker passing and more desire of the ball, and after a good spell of OPM pressure, the visitors broke and snatched the lead. Stuart Bennett set Chris Vinson up towards the end of the half but the reverse-stick shot was just wide. Bodmin continued to play the better hockey but good defending from Stone, Frude and Ravin kept the score to 1-0 at half time.
The second half began much the same way as the first but the initial flurry of activity didn't last. Again, Bodmin's passing and movement was better than the home team's but an OPM tactical switch made a difference. Alex Peacock was moved more central and Francois Ravin was pushed up from defence. OPM pressure mounted but a series of short corners failed to produce the equaliser. Then with 5 minutes to go, Ravin made a run which saw him beat at least 5 players before making his way into the D and cracking home a shot into the bottom far corner. The last few minutes were end-to-end but neither side looked like grabbing a winner and the draw was probably a fair result.

Score: O.P.M. 1-1 Bodmin
OPM Scorer: Francois Ravin
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Chris Frude, Francois Ravin (MoM), Alex Peacock, Tim Ellis, Charlie Haswell, Stuart Bennett, Matt Allen, Jason Sweby, Chris Vinson, Jack Allman

05/03/2005 (A) vs Liskeard, South West Division 1
OPMs ended the season unbeaten in four with a 4-2 away win at Liskeard. OPMs dominated both halves of the game but failed to convert a series of chances, including a staggering 14 short corners.
Jack Allman opened the scoring for the visitors after a heavy spell of pressure, but Liskeard equalised 5 minutes later. Chris Vinson scored a short corner to regain the lead for OPMs, followed shortly after by Stuart Bennett tapping in after good work from Martin Simpson-Scott to make it 3-1. From the restart of the goal, Liskeard scored immediately to make it 3-2 at half time.
Most of the short corners came in the second half but none were converted, more due to some good defending and outstanding goalkeeping from the Liskeard backs. The only goal of the half came from a Vinson penalty stroke, but this belied the complete domination that the visitors had of the second half. Laurence Peacock and Martin Simpson-Scott were again outstanding in midfield.

Score: Liskeard 2-4 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Jack Allman, Chris Vinson (2, 1 pen), Stuart Bennett
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Chris Frude, Laurence Peacock, Tim Ellis, Charlie Haswell, Stuart Bennett, Martin Simpson-Scott, Jason Sweby (MoM), Chris Vinson, Jack Allman, Ian Loze

19/03/2005 (A) vs East Devon, Devon Plate Semi-Final
OPMs secured a second plate final in two years after surprisingly beating East Devon 4-1 away. The game was tight for the first half hour, with both sides playing open hockey and creating chances. The home side, starting to get frustrated with their play, began to self-destruct and gave away a series of unnecessary free hits and short corners. OPMs made one of the short corners count, Jack Allman and Martin Simpson-Scott combining to give Allman the game's opener. Moments later, Stuart Bennett earned another short corner and Chris Frude's strike was illegally stopped on the line, and Bennett stepped up to smartly convert the penalty stroke.
As expected, East Devon came out much the stronger in the opening minutes of the second half but wasted the chances they made. The game returned to its open state, although the hosts held more possession. Out of the blue, a three pass move from Ian Stone to Martin Simpson-Scott to Jack Allman led to the visitor's third goal and effectively killed the game. Two minutes later, a fantastic sideline hit from Chris Poplar went straight through to Allman who finished neatly for his third and OPM's fourth. East Devon nicked a consolation late in the game having previously been unlucky to have a seemingly good penalty corner disallowed.

Score: East Devon 1-4 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Jack Allman (3), Stuart Bennett (pen)
Stuart Bennett, Jason Sweby
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Chris Frude, Stuart Bennett, Martin Simpson-Scott, Jason Sweby, Jack Allman, Chris Poplar, Luke Patterson, Matt Allen, John ?, Pete Honey

24/04/2005 vs ECV Hornets, Devon Plate Final
OPMs took part in an 11 goal thriller for the Devon Plate final at Exeter University. The Exeter side took an early two goal advantage and added a third midway through the half. OPMs hit back with a well executed short corner, fininshed by Jack Allman, to bring them back into the game and make the half-time score 3-1.
Hornets restored their 3 goal cushion early in the second half but OPMs hit back again when Laurence Peacock rounded the last defender and selflessly passed the ball to an unmarked Jason Sweby who slotted home for 4-2. Stuart Bennett then scored a brilliant goal for the Plymouth side to bring them back to 4-3 before Hornets stepped up a gear and made it 6-3 with 2 quick goals. Charlie Haswell was yellow carded for a challenge that appeared more late than malicious but the umpire saw it differently. Laurence Peacock then got himself on the scoresheet for OPMs to make it 6-4. Despite OPM's Tim Chalmers making a brilliant save from an inexplicable penalty flick, Hornets could not be prevented from scoring a seventh and putting the match beyond reach.
This was Francois' last game for OPMs, thanks to him for his excellent service this season and we look forward to a tour to Le Touquet some time soon!

Score: O.P.M. 4-7 ECV Hornets
OPM Scorers: Jack Allman, Jason Sweby, Stuart Bennett, Laurence Peacock
Alex Peacock
Charlie Haswell
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Chris Frude, Stuart Bennett, Francois Ravin, Jason Sweby, Jack Allman, Chris Poplar, Pete Honey, Alex Peacock, Laurence Peacock, Charlie Haswell