O.P.M. HOCKEY CLUB
1st XI Match Reports
Season 2005/2006
24/09/2005 (H) vs St Austell, South West Div 1
OPMs started the new season with a convincing 6-3 home win against newly promoted St Austell. The home side had the opportunity to open the scoring with the first move of the game when Chris Vinson shot just wide of the post, however it wasn't long before the OPM striker opened his account for the season.
Vinson claimed his second with a penalty flick moments later and Jack Horton made it 3-0 at half time. OPM's Martin Simpson-Scott provided the home side's fourth goal early in the second half, a neat touch from new captain Charlie Haswell's free hit. The visitors snatched a goal back almost immediately from sloppy OPM defending but Tom Wood restored the four goal cushion with a good finish. OPMs then eased off and allowed St Austell to pressurise, and they duly claimed 2 goals to make the score 5-3. However, Vinson completed his hat-trick to end the game 6-3. Score: O.P.M. 6-3 St Austell
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson (3, 1 pen), Jack Horton, Martin Simpson-Scott, Tom Wood
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Chris Frude, Tim Ellis, Martin Freeman, Charlie Haswell (c), Stuart Bennett, Chris Vinson (MoM), Jack Horton, Martin Simpson-Scott, Tom Wood, Jason Sweby, Mark Howard-Marwood
01/10/2005 (A) vs PGSOB A, South West Div 1
An early goal for OPMs was all that separated the two teams in this nail-biting and scrappy game. The away side started brighter and Chris Vinson poked home an easy chance in the opening 5 minutes to give OPMs the lead. It looked like more goals were to come from the visitors but chances were wasted. Eventually PGs A got themselves back into the game and they themselves wasted two golden chances to level the game.
The second half was mostly a midfield battle, but then the ball did end up in either of the final thirds, chances were not created or not taken. PGs piled on significant pressure towards the end, and when OPM goalkeeper Tim Chalmers conceded a penalty stroke, he saved it from the PGs captain. This summed up PGSOB's afternoon and OPMs were lucky to hang on for the win. Score: PGSOB A 0-1 O.P.M.
OPM Scorer: Chris Vinson
Team: Tim Chalmers (jMoM), Ian Stone, Chris Frude, Tim Ellis, Martin Freeman, Charlie Haswell (c), Stuart Bennett, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Martin Simpson-Scott, Jason Sweby, Alex Peacock, Laurence Peacock (jMoM), Matt Allen
08/10/2005 (H) vs PGSOB B, South West Div 1
by Ian Stone OPMs went into this game on a high from two previous wins but faced an experienced PGSOB side sporting several players more used to playing at a higher level that the 3rd XI.
The game started brightly with both teams having chances but it was the visitors who opened the scoring. Chris Vinson quickly equalised from a short corner and the game was being played in the midfield with Francois Ravin making some good runs. The home side took the lead from another short corner with Jason Sweby getting his first goal of the season following a powerful shot from OPM man of the match Stuart Bennett and poking in from the near post.
PG's quickly equalised following poor defending from the home side allowed the PGs player to score when left alone in the D.
Ian Stone got a green card from card happy Rob Logan, it hit my foot accidentally! Both sides went into half time with lots to talk about.
The second half started well with both teams working hard to break the score, it was the visitors who scored first following a quickly taken free hit inside their 25, the OPM players had all pushed up and left the PG center forward all on his own and calmly slotted by keeper Tim Chalmers, PGs then made it 2-4 with another quick goal. PGs made regular substitutions to keep fresh but OPMs only had a bare 11 and started to look tired before Francois Ravin got a goal back with a well taken goal to make it 3-4 with 10 min to go. OPMs pushed for the equaliser but luck and desperate defending from PGs gave them their 1st victory of the season. Score: O.P.M. 3-4 PGSOB B
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson, Jason Sweby, François Ravin
Ian StoneTeam: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Chris Frude, Tim Ellis, Martin Freeman, Stuart Bennett (MoM), Chris Vinson, Martin Simpson-Scott, Jason Sweby, Tom Wood, François Ravin
15/10/2005 (H) vs Okehampton, South West Div 1
No report Score: O.P.M. 9-1 Okehampton
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson (3), Jack Horton (3), Stuart Bennett (2), Martin Simpson-Scott
Jack HortonTeam: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Tim Ellis, Martin Freeman, Stuart Bennett (MoM), Chris Vinson, Martin Simpson-Scott, Jason Sweby, Tom Wood, François Ravin, Charlie Haswell (c), Jack Horton
22/10/2005 (A) vs Camborne School of Mines, South West Div 1
by Jason Sweby 11 players travelled down to Penzance at the unGodly hour of 2:30pm for a 5:30pm push-back against Camborne, who wisely chose to play their home games 15 minutes away in Penzance. Well, 15 minutes on a good day, not when there are roadworks all over the county and the A30 closed before Truro. Missing the inspirational François Ravin and Martin Simpson-Scott, there was a welcome return for Laurence Peacock who came back from illness and put in a man-of-the-match performance. In truth, all 11 players put in good performances although there was a mysterious atmosphere surrounding the team for the first 35 minutes. Jason Sweby earned a short corner within the opening 20 seconds of the match and OPMs were pretty much camped in their host's D for the remainder of the evening. Stuart Bennett opened the scoring with a mazy run through the defence and despite calls from Vinson and Horton to pass when they were free, Bennett decided to keep going and, by luck or judgement, pretty much ran it into the goal. A short corner moment later came to the left post where Sweby was waiting only for Tom Wood to materialise out of thin air and slot the ball home. The half-time team-talk was unique; we were 2-0 up and dominating, yet there wasn't a positive word spoken. We argued. With CV. A lot. Then we all spoke at once. Then Charlie Haswell intervened with Jelly Babies and all was well with the world. Sweby and Wood were controversially asked to switch wings, which proved to be a master-stroke because OPMs scored with their first attack of the second-half, Jack Horton practically breaking the backboard from 2 yards. Wood then scored again, as did Bennett and then Horton both from 2 successive short corners, followed by Vinson finishing with the 7th after several missed opportunities of his own. The defence had little to do but mopped up what pressure there was easily, Chalmers in goal only having to make a couple of saves in the first half. Laurence Peacock in the middle was everywhere and deserved his run-away MoM votes. Score: Camborne SoM 0-7 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Stuart Bennett (2), Tom Wood (2), Jack Horton (2), Chris Vinson
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Chris Frude, Tim Ellis, Stuart Bennett, Chris Vinson, Laurence Peacock (MoM), Jason Sweby, Tom Wood, Charlie Haswell (c), Jack Horton
29/10/2005 (H) vs Liskeard, South West Div 1
by Jason Sweby OPMs followed up their 16 goals in 2 games but scoring 16 goals in 1 game. Despite Jack Horton throwing his teddies and his stick for not making the starting XI, OPMs were 1-0 up within the first minute thanks to Stuart Bennett casually taking the ball from the end of Jason Sweby's stick and scoring. Something of a habit! The game was one-sided from then on. Jason Sweby bagged the second after Martin Simpson-Scott hit the post from a yard, and Chris Vinson scored 2 to make it 4-0. Liskeard stole one back when OPMs went to sleep at the back (and John Stevens turned up) but this was a wake-up call and it remained 4-1 until half time.
The half-time talk was infinitely more constructive than last week although OPMs felt they had to improve. And they did. Within the opening minute of the second half, Bennett scored a brilliant solo goal to make it 5-1. From there on, it gets a bit confusing. Sweby scored another when Vinson put him through one-on-one with the keeper (and despite the summer league flashbacks, it was converted). Simpson-Scott scored 2 good goals and Jack Horton scored an excellent hat-trick. Stuart Bennett got himself 2 more and Vinson got himself 3 more. The umpiring was very even and everyone, Liskeard included, should be congratulated on a good-spirited game. If Liskeard can play and behave like that when losing 16-1, perhaps OPMs should learn something when they argue at 4-1 up. However, everyone had a top-drawer game and the whole team really deserved MoM. Score: O.P.M. 16-1 Liskeard
OPM Scorers: Stuart Bennett (4), Jason Sweby (2), Jack Horton (3), Chris Vinson (5), Martin Simpson-Scott (2)
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Chris Frude, Tim Ellis, Stuart Bennett, Chris Vinson (MoM), Laurence Peacock, Jason Sweby, Martin Freeman, Charlie Haswell (c), Jack Horton, Martin Simpson-Scott
05/11/2005 (A) vs Penzance A, South West Div 1
by Ian Stone On a wet and windy day OPM travelled to Penzance on a high after last weeks good result over Liskeard. The travelling players were reminded to always check what fuel their cars need before filling up and surely Martin Simpson -Scott wont forget again.
Arriving at Penzance an hour early allowed the players to relax and watch the MoP girls play and get some idea.
OPMs took to the field inspired by Jack Hortons dream of being top boy in prison and then with XXX style going to save the queen and ending up in the royal family, made all the early running and took the lead with Tom Wood tapping in from close.
With the OPM players suddenly realising what Jack was dreaming about they were caught on the break and a equaliser from a short corner followed.
OPMs got straight back into the match and goals were to follow, another great solo run by Tom Wood ended up him ignoring CVs desperate calls for a square pass calmly hammered home the ball past a despairing Penzance keeper.
Laurence Peacock controlled the midfield and Stuart Bennett then scored to add to an impressive display.
Half time saw Francois Ravin coming off to be replaced by Martin Freeman and the OPM attack look likely to score at will but good defending and good saves kept them out. The Penzance umpire decided to miss lots of feet in the D and give a few short corners to try and even up the game but Penzance could not beat the OPM defence of Ian Stone and Tim Ellis or Keeper Tim Chalmers. Captain Charlie Haswell came off for a rest and Martin Simpson-Scott forgot all about his fuel worries to slot home from close range to make it 5-1. With seconds to spare Charlie Haswell came off the bench to hammer home his first league goal of the season from a short corner and everyone rejoiced.
So as the gloom decended on Penzance the final whistle blew with OPMs coming out deserved winners, and this was followed by Sausage and roast potatoes and everyone fed up hearing Charlie tell everyone about his goal.
Score: Penzance A 1-6 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Tom Wood (2), Chris Vinson, Stuart Bennett, Martin Simpson-Scott, Charlie Haswell
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Tim Ellis, Charlie Haswell, CV, Tom Wood (MoM), Laurence Peacock, Stuart Bennett, Jack Horton, Francois Ravin, Martin Simpson-Scott, Martin Freeman, Simon Quincey
12/11/2005 (H) vs Bodmin, South West Div 1
by Jason Sweby OPMs failed to secure equal top-spot in the league with a hard fought defeat at home to league-leaders Bodmin. From the outset, Bodmin played a physical game which OPMs weren't used to having played so many weaker sides over the previous month. The home team started to give as good as they got but tensions were running high early on. Both teams began to voice their disapproval over decisions and the umpires were given a torrid time, both captains being called over to calm their teams down before half-time. The game was open and both sides had chances with good runs and short corners. But it was the visitors who opened the scoring and left OPMs feeling they had a mountain to climb. Bodmin could have increased their lead but Tim Chalmers had a magnificent game and closed down attackers early. Eventually, OPM pressure paid off when Chris Vinson powered his way into the D and unleashed a shot from the top that crashed against the backboard. Martin Freeman brilliantly stopped a high shot on the line with his stick towards the end of the half to keep the scores level.
Given the chance to calm down in their goals, both teams came out and played a different match in the second half. The tension remained but the dissent did not. Once again, the game flowed and good hockey was played by both sides. Mid-way through the second half, a short corner strike from Bodmin found its way into the goal for 2-1 and the score remained that way until the end. Score: O.P.M. 1-2 Bodmin
OPM Scorer: Chris Vinson
Chris VinsonTeam: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Tim Ellis, Charlie Haswell (MoM), Chris Vinson, Jason Sweby, Tom Wood, Stuart Bennett, Jack Horton, Martin Simpson-Scott, Martin Freeman, Simon Quincey
19/11/2005 (A) vs Plymouth Marjon C, South West Div 1
by Jason Sweby OPMs were cruising towards a comfortable victory away to Marjons C when the south west's premier hockey facility, Marjons, deliberately switched off the floodlights with 10 minutes of the game remaining to leave the pitch in darkness. Despite asking for the lights to be restored, the receptionist refused on the grounds that the pitch had been booked to a certain time and because earlier games had run over, the lights were to be switched off.
A first half goal from OPM's Simon Quincey, followed by two second-half goals from Jack Horton and Chris Vinson, were separating the sides and the match was becoming one-sided. With the ball in play, the lights were dangerously switched off leaving a league match abandoned and 25 angry players and officials having wasted an afternoon for the sake of 10 minutes of lighting.
On Wed 24th Nov, the result was officially declared as being allowed to stand. Score: Plymouth Marjon C 0-3 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Simon Quincey, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Chris Frude, Charlie Haswell, Chris Vinson, Jason Sweby, Stuart Bennett, Jack Horton, Martin Simpson-Scott, Martin Freeman, Laurence Peacock, Simon Quincey, Tim Ellis
20/11/2005 (A) vs Isca, Devon Cup Round 1
by Ian Stone On a cold frosty and very early sunday morning OPMs travelled to Exeter to play a team several divisions above them in the Devon Cup.
Isca started a very fast pace moving the ball around the midfield but the OPM midfield and defence kept them out for a few minutes. OPM couldnt seem to get it to Jack Horton up front and wave after wave of Isca attacks reminded Rob Logan of the german attack when fighting in the trenches. Rob Cross played well at right back, a position he hasnt played for several years and Colin "Mines a Stella" Bishop played at left half after several months complaining about and injured collar bone.
Half time and it was 7-0 but OPMS remained defiant and tried to play their hockey rather than chasing the ball about. Isca added to their total but keep er Tim Chalmers made some good saves, Rob Cross went off at half time with a knee injury so Colin "she seems very heavy" Bishop slotting into right back and Chris Frude and Ian stone all played well but there never seemed to be a break from the attacking home side.
Laurence Peacock played excellent in midfield with Charlie Haswell, for some reason Simon Quincey wanted to play a flat back four but we think its only because he wanted to hear the Stella story from Bishop.
Suddenly a break occurred Jack Horton went aerial, Gareth called his name, the umpire blew him up for this, so thanks for the coaching CV, or was it that she just didnt like the name Gareth?
The suddenly Gareth was one on one with their keeper, the keeper came out, surely Gareth would flick the ball over, oops no he tamely passed it to the keeper for him to clear, good defending Gareth! Gareth then had another chance surely he would pass the ball to an unmarked Stuart Bennett, no my mistake hes put it at the keeper again.
Good performance by all against a quality side, lets go for a run in the plate competition Score: Isca 14-0 O.P.M.
Team: Tim Chalmers, Chris Frude, Ian Stone, Colin Bishop, Rob Cross, Laurence Peacock,Charlie Haswell, Jack Horton, Gareth Logan,Stuart Bennett, Simon Quincey, Andrew G, Tom Wood
03/12/2005 (A) vs Plymouth University B, South West Division 1
by Jason Sweby OPMs returned to crushing form against a poor University of Plymouth 3rd XI. Jack Horton opened the scoring within the first minutes of the game with a well composed effort, and the rout began. The game was played almost exclusively with the home side on the attack and a total of 7 goals were scored in the first-half, coming from Chris Vinson, Jason Sweby, Stuart Bennett and Francois Ravin. Jack Horton bagged a first-half hat-trick.
Everyone earned their half-time Jelly Babies and the team-talk was "more of the same". The University tried to step up a gear but when Martin Simpson-Scott finally scored his first of the afternoon, the visitors had all but given up. Simpson-Scott ended up with 4 goals, Vinson scored another as did Bennett, Horton and Ravin. Score: O.P.M. 15-0 Plymouth Uni B
OPM Scorers: Jack Horton (4), Chris Vinson (2), Jason Sweby, Stuart Bennett (2), Francois Ravin (2), Martin Simpson-Scott (4)
Team: Tim Chalmers, Chris Frude, Ian Stone, Laurence Peacock, Charlie Haswell, Jack Horton, Stuart Bennett, Jason Sweby, Francois Ravin, Martin Simpson-Scott, Chris Vinson, Andrew Gardner, Martin Freeman
10/12/2005 (A) vs St Austell, South West Division 1
by Jason Sweby OPMs entered the Christmas break with an uncomfortable 3-0 away win at St Austell. OPMs dominated both halves but dogged St Austell defending, some great goalkeeping and sheer bad luck kept OPMs from scoring. Debutant Russell Owen-Moody had an early opportunity saved, and Martin Simpson-Scott's follow-up pinged off the post.
The visitors were often second to the ball and looked tired, and St Austell increasingly took the opportunity to break into the OPM defence but the finishing was lacking. Stuart Bennett was surprisingly dismissed (yellow card) for what the umpire called retalitation, although Bennett swears he only told the "guy to f**k off"! Towards the end of the half, a Chris Vinson shot was stopped by a defender's leg but the resulting penalty stroke was well-saved by the home goalkeeper. At least it was goal-bound, unlike Chris Frude's effort several years ago at the same ground which was only just re-entered the atmosphere in Australia. Half-time came and skipper Haswell suggested that too many players had been out on the pi$$ the night before (I had!). OPMs had been unlucky so far but needed to make the breakthrough to avoid St Austell scoring. And so it came, 20 minutes into the second half, when Laurence Peacock threaded a neat ball through to Jason Sweby in the D, who slipped it inside to Chris Vinson who, composing himself, lifted it over the diving keeper into the goal. After that, it was one-way traffic, Tim Chalmers in the OPM goal not having a save to make. Laurence Peacock deservedly scored his first of the season when he roofed his shot, and Martin Simpson-Scott scored a cracker from the edge of the D from a short corner. No one played poorly but somehow Ian Stone got awarded man of the match, although it was a tie between Chris Frude and himself but Frude lost the buzz roulette. OPMs have now gone three league games with a clean sheet. Score: St Austell 0-3 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson, Laurence Peacock, Martin Simpson-Scott
Stuart BennettTeam: Tim Chalmers, Chris Frude, Ian Stone (MoM), Tim Ellis, Laurence Peacock, Charlie Haswell, Stuart Bennett, Jason Sweby, Martin Simpson-Scott, Chris Vinson, Russell Owen-Moody, Simon Quincey
07/01/2006 (H) vs Truro B, South West Division 1
No report Score: O.P.M. 4-0 Truro B
OPM Scorers: Stuart Bennett, Chris Vinson, Martin Simpson-Scott (2)
Laurence Peacock, Martin Simpson-ScottTeam: Tim Chalmers, Chris Frude, Ian Stone, Tim Ellis, Francois Ravin, Laurence Peacock, Charlie Haswell, Stuart Bennett, Jason Sweby, Martin Freeman (MoM), Martin Simpson-Scott, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Tom Wood, Simon Quincey
14/01/2006 (H) vs PGSOB A, South West Division 1
by Jason Sweby
PGSOB A closed the gap for second place to 2 points on city rivals OPMs with a thrilling 6-4 victory at Lipson. PGs opened the scoring mid-way through the first half but OPM's Stuart Bennett equalised to leave the game level at half time.
A defensive error gifted PGs their second early after the restart, who then scored a brilliant third to lead 3-1. Chris Vinson smashed home a short corner to bring OPMs back to 3-2, before PGs scored again for 4-2. Laurence Peacock's drag flick from another short corner again gave OPMs a glimmer of hope and brought the score to 4-3 but PGs struck again to keep the two goal margin. Once again, OPMs replied (5-4) from a free hit by Martin Simpson-Scott who was later sent off. But PGs dealt the final hammer blow with a late goal to win a terrific city derby.
OPM Scorers: Stuart Bennett, Chris Vinson, Laurence Peacock, Martin Simpson-Scott
Martin Simpson-Scott Martin Simpson-ScottTeam: Tim Chalmers (MoM), Chris Frude, Ian Stone, Tim Ellis, Laurence Peacock, Stuart Bennett, Jason Sweby, Martin Freeman, Martin Simpson-Scott, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Alex Peacock, Simon Quincey
21/01/2006 (A) vs PGSOB B, South West Division 1
by Jason Sweby
OPMs lost to their cross-city rivals for a second successive week, going down 3-1 to PGSOB B. After the disappointment of losing to PGs 2nds last weekend which closed the gap for second place, OPMs knew they had to win against a side that they always struggled against. OPMs started with Tom Wood up front and began to play some of the best hockey of the season. The passing between Laurence and Alex Peacock, with Martin Simpson-Scott (Mozza) on the left wing was a joy to watch and was creating havoc for the PGs defence. It was ironic then that the opening goal came from the OPM right. Jason Sweby received the ball on the half-way line and took it right to the back line, crossing across the face of goal where a defensive mix-up allowed Mozza to steal in on the back-post and score. PGs replied not long after with a good short corner that left the game level at half-time, although not before Jack Horton has been sent off for a second green card. OPMs had become rattled and had reverted to slamming the ball forward.
Tom Wood replaced Jason Sweby and Ian Stone was replaced by Tim Ellis for the second half. OPMs looked effective again down the left going forward, but when PGs broke down their right, OPMs weren't looking so good at defending. PGs pressure told when they were rewarded with another short corner which was duly despatched to leave the home side in front, much to the excitement of the very vocal home support. PGs then went on to score a terrific third goal, and OPMs heads were down. However, they kept the pressure up and it was mostly the away side on the attack for the remainder of the game. However, there was little on offer in the final third and despite Steve Launce being sent off for PGs, and the supporters being banned from the pitch side, OPMs couldn't get back into the game, even from a short corner on the final whistle.
Tim Chalmers made some solid saves to keep OPMs in the game throughout and could have done little with the 3 good goals that were scored. There were some good and indifferent performances throughout.
Score: PGSOB B 3-1 O.P.M.OPM Scorer: Martin Simpson-Scott
Jack Horton, Chris Frude Jack HortonTeam: Tim Chalmers, Chris Frude, Ian Stone, Tim Ellis, Laurence Peacock, Stuart Bennett, Jason Sweby, Martin Freeman, Martin Simpson-Scott, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Alex Peacock, Tom Wood
25/01/2006 (H) vs East Devon, Devon Plate Round 1
by Jason Sweby
OPMs lost an enjoyable Devon Plate encounter against East Devon, the side they beat in the semi-finals last season. As has been the case recently, OPMs started the stronger and really applied the pressure but failed to make any chances count. Once East Devon got into their stride, they started to stretch their hosts and began to dominate the game. OPMs' only chances in the first half were coming from breaks as East Devon pushed forward more, and scored two quick goals to make it 2-0 at half time.
East Devon were in more control in the second half, although the game became slightly surreal with the issuing of cards where the game didn't warrant it. Jack Horton had harshly seen green then yellow for dissent in the first half, whilst Ian Stone was yellow carded for a bad tackle from behind. Just before that, 2 East Devon players were sent off together, one for too many poor tackles and the other for talking back. It spoilt a game that, otherwise, was not being played in the vain that warranted 4 yellow cards. That aside, OPMs were creating less and less chances and the visitors kept control. Stuart Bennett had a good run and shot towards the end of the game and short corners just weren't going OPM's way. Again, Laurence and Alex Peacock played well, some great tackling and inter-play between each other but too many times, East Devon's defence was finding it too easy to soak up any attack.
Score: O.P.M. 0-2 East Devon Jack Horton Jack Horton, Ian StoneTeam: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Tim Ellis, Francois Ravin, Charlie Haswell, Laurence Peacock, Stuart Bennett, Jason Sweby, Jack Horton, Alex Peacock, Tom Wood, Simon Quincey
28/01/2006 (A) vs Okehampton, South West Division 1
by Ian "Whitleigh Woods Wanderer" Stone
On a very cold and sunny day OPMs travelled to Okehampton to try and turn their season around following threes loses since Christmas. Following a warning from the umpires that they may miss stuff due to the sunlight OPMs started well with some good movement from the midfield. However the visitors managed to put themselves under pressure at times by giving the ball away needlessly or trying to beat that one extra player. The first goal came from no where, Martin Simpson-Scott taking the ball from left wing across the right of the D and slotting home, treating the home defence like players from a table football game. Simpson- Scotts 2nd was scored following a good pass from Jason "thank god for Endsleigh" Sweby and he slotted home past the despairing keeper.
OPM continued to give the ball away at times but the home side never really threatened the visitors goal or get pass the hungover 30 year old Chalmers. OPMs third was a fantastic goal from Jack Horton where he managed to take it round 3 defenders and the goalkeeper to slot home.
OPMs went into the break fired up on the new style jelly babies and with Tom Wood coming on from the very sickly Sweby and Martin Freeman replacing captain Charlie "I'll get this aerial ball to work eventually" Haswell. Simpson-Scott got his hatrick and then Stuart Bennett got 2 to make it 6-0 to the visitors. Okehampton did have a shot right at the end but the over the hill keeper managed to keep it out with his elbow following Chris "How much do I owe?" Frude's clumsy effort to get Chalmers stick in his shorts.
A good win that gets us back on track in the league especially with PGs A earning a draw against next weeks opponents Camborne.
Score: Okehampton 0-6 O.P.M.OPM Scorers: Martin Simpson-Scott (3), Jack Horton, Stuart Bennett (2)
Team: Tim Chalmers, Chris Frude, Ian Stone, Tim Ellis, Laurence Peacock, Charlie Haswell, Stuart Bennett, Jason Sweby, Martin Freeman, Martin Simpson-Scott, Jack Horton, Tom Wood, Francois Ravin
04/02/2006 (H) vs Camborne School of Mines, South West Division 1
by Jason 'Normal service resumed' Sweby
After several nights of a few people desperately trying to secure umpires for the 1st and 2nd XI games, Saturday finally came and the umpiring situation was thankfully resolved. Disappointingly, Ian Stone had to step down from his 1st XI defensive duties in order to umpire the 2nd XI crunch game vs United Services at Bull Point. He and Rob worked tirelessly for several days and nights trying to ensure the 1st XI game would also have 2 umpires and fortunately the guy umpiring the prior Uni girls game stepped up to the plate and saved our arses. Thank you.
So, with that out of the way, it was down to the game. Charlie "got my numbers wrong again" Haswell picked his killer 11, who this week were without Mozza, Stoney or Alex; however, the return of Francois "Oh, Merde" Ravin filled a void. OPMs were pretty much in control of the game throughout but Camborne had improved since being beaten 7-0 earlier in the season and were difficult to break down at the back. Fortunately, despite some brilliant long passing from the visitors, there wasn't much threat in the final third. OPMs had a series of short corners in the first half, and eventually Jack Horton directed one home to give the home side a half-time lead.
There was little incident of note throughout the entire game, which was played in a good spirit and was reasonably free-flowing. Jack Horton crashed home a brilliant second mid-way through the second-half although the deflection from the defender's stick gave the keeper no chance. Simon Quincey, coming on in both halves, scored a neat third when he mysteriously appeared behind the entire Camborne defence; Stuart Bennett had spotted him and the finish was smart. Charlie Haswell saw a green card for more than one deliberate use of the foot. The team played well as a unit, and the win was professional if not very convincing.
Score: O.P.M. 3-0 Camborne SoMOPM Scorers: Jack Horton (2), Simon Quincey
Charlie HaswellTeam: Tim Chalmers, Chris Frude, Tim Ellis, Laurence Peacock, Charlie Haswell, Stuart Bennett, Jason Sweby, Jack Horton, Tom Wood, Francois Ravin, Chris Vinson, Simon Quincey
11/02/2006 (A) vs Liskeard, South West Division 1
by Jason Sweby
OPMs became only the second team in the entire Gerrard League to hit the 100 goal-mark this season, with a resounding 15-1 away win at Liskeard. OPMs were guilty of complacency when Liskeard scored a very good opening goal within the first 5 minutes; although OPMs responded instantly with some terrific play, it took a further 10 minutes of pressure before they scored their first to level the match, Jack Horton scoring his first of 3 for the afternoon. From there on, it was goals galore. Charlie Haswell hit 2, Chris Vinson hit 5, Martin Simpson-Scott (Mozza) hit 4 and even Jason Sweby, not on the score-sheet for some time, scored on the post.
For most of the first half Liskeard played well and OPMs had to improve; however, it was one-way traffic in the second half, the only notable incident being a penalty flick which was hotly contested to be taken by Jack Horton but ultimately it was CV who dispatched it for the 100th goal of the season. Score: Liskeard 1-15 O.P.M.OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson (5, 1 pen), Martin Simpson-Scott (4), Jack Horton (3), Charlie Haswell (2), Jason Sweby
Team: Tim Chalmers, Chris Frude, Tim Ellis, Ian Stone, Laurence Peacock, Charlie Haswell, Stuart Bennett, Jason Sweby, Jack Horton, Tom Wood, Chris Vinson (MoM), Martin Simpson-Scott
18/02/2006 (H) vs Penzance A, South West Division 1
Another more-than-comfortable win for OPMs in a league where the divide between the top & bottom has become increasingly apparent. Alex Peacock returned to the side, and skipper Charlie Haswell returned to the position he played in a former life, right-back, and Francois Ravin was not available. After the complacent start last week that led to an early Liskeard goal, OPMs started better this week and scored very early on when Stuart Bennett's strong run and pass to the back post was met by a sprawling Mozza, who scored his first of four for the afternoon. A second came moments later when Jack Horton received the ball on the top of the D and just wellied it; it bounced off the crossbar and into the roof of the goal. He was yellow-carded some moments later along with Penzance's beligerent number 7, both for dissent. Jack calmed down after that, unfortunately Penzance's #7 didn't stop moaning all afternoon. While Horton was off, Laurence Peacock provided Jason Sweby with the 3rd goal; Peacock's run down the right and into the D was followed by his pass to Sweby on the near post who angled the ball through the goalkeeper's legs. Mozza bagged another couple before half-time. Chalmers in goal had a couple of saves to make but was not called upon again.
Sweby was replaced by Tom Wood for the second half. The game descended into a one-way, lazy hockey match. Penzance barely broke out of their own half, OPMs played with little determination and almost no passing. However, goals still came, one more for Mozza, plus one each for Chris Vinson and Stuart Bennett (despite his broken but brand-new stick!). The game ended unfortunately when Wood was struck in the head by a flailing stick. What looked like a nasty cut soon got worse and he was later taken to hospital after passing out, with suspected concussion. The backs had little to do, and Frude, Haswell and Stone spent the second half camped on the half-way line looking for a sneaky opportunity to go on a run! Score: O.P.M. 8-0 Penzance AOPM Scorers: Martin Simpson-Scott (4), Jack Horton, Jason Sweby, Chris Vinson, Stuart Bennett
Jack HortonTeam: Tim Chalmers, Chris Frude, Ian Stone, Laurence Peacock (MoM), Charlie Haswell, Stuart Bennett, Jason Sweby, Jack Horton, Tom Wood, Chris Vinson, Martin Simpson-Scott, Alex Peacock
25/02/2006 (A) vs Bodmin, South West Division 1
by Ian 'Cracked Ribs' Stone
On a cold day OPMs travelled to the unbeaten league leaders Bodmin hoping to play the hockey they have been threatening for weeks of fast flowing hockey.
The game started at a fast pace with chances at both ends but it was visitors who had the better of attacks and the Bodmin defence stared to get put under more and more pressure with good work from Jack Horton and Martin Simpson-Scott. The midfield were working very hard at both attack and defence and the pressure finally told with a well worked short corner with Jack Horton slotting the ball home from close range. The Bodmin keeper made some fine saves and the Bodmin defence making last gasp tackles that left Mozza on the floor screaming like a baby for a short corner. The half time team talk centred around keeping the pressure up but questions should be raised to what happened to the usual Jelly Babies feast?? The second half started at a frantic pace with some dithery umpiring decisions left both sides scratching their heads wondering what the whistle had blown for. The home side poured on the pressure but the OPM team worked hard and some desperate tackles kept the home side out of the D. OPM then had a goal disallowed following Jack Horton trying to bring the ball down inside the D that was in orbit and then protesting that he had never lifted his stick that much. Laurence Peacock then received a yellow card for either a bad tackle or arguing no one is 100% sure, the home side sense an equaliser and piled on the pressure and a series of short corners followed. On the 3rd short corner keeper Tim Chalmers called that a drag flick was coming, the ball was deflected off Chris Frudes stick and Ian Stone put his body on the line for the team to stop the ball with his ribs, a penalty flick was awarded and Ian Stone walked painfully away but the Bodmin player put it wide. With the seconds racing away Tim Chalmers pulled off the save of the season from a well taken hit to save full stretch with his forearm. OPM battled on and the final whistle blew with Bodmins unbeaten record broken, a great game had finished with both teams having played good hockey and some outstanding performances shown. Score: Bodmin 0-1 O.P.M.OPM Scorer: Jack Horton
Laurence PeacockTeam: Tim Chalmers (MoM), Chris Frude, Ian Stone, Laurence Peacock, Charlie Haswell, Stuart Bennett, Jason Sweby, Jack Horton, Martin Simpson-Scott, Alex Peacock, Francois Ravin
04/03/2006 (H) vs Plymouth Marjon C, South West Division 1
by Ian Stone
OPM drew with MoP following a poor performance by the home side. After beating top of the table Bodmin the previous week OPM should have been favourites in this cross city battle but with the hope of promotion taken away by the league there was nothing to motivate the team
OPM started the better side with good work down both wings and Paul "Im in disguise" Mingo stepping up to the 1sts with Tim Chalmers in Berlin at a stag weekend (some commitment to the team Tim) OPM took the lead with a well worked goal from Martin "Im marking him" Simpson-Scott and Chris Vinson making it 2-0. The visitors got a goal back through their CF after drifting past his marker Ian "Im running in thick mud" Stone. Ming the merciless made some fine saves to deny them an equaliser. Simpson-Scott and CV made it 4-1 at half time. The only other interesting point was a certain MoP defender (guess who?) finally got a yellow card after one horrendous tackle too many. Following the half time team talk in which Jason Sweby managed to spill all the jelly babies on the floor a change was made with Stuart "where am I " Bennett moving from left half and swapping with Charlie "oh bugger Ive topped it again" Haswell. This gave the visitors some space on the left and wave afer wave of attacks came reminding Rob that the Luftwaffe had returned. MoP seemed to be able to shoot at will, whoever will is, and managed to draw level and looked for the winner. OPM managed to keep them out with some good saves by Mingo and Laurence "Right Ive had enough give the ball to me" Peacock worked hard in the midfield The pants rating system invented by the old guy in the 2nds could not have worked in this game as they would have ran out of pants! OPMs have to try and raise themselves to face a late trip to Truro next week. Score: O.P.M. 4-4 Plymouth Marjon COPM Scorers: Chris Vinson, Martin Simpson-Scott
Team: Paul Mingo, Chris Frude, Ian Stone, Laurence Peacock, Charlie Haswell, Stuart Bennett, Jason Sweby, Jack Horton, Martin Simpson-Scott, Tim Ellis, Chris Vinson
11/03/2006 (A) vs Truro B, South West Division 1
by Ian 'One Finger' Stone
With a side decimated by illness and unavailability a made up side travelled to Truro with the prospect of having the aging Rob Logan in goal and the younger Gareth Logan up front (dont know which is worse)
Thanks to two players not showing up at the match (thanks guys really appreciate it) OPMs fielded only 9 players at the start. The game started well but with 20 seconds gone a Truro player up ended Matt Brooks and for a time it looked as though OPM could be down to 8 players, the pressure of two extra players began to tell and with OPM pushing forward the home side took the lead early in the match. Logan snr made some good saves but the home side went into the break 5-0. Both sides soon learnt that if they appealed the umpire would give them the hit, this enraged the goalkeeping /umpire Logan who qt times looked as though he was going to explode especially when he noticed that Truro had two players wearing number 9! The question would be "How long would Logan last in goal if he had been umpiring, id say about 30 seconds!" The second half only resulted in one goal from the home side and with some desperate tackles by Matt Allen and skipper Haswell hitting the post from an impossible angle the score stayed at 6-0. With 4 minutes left in the game defender Ian Stone had his finger broken in a scrap in the D but stayed on the pitch till the end. Everyone worked really hard and fought for every ball, special mention to Rob who rolled back the years with some fine saves, and also threatening a Truro forward that "hes going down if he comes in the D" Thanks for not turning up to the two players who said they were on their way and makes you wonder if the result would have been different if they had of been there. Score: Truro B 6-0 O.P.M.Team: Rob Logan, Matt Allen, Ian Stone, Chris Frude, Charlie Haswell, Stuart Bennett, Matt Brooks, Tom Wood, Gareth Logan. and who can forget Rhys for eating all the food!
18/03/2006 (H) vs Plymouth University B, South West Division 1
by Jason Sweby
OPMs ended the season with a comfortable home win against bottom-placed Plymouth University B. Despite not being able to grab an early goal due to some resolute University defending and goalkeeping, including 2 terrific saves off Jason Sweby and Chris Vinson, OPMs finally found the opener when Sweby worked his way to the back line and crossed for Martin Simpson-Scott to slam home. Matt Brooks and Chris Vinson got one each to make it 3-0 at half-time.
It was mostly OPMs all the way in the second half, with Vinson completing a good hat-trick, and another each for Simpson-Scott and Brooks. The university were allowing their hosts to play freely and the passing was excellent, especially up front between Mozza, CV and Matt Brooks. Alex Peacock seemed to be always available in midfield and Laurence Peacock again held it together in central midfield. The back-line had little to do but stayed alert, although Chris Frude will be remembered for playing himself into trouble and having Tim Chalmers in goal to rescue him. Jason Sweby finally got a vote for man-of-the-match, in fact enough to earn the award. About bl**dy time, lads! And Ian Stone should be recognised for 2 attempts to make runs with the ball; the first seeing him practically at the back-line in enemy territory; the second seeing him lose it and then hobble back as a result of a sniper shot. A great season by everyone, second place but no promotion thanks to some poor decision upstairs. Score: O.P.M. 7-0 Plymouth University BOPM Scorers: Martin Simpson-Scott (2), Chris Vinson (3), Matt Brooks (2)
Team: Tim Chalmers, Chris Frude, Ian Stone, Alex Peacock, Laurence Peacock, Jason Sweby (MoM), Stuart Bennett, Tom Wood, Matt Brooks, Chris Vinson, Martin Simpson-Scott, Tim Ellis