O.P.M. HOCKEY CLUB
2nd XI Match Reports
Season 2007/2008
22/09/2007 (H) vs Ashmoor A, South Western District 1
by James Harding
A 2-2 draw against Ashmoor seems a fair enough result. But a sweltering sun and a few decisions can change everything.
OPMs registered their first point of the season the hard way, having let a 2-0 lead slip in the second half of the game. The first goal came after good work up front by Pete, with Saunders showing excellent positional awareness to sniff out a close-range tap-in.
We then had a goal disallowed , and Johnners was outrageously denied his first league goal since 1978. Gareth received a few strong words from Logan Senior for his protests to the away umpire. After this, the team showed courage and fortitude befitting of a promotion-contending side; zipping swift passes across the pitch and creating several half chances.
Mid-way through the second half, there was a second moment of controversy when the umpire turned down appeals for a penalty flick. This match reporter picked up the ball on the edge of the D and proceeded to send a panicky shot straight at the young Ashmoor ‘keeper. Whilst following up my own saved effort, I found myself horrifically robbed of possession when an elderly Ashmoor defender became confused and decided to attack me in much the same fashion as Conan the Barbarian! The umpire waved away my protests despite the fact that I was brandishing my stick in his face, illustrating the four-inch gash inflicted on it by the crazy-ass defender.
Having had a goal ruled out and been denied a penalty flick, we started to press more and more until finally the second goal came. Harding and Honey opened up the defence with a slick interchange, allowing Gareth to capitalise with his first league goal of the season. The umpires conferred and for a few horrifying seconds it seemed that a second goal would be cancelled out, but the goal was eventually given and we had finally established that 2-goal cushion.
In the second half, however, it turned out to be too comfortable a pillow, because the team actually fell asleep! The passing and movement disappeared, and as we lost our rhythm we began to look more and more suspect. The Ashmoor infants ran rings around us in midfield and levelled the scores at 2-2 with 15 minutes remaining.
After this shaky period, we picked up the pieces and fought hard for the remainder of the game and were perhaps unlucky not to register a third.
In the dying moments of the game, Gary Tuckett was presented with a golden opportunity to win the game following an excellent penalty corner routine by Harding and Vice-captain Rob Saunders. As the ball came across the D and left him a clear shot at goal, Tuckett proceeded to hit the post and the prospect of 3 points slipped away.
If Gary Tuckett can perfect his finishing, then perhaps he holds the key to getting us out of sticky situations; this was the second of two clear-cut opportunities which he expertly put to waste. The first was a magnificent run from his own half; he made his way into the D and looked certain to take full advantage of the young goalkeeper’s limited arm span. He pounded the ball for the far corner of the goal, but his solo effort went wide, despite the attentions of skip Honey on the far post.
Johnners gratefully received the man-of-the-match award, fighting off fierce competition from Dan Jones. The MoM for Ashmoor went to their tiny left-back who looked like he was about 10 years old. Worryingly.
Score: O.P.M. A 2-2 Ashmoor A
OPM Scorers: Rob Saunders, Gareth Logan
Team: Steve Payne, Gary Tuckett, Damien Hughes, Mike “Torbay” Swain, Colin Wilding, Ian Johnson (MoM), Dan Jones, James Harding, Rob Saunders, Gareth Logan, Pete Honey, Dan Tuckett
29/09/2007 (A) vs Plymouth University B, South Western District 1
by Gareth "Better late than never" Logan
Better late than never I suppose its been a few weeks but luckily I found my scrap on note paper and with the use of the rosetta stone have managed to decipther my drunken scribbles of last month. We went 1-0 up in the first half thanks to a Pete Honey struck from somewhere within 16 yards of the opposition’s goal if I remember correctly and after this the uni caused us a lot of problems as we rode our luck for long periods. Steve kept us in the game through a combination of fine saves and agricultural tackles. Stoney, Damien and Dan T defended well and can take a lot of credit for another clean sheet. The wingers Rob S and Dan J both ran their socks off and the Wookie’s wild celebration after Pete scored did not go unnoticed. Colin and Johnners were both vital in midfield breaking up attacks and offering support for both defence and attack. Pete scored and led the line well with his offensive partner (in all meanings of the word) dropping into an attacking midfield role and trying to make an effort to tackle back aswell as joining the odd sortie over their 25. Which leaves Rob X as the MOM by margin of 2 votes, the X factor was the difference in the centre of the park and he made more than one goal saving challenge and contributed going forward aswell. Special mention should go to Ian for not reacting to an acerbic comment from Dan T after the young lad was chastised by Johnners for losing possession he responded “we ain’t not all perfick Johnners”. This leaves me to thank Gary for umpiring and lets hope the next time he umpires with a member of the fairer sex, Pamela is their again to stop him harrassing the poor girl. Score: Plymouth Uni B 0-1 O.P.M. A
OPM Scorers: Pete Honey
Team: Steve Payne, Ian Stone, Damien Hughes, Dan Tuckett, Colin Wilding, Ian Johnson, Rob Cross, Rob Saunders, Dan Jones, Pete Honey (C), Gareth Logan
06/10/2007 (H) vs Tavistock B, South Western District 1
by Pete Honey
On yet another unseasonal day OPM A turned out with 11 players ready to take on a Tavistock team that were yet to play a game this season due to teams dropping out of the league. Welcoming back Tom Langridge after a couple of years in exile (University) OPM's had a strong 11 on field. The oposition captain lost the toss muttering something about not having guessed correct at all last season and that his team had not played since april. Much bouyed by this news OPM's set about with some good hockey pasing up each wing though maybe relying a little too much on the direct ball up the middle. The good work was rewarded with a first goal for Davies followed by a period where the midfield seemed to lose its shape and just before half time gaining a short Cross slotted it into the bottom corner of the goal to take a 2-0 lead. The team talk at half time was one of pass the ball more as we were ripping them apart when quick one/two touch passing happened. Thus followed some great hockey moving up the right (James, Tom)or the left (Damien, Rich) with Tom L cutting through the opposition and generally being a dynamo. In the following period Cross scored two more from shorts, Honey scored when the tavi defence went to sleep and Tom played a great ball from a sideline hit, finished with a Logan goal running into top-d after brilliant passing down the right taking it round two defenders before putting it past the keeper for 6-0. All in all this was a good game even with periods where the midfield lost a bit of cohesion. A lot of short corners came from the game and worked well with the variations in training put to good use. A few incidents occured which slightly marred a good game but hopefully this will not occur again. Special mention goes to the defence with both Matt and Mike ably assisting Stoney making some crucial takles. Matt also exceling at making breaks up the pitch putting some great crosses in. Steve had a quiet day not really having to do much more than turn up and make the occasional save. Score: O.P.M. A 6-0 Tavistock B
OPM Scorers: Rob Cross (3), Rich Davies, Pete Honey, Gareth Logan
Team: Steve P, Matt W, Ian S, Mike S, James H, Tom L (MoM), Rob C, Damien H, Rich D, Gareth L, Pete H
20/10/2007 (H) vs Okehampton, South Western District 1
by Ian Johnson
Three minutes into the game, OPMs with 14 and Oke's with only 7! But we could have been a goal down as yet again we struggled to start with pace and control. Luckily their missing 4 turned up and we scored within one minute of parity. Life is not all a bowl of cherries! After that we never looked back, and held onto our 3 goal differential to the end winning 5-2 and continue our unbeaten season. Missing was the Payne and Wookie (who is spending far too much time with his wife than is healthy) and Stoney who had been purloined by the Ists for a bimble up to Yeovil. In between the sticks came Matt 'Twinkle' Butterworth who acquitted himself well with some telling saves. That is not to say we didn't miss Steve.... Rob X was feverishly looking for a new 'soap' partner in the showers and even approached some of the opposition in desperation. Captain Pete showed great courage in turning out despite suffering from a terrible dose of Man-flu and was delirious as he rambled on about how fit Richard was but what a shame he's lost the beard. We knew Pete was on the pitch by the smell of Vicks Vaporub and the steaming cup of Lemsip. Devotion beyond the cause! Having scored the first OPMs started to pass it with confidence aided by the energetic Tom L who is set to leave us on his travels to Greece unless we can make him an offer he can't refuse......Have a good holiday Tom! Anyway, he scored one and unselfishly set up another to cap a sound performance. Think of us Tom as you peruse your copy of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's 'The First Circle' a novel detailing three days in the life of gulag prisoners, which of course, as we all know, is an allusion to Dante's first circle of Hell in 'The Divine Comedy'. I particularly liked your colouring in on page 5 and the moustaches you'd drawn on the front cover. Sorry, the game....3-0 up at half time and all good.Ian J, Dan T and Damien (playing the best hockey of his non-cackhanded career!) provided an effective barier to the Oke's forward while Rich and Jim were causing problems down the flanks. By the way, we should stand back and be amazed as we have a real life candidate for 'Heroes'. James H has the power to elevate hockey-related objects!!! Out of nowhere his stick flew upwards and up, up...accompanied by the magical incantation: "For F_ _ _'s sake!" This now explains the soaring ball that so nearly brained the tiny Ashmoor defender and the lifted ball over the fence in our warm-up 2nds game. Just be careful, James, in case anyone from the PHDG comes calling asking for your brain.....actually you may be safe on that score! Joking aside, James passed the ball superbly as did Matt and Pete. But what killed the opposition was the runs of Gareth, Rob and Rich who were a constant threat and are obviously competing for leading goalscorer. Rich deserved his 2, Rob had to settle for 1. Gareth was unlucky not to score and played his best game of season so far. He was obviously inspired by that Kenny Roger's classic 'Don't take yer Dad to task' as he continued domestic bickering with the balding welsh whistle blower in the 2nd half. Mike in defence and Colin, Matt, Dan J and Rob all contributed in defending our lead which was threatened for 10 minutes at the start of the 2nd half. A half volley strike gave the Oke's hope but a superb reverse stick pass and finish maintained the cushion although they did convert a penalty flick (hit?) to reward their effort. It finished 5-2. Back at the clubhouse, we were treated to Matt's leather trousers, Damien's scar in the shape of Bolivia and Jayne's aromatic chicken curry with a pile of pappadums almost as big as K2! Nerves were beginning to jangle as thoughts turned to the World Cup Final and whether the underdogs could prevail...sounds a bit like our next game against the top team in the league. Onwards! Score: O.P.M. A 5-2 Okehampton
OPM Scorers: Rich Davies, Pete Honey, Rob Cross, Tom Langridge
Team: Matt Butterworth, Ian J, Dan T, Damien H, Matt W, Gareth, James H, Rich D, Rob X, Pete H, Tom L, Colin, Dan J, Mike S
28/10/2007 (A) vs Exeter A, Devon Trophy Round 1
by James Harding
OPM A were the underdogs going into this game, and suffered a devastating loss in the final minutes of their Trophy game in Exmouth, having equalled their opponents for much of the game. After a bright start, we were awarded a penalty stroke after a blatant foot on the Exeter goal-line by an unlucky defender. This match reporter stepped up and coolly converted for 1-0; the Exe goalkeeper guessed the right way but couldn’t get anywhere near the ball, which was sent into the top left hand corner. OPMs then began to enjoy their possession and played some of the most fluent hockey ever witnessed by mankind. But then something less extraordinary happened: Exe scored. Twice. The first goal knocked the wind out of us and we looked more and more shaky until they finally registered a second goal (which Steve was agonisingly close to saving!). We went into half-time then 2-1 down and lacking in confidence. The second half was a gutsy display; Frosty was constantly moving and the midfield was creating chances, which were simply not put away. Mid way through the second period, the breakthrough finally came. Harding fed the ball to Frosty, who cushioned a delightful pass to the onrushing Quincey 25 yards from goal. The right back drilled the ball into the D, and the Exe ‘keeper made a rare mistake. His dodgy kick allowed Rich Davies to tap hope a deserved equaliser. After that we look set for a hard-fought 2-2 draw, with the looming a penalty shootout surely the only way to settle the result? But it was not to be. In the final moments of the game came a moment of controversy when Exe broke forward. The centre-forward appeared to foul Quincey by backing in to, and then tripping, the defender. He continued into the D where he skilfully evaded Steve in goal … surely now he would put the ball into the roof of the net, having gone around the ‘keeper with such consummate style? No – the ball was sent goalwards at a trickling pace! The excellent Damien materialised out of nowhere and looked all set to clear the ball off the line – but the ball found the backboard after the Exe winger bundled him across the line. He appeared to use two hands to haul Damien to the ground, but the umpire said no and the game was over. Score: Exeter A 3-2 O.P.M. A
OPM Scorers: James Harding (P), Rich Davies
Team: Steve Payne, Simon Quincey, Ian Stone, Damien Hughes, James Harding, Colin Wilding, Ian Johnson, Rob Cross, Rich Davies, Pete Honey (C), James Frost, Gareth Logan
03/11/2007 (H) vs Camborne School of Mines A, Friendly
by Rob Cross
What a turnout!! The Cornish students had lovely matching Yellow shirts socks and all looked about 18y. They had this thing they all did together called a “A team warm up” and a short corner routine that nobody got to see.... Yes we looked on at the opposition scared and in awe. On paper they looked young fit and eager to win, we wanted to remind them it was friendly and that it was Rob Saunders 1st time as Captain so if they wouldn’t mind awfully, please could they not give us too big a thrashing!! We needn't have worried after the first 10 mins OPMs had control of the game with some useful passing and the majority of the possession in our opponents half. OPMs managed to force a short corner which Matt (new to the routine) push into the left hand side of the goal. OPMs had several runs into the oppositions D forcing more shorts and several strikes on Goal. Matt with another great run, gifted ...(had stolen) ...a shot, in front of the keeper, to Gareth. Which he unusually decided to put in the back of the net? It seems the goal leader board has really spawned some of the 2nd less likely goal scorers in to action esp with the chance to get some back whilst Davies and Honey are away. Camborne came back in the 2nd half with two lucky goals, but it never looked like they would win after more grown up James made a match saving tackle nearing full time. The final goal from James Harding was another of his dribbles into the D, having a crack on goal with a good result in the second half. Enough of the boring match news....Now to the special mentions: Johnners and James for their 'Here! Here! Here!' impressions of the House of Commons. Something to do with one of them being blind and the other deaf!? Dan Tucket; undeterred by his father’s doubtful eyesight, played fantastically with great skills and good passing, well deserving of the man of the match award. Is Gary aware that they do the Hockey rules in Brail now so there is no excuse? The match teas were well cooked by our resident Wookie, shame that he had no one to cook for as this esteemed author is back on that diet and nobody else turned up. Luckily Camborne ....bloody students, ate all the food as their mothers hadn’t sent a food parcel since before fresher’s week and some of them were looking emaciated! Thank god Reece was at home. Johnners had more runs than a pair of tights off one of Logan Juniors late night friends from Millbay! Ali returned for a one off game, good to see his handicap has improved with a lovely chip off a seven onto a Camborne players right cheek, I did just the job of breaking up the Ring on 16s. Ian Johnson said it reminded him of spitfire attacks in WW2 when he had to tell his students to take cover. Damo had some classic reverse stick tackles and broke into a trot for a split second until a bead of sweat made him realise that he was showing off and nearly at the halfway line! It was reported by among players in the post match debrief that “The Way-would attacking Tempest; Could unload next time, however this reporter thought he did make good contribution to slowing the clock at the end. I would like to thank Leigh for her decision perfect umpiring throughout the match. I think I speak for all the 2nd team players when I say that we all thought she did a fantastic job in difficult circumstances (ie umpiring with Gary) Umpires do have a job putting up with us lot and the usual umps we have are all butt Ugly and scared of Pipa. We would love to have Leigh in control of the whistle again or as soon as we can get Tucket to move to Marjons. Score: O.P.M. A 3-2 Camborne SoM A
OPM Scorers: Dan T (MoM), Dan J, Me, Rob S, Rob C, Ian Johnson, Gareth Loogan, Matt, Jame H and the other James, Damo, Chris, Ant Harper
10/11/2007 (H) vs Plymouth Marjon, Friendly
by James Harding
OPMs arrived pitch-side to be greeted with the sight of a Marjons team with an average age which would have struggled to reach 20 years .
The opening stages of the game were pretty routine, with the Marjons youngsters failing to effectively gel as a team. They couldn’t put together any decent passing moves together to break down the makeshift defensive line-up of Damien Hughes, James Harding, and new boy Lloyd Brewer. 18-year-old Brewer was one of three debutants in an OPM team boasting a youthful line-up to challenge even that of the opposition. Along with Brewer, Rob Holmes and Mark Bancroft excelled in midfield. The first goal materialised early on through Rob Holmes. The 26-year-old fired home a sublime effort to knock the stuffing out of our young opponents. The silky signing from Dublin had a great game and put us 1-0 without any problems inside 10 minutes. Soon afterwards, a penalty stroke was awarded to the home side and Harding made it 2-0 with his third goal in as many games – and the second penalty. This match reporter unfortunately stopped concentrating on the game’s events at this point, revelling in his new role of picking up possession and distributing long range passes, so I don’t remember much of what happened next Captain Pete Honey made it 3 in the first half with a decent sweep effort when crowded out by multiple defenders. Two goals from Rich took his season’s tally to 8 with a couple of well-placed finishes to make it an impressive 5, but not before Marjons had pulled back a consolation goal. DML summer league favourite Ed McGuinness played a role with his long pass to Joe Andrews. He was allowed space to run it to the top of the D before slipping it to the centre-forward with the crazy hair. He took advantage of goalkeeper Mingo’s loose positioning to make it 4-1 shortly before OPMs scored again to wrap up yet another home win. Next up for OPM A are Truro C, 3 points ahead of us and second-to-top of the league. Here’s to maintaining our unbeaten home record! Score: O.P.M A 5-1 Marjon O.P.M scorers: Rich Davies (2), Pete Honey, Rob Holmes, James Harding (P)
O.P.M team: Paul Mingo, Damien Hughes, James Harding, Lloyd Brewer, Rob Saunders, Mark Bancroft, Rob Cross, Colin Wilding, Rob Holmes, Pete Honey (c), Rich Davies, Anthony Harper
17/11/2007 (H) vs Truro C, South Western District 1
OPM A made retain their unbeaten status this season with a home win over Truro C that sees them leap-frog their opponents into second place. Goals from Rich Davies and Rob Stroud secured the Plymouth side's victory. Score: O.P.M A 2-1 Truro C O.P.M scorers: Rich Davies, Rob Stroud
Gareth Logan01/12/2007 (A) vs Okehampton A, South Western District 1
by Ian Johnson
“To put it in gentleman's terms, if you've been out for a night and you're looking for a young lady and you pull one, you've done what you set out to do. We didn't look our best today but we've pulled.” “Some weeks the lady is good looking and some weeks they're not. Our performance today would have been not the best looking bird but at least we got her in the taxi.” “She may not have been the best looking lady we ended up taking home but it was still very pleasant and very nice, so thanks very much and let's have coffee.” If Ian Holloway was still Argyle manager he would have probably described OPMs scrappy affair with Okehampton in similar vein but we battled through to notch up another 3 points on the bedpost. In truth, it is a mystery why Okes ‘A’ are at the bottom of the league as they played with a spirit and determination that embarrassed us at times. The tone was set with 2 Christmas gift wrapped passes to oncoming forwards and that heralded 15 minutes of last ditch tackles as the stout defence of Dan T, Gary and Stoney tried to ensure MOM for the back line. Ian J contributed by falling on a prostrate forward and setting off a flow of nasal blood not seen since Peter Cushing in ‘The Bride of Dracula’, 1968. And then to add to the festive season of goodwill the Oke’s keeper presented Rich with a tap-in to give us an undeserved lead. We missed the probing runs of Logan, Cross and Harding and often settled for the long ball to the distant Pete. So with the lead, would we change tactics and try some short quick-fire passing? Is Mohammed a teddy bear? No, we decided to keep soaking up the pressure until, eventually, aided by the unpenalised stick tackles, the Home side scored a deserved equalizer to take into half-time. The 2nd half saw a better organized performance with the right finally beginning to talk to each other despite not knowing each other’s names. Stoudy thought Dan J was called Pete and Dan J just knew Stroudy as ‘That dude on the right’….mmmmm…..telepathy it was not! But OPMs did create more chances and forced a series of short corners from which Gary smacked one and Rob S converted a trademark tap-in followed by an even more trademark celebration. Mingo, Stoney and Gary performed some minor heroics and Colin looked assured even though the young Oke’s forwards exposed our tackling. Damian came on up front and didn’t seem to have a handle on anything except his new handle on his stick. The final whistle came none too soon to this ugly encounter. Back at ‘Betsy Cockles Inn’ this writer was in raptures as that under-rated 70s Dutch band Focus belted out Hocus Pocus featuring the slick licks of Jan Ackermann, probably the greatest thing to come out Holland since clogs. Sorry….got carried away there. The MOM was shared 6 ways between Mingo, Dan J, Gary, Rich, Ian J and Stoney. Next week we roll on to Ashmoor on the bouncy castle pitch where we are going to have to be smarter than Pete’s M&S trousers to get a result. Score: Okehampton 1-2 O.P.M. A O.P.M scorers: Rich Davies, Rob Saunders
Team: Mingo (MoM), Dan T, Gary (MoM), Stoney (MoM), Ian J (MoM), Damian, Colin W, Rob Stroud, Dan J (MoM), Rob Saunders, Rich (MoM), Pete
19/01/2008 (A) vs Tavistock B, South Western District 1
by Pete Honey
After the previous week where the loser of the longest straw competition ended up in goal this week was looking better we had regular shot stopper Ming the Merciless back in goal! A small fiasco at the start of play made sure this wasnt going to be an uneventful day. With 11 players then 12 then having to provide an umpire then not as you can not play for two teams in the same league structure in the same day we eventually got the game started Tavi with 10 men OPM with 11 men + 1 moronic madman bent on getting to the top of the goalscorers table even with a broken finger. Within the first 15 minutes OPM were already 2 goals up and cruising with some great passing moves. Goals coming from the aforementioned madman who it had to be said played better than normal! The defence was more than up to the task switching from 3 at the back to two with gary making maurading runs up the middle of the park in a vague attempt to score a goal which as normal never materialised. The third goal went in a few minutes before half time with OPM really cruising along not really in top gear just a steady third. The half time team talk was basically keep doing the same go score some more goals. Within seconds of the restart a penalty flick was awarded due to an endorian creature being felled in the box. Much to his annoyance as he had managed to get the ball in the back of the net! Gareth on his hat trick calmly stepped up to the mark and into the back of the net the ball went helped on by the Tavi Keeper. Rob Holmes completed his brace moments later with some good open play passes going left right and centre! Then as only true OPM's can do the foot came off the gas and the rest of the game was played out at a slow walk with a 5 man attack 2 man midfield and 3 man defence which allowed tavi to get a consolidatory goal. All in all a good game for OPM just need to step it up a gear ready for the weeks ahead. Back at the pub a MoM vote was taken with the verdict that Damien had a storming game always marking his man out of the game and playing some brilliant passes to set attacks off. Overall a good team performance with noone letting the side down. Score: Tavistock B 1-5 O.P.M. A O.P.M scorers: Gareth Logan (3, 1 pen), Rob Holmes (2)
Team: Paul M, Matt W, Gary T, Damien H (MoM), Pincher, Colin W, Ian J,Rob S, Rob H, Rob Wookie S, Gareth L, Pete H
26/01/2008 (H) vs United Services HC Plymouth A, South Western District 1
by Ian Johnson OPMs and US fought out a tight encounter and, for the 2nd time this season, could not be separated with another 3-3 draw. Despite worries about player availability and injuries OPMs fielded 14 with the seafaring duo, Cross and Davies, returning having had their barnacles scraped off their undersides and each sporting a fresh coat of boat varnish. So you would have thought OPMs might start with confidence but…..with 2 minutes to go… it was chaos. Gary was still locked in confab with his umpiring mates so Ian J had to drop back, a diamond formation was introduced with very little explanation of how it would be played and Damian was on his 3rd can of freeze spray having twisted his knee in a short corner push-out. This disorganization was evident as Mingo and Ali had to repel a break immediately. It wasn’t until Gary came on, that the defence looked solid with Mingo making some great saves all the live long day and fully deserving his MOM award. US are a good side but like to build from deep which allowed our mid-field the chance to harry and pressure them. Gareth, Rich, Stroudy, Antony and Rob C gave them no time and suddenly against the run of play the ball a superb diagonal ball was picked up by Colin on the wide right and a slip to Rich produced a fantastic goal. But within 30 seconds it was 1-1 as US signalled their intention to take on our defenders through the middle. Gareth ended one such run with well-timed hook for which he received a green card. OPMs ended the half the better as Rob Cross put another away from a short corner and Colin had 2 great strikes saved at the near post. The team were looking good even if the diamond had basically been shelved. OPMs continued to hold out helped by dogged defence by Ali, Ian J sticking close to the US play-maker and Toby helping to shore up the left. But US always looked threatening and made it 2-2 and then changed the personnel up front which seemed to confuse our defence. A long ball up front and suddenly the goal was gaping. Mingo got a touch but it still looked a certain goal for US until Toby threw himself across the goal-line to block a shot. Sadly, the cleared ball came straight to another US forward who thumped it through the pile of bodies into the net. 2-3. Time running out, how would OPMs respond? In a spell of concerted pressure, the forwards pressed winning free hit after free hit. Gary was becoming a nuisance with his mazy runs (and a reverse stick shot!!!) and Ian J, raising his game out of mediocrity, probed the US defence with some telling balls. Finally, we were rewarded as a bouncing ball was converted by Cross, although not without a tense wait, as the umpires conferred. But instead of continuing with the high octane pace OPMs seemed to relax and were glad to hang on by the end. In the bar we were treated to Jayne’s wonderful lasagne. The delayed start to our game resulted in a slightly crispier topping than usual but nothing that a sledgehammer and a rotovator could not cope with. Rob S burbled on about the joys of bag piping and the thrill of ‘squeezing yer pouch’! Gareth gave us a taster of his new book: ‘The Good Guide to Dogging haunts in Plymouth’. Kit Hill or Devil’s Point looks favourite for the next hockey night out! Simon retold us about his goal that set the firsts on the road to victory and seemed very disappointed that he didn’t get MOM. For those who are interested Rhys can spell any foreign footballer’s name you choose while Antony can spell ‘S N A P’. Score: O.P.M. A 3-3 USHC Plymouth A O.P.M scorers: Rich Davies, Rob Cross (2)
Gareth LoganTeam: Mingo (MoM), Gary T, Ali, Damian, Ian J, Rob Stroud, Rich, James H, Gareth, Antony, Colin, Toby Hodges, Rob C, Rob S
02/02/2008 (A) vs Okehampton, South Western District 1
by Gareth Logan After an indifferent start to the second half of the season OPM’S travelled over the snowy peaks of Dartmoor to face mid table Okehampton. The game got underway to a hail of stick tackles,warnings from the umpires so followed that they would not be afraid to use their cards. A tense and very even opening 15 minutes for both teams soon gave way to a period of sustained OPM pressure which led to a number of short corners. It was from one of these short corners that Rob C found the back of the goal with a good strike from the top of the D, another goal soon followed with Rob C involved again, this time setting up Rob Saunders to slot home at the far post. It stayed 2-0 until half time with Captain Wookie’s team talk encouraging more of the same, the start of the second half was much the same as the first with both teams applying pressure and winning shorts. It was to be from another short corner that a fine strike from this very match reporter (who had finally woken up after a Friday night spent in the Plympton Con Club all beers £1.45 a pint, what were they thinking) was illegally stopped on the line and a stroke was awarded. James H calmly stepped up and put it low and hard to the keeper’s right to make it 3-0. The OPM’s were now attacking more and more, Rob C placing a lovely pass/miss-hit straight past me to Colin who stormed into the D and laid the ball off beautifully to Rich D who couldn’t miss 4-0. After this a rather bizarre sending off occurred for the opposition, the Okehampton goalie losing him temper with the umpire over a fairly obvious offence (he booted a bouncing ball straight at Colin and almost decapitated him) and after a few badly chosen words found himself taking an early bath. I can't remember anybody having a bad game (but it has been a while since the game!!!), Mingo as always was excellent in goal and was unlucky to see the opposition put two goals past him, the defence of Stoney, James H and Damien were solid and let very little past. In midfield Johnners, Colin and Stroud did a great job of breaking up the play and were quick to join counter attacks, Rob C, Rob S and Rich constantly ran at the defence and put pressure on the opposition, our super sub Pilgrim Pete came on towards the end and had some really good touches in and around the D. On our way to Betty Cottles Inn for Devon cream teas and a couple of pints of Stella, on the way we passed through the debauched town of Okehampton where Rob Saunders assured us “all the women here have hairy feet and are gagging for it”. After a good helping of curry and chips Rob C told us he has recently reached his peak fighting weight of 16 stone and I confessed I had some way to go before I could match that kind of standard, although I am putting the hours in. Score: Okehampton 2-4 O.P.M. A O.P.M scorers: Rich Davies, Rob Cross, Rob Saunders, James Harding (pen)
Team: Mingo, Damian, Ian S, James H, Ian J, Rob Stroud, Rich D, Gareth, Antony, Colin, Rob C, Rob S.
QI Trivia: Rob C’s Granddad was president of Wasps rugby club his Dad played for Wasps and Rob was once stung by a wasp in a traumatic childhood incident.
09/02/2008 (H) vs Caradon, South Western District 1
by Ian Johnson To concede a goal with 2 minutes to go and lose to the league leaders was gutting, considering that OPMs had played their best hockey of the season in the first half and really needed at least a point from this encounter. But 8 minutes of indiscipline cost us dear. Without a keeper and 2 heavyweights in Gary and Stoney, prospects were looking bleak in defence but from the ashes arose a Welsh phoenix in the shapely form of Logan senior and a reversion to right back for the selfless Stroud. Actually, Dad Logan hardly had a save to make all game but he contributed to an entertaining running banter with a potent Caradon forward who spent most of the first half spouting off with Big Bob and the umpire. Week in, week out OPMs start like geriatric tortoises but not today. This was a team on a mission as passes went slick and fast and some of the larger opposition (sponsored by McDonalds) just couldn’t cope with the pace that OPMs unleashed. We were rewarded with several shorts one of which was converted by Pete who looked sharp and linked well with Gareth and Rich. In reply, Caradon scored from a deflected rocket which hit Stroud’s stick as it passed the bemused Logan senior. The challenges were physical and Gareth suffered a blow to his hand but OPMs were on top and if we could hit the wide channels more regularly with Pincher, Colin and Rich we could expect even greater things in the 2nd half. Caradon, however, started the better and OPMs were on the back foot relying on solid defence from Ali, Damien, Stroudy and Ian J, who spent the whole afternoon velcroed to the calves of the most dangerous of the enemy forwards. OPMs rode their luck and, suddenly, we were 2-1 up as the ball somehow trickled past their keeper helped in by Rich. But Caradon were becoming more dangerous and seemed to have worked out how to nullify the probing runs of Rob C down the middle. Rob Holmes had to leave the field with a back problem which reduced out threat down the wide right. In return Caradon started to carve openings and OPMs, with only 10 minutes to go, conceded possession unnecessarily and short corners followed in an increasing show of panic. From one of these a surprised young forward touched a strike to even up the scores. Now was the time for safety and discipline but OPMs continued to gift the ball to the opposition and with 2 minutes to go a short was given with only the thin blue line of OPMs to save the draw. Alas, déjà vu! The same forward as in November disappointed OPMs with a clean strike from the short to cruelly leave OPMs empty-handed. It was a subdued gathering back at the Clubhouse as we were treated to a Rhys/Jayne chilli combo which was sprayed everywhere by the lovely Laura who clearly, as a primary school teacher, needs to work on her eating technique. Actually, she took some great photos but the one of me struggling to avoid the massive girth of Rob C is just plain wrong! Gareth confessed a fear of pulses as he visibly trembled in the presence of red kidney beans. Even more worrying was an expanding bruise on Gareth’s right hand which will prevent him from wiping his own b*ckside. I’m sure he will find a willing helper as he proudly displayed his wild lilac purse with turquoise flash! With 2 friendlies and then only 3 more league matches OPMs can only get a max of 40 points and so we are dependent on the results of other teams to secure the 2nd place spot. The danger team is USHCC which can overtake this total if they win all their matches. We’ll be kicking ourselves if we miss out again having lost only 2 games all season. Oh, by the way……remember PGSOB ‘C’ team ……promoted last season from our league….? They lost 21-0 to Camborne yesterday!!! Does anyone want to go up anyway? Of course we do! Score: O.P.M. A 2-3 Caradon O.P.M scorers: Pete Honey, Rich Davies
Team: Rob Logan, Damien, Ali, Rob Stroud, Rich Davies (MoM), Ian J, Colin W, Pete H, Pincher Martin, Rob Cross, Rob Holmes, Gareth Logan
01/03/2008 (A) vs Truro C, South Western District 1
by Rich Davies the celtic crucible
TRURO The brave titans of the OPM 2XI made the arduous journey to Cornwall’s cathedral city to keep alive their hopes of promotion at the celtic crucible. The sky-blue back drop was in stark contrast to the gathering storm that was about to ensue on the pitch in a tempestuous game. Team captain, Pete Honey, emphasised the importance of the match but faced a tough challenge as a bare XI gave him little room for manoeuvre. In order to put keeper Chalmers through his paces in goal, the captain instigated a series of short corners during the warm-up. He took the opportunity to demonstrate the deadly accuracy of his strike by aiming for a post (presenting the smallest target). Tim stood aghast, as the accuracy of the strike was inch perfect time and again, bouncing back out past him; the opposition were worried!! True to form, it quickly became apparent that the match was to be played according to the Cornish Rule Book. Following an intense start, an early Truro attack yielded a questionable penalty flick given against Stoney. Despite Tim’s best efforts, he was unable to get to the corner and Truro took an early lead. This galvanised the home side and gave them the confidence to challenge the 50:50 balls more aggressively. Passing between the OPM’s lacked conviction and was frequently intercepted. Truro could sense their opportunity and in quick succession rifled two short corners in the back of the net. At 3-0 down and with the half not yet over, the gravity of the situation took hold. Just as OPM’s had begun to build momentum, a wild challenge from the Truro defence led to exclamations from Gareth as his stick rocketed towards the fence. The Umpire’s wrath eased when he saw Gareth’s crimson face and his frantic efforts to see whether his model looks had been savagely destroyed by a broken nose. A man down and OPM's were forced to pull together to prevent a further score before half time; a new strategy would be required to close the deficit. A rejuvenated team emerged from the half-time team talk and was back to full strength shortly afterwards with Gareth out of the blood bin! His time on the bench clearly motivated him as he made an immediate impact linking up well with Rich to score within minutes. The standard had picked up from the first half but there was a long way to go and, having received a green card in the first half, Stoney’s yellow midway through the half took OPM's back to 10 men. Ant and Rob Stroud continued to link up well with Jonners in a series of concerted attacks to probe the Cornish defence and was eventually rewarded with a short corner after an errant foot curtailed the charge. Damo injected perfectly setting up Pete for the strike which he executed with all the vigour of a born warrior! With the clock ticking down, the race was on to tie the score but Truro were not about to give up just yet. A frenetic period saw action at both ends but Matt West lead by example in defence and made some heroic tackles to keep us in the game. With Stoney back on the pitch the scene was set for an epic come back. The team, however, seemed determined to play with 10 men as Gareth subsequently acquired a yellow. Undeterred, OPM’s continued to press and attacking the left through Colin eventually secured another short corner. Cometh the hour cometh the man and, as Damo hovered over the ball, all eyes turned to Pete- could this be the fairy tale ending? A calculated strike beat the keeper to level the score at 3-3. Whilst Truro had failed to capitalise on their extra player, OPM’s had endured a physically demanding half and cracks were beginning to show. Truro, livid at surrendering such a vast lead, brought on fresh legs and tested the defence to the limit. In the dying minutes of the game a melee following on from a short corner yielded the Cornish attack an opportunity to coax the ball pass Tim to seal the game 4-3. The result was a crushing blow, not just having levelled such a tremendous fight back but also in terms of the team's promotion prospects. The absence of a competitive match since 9th February surely had a role to play but Truro were clearly determined to avenge their defeat at Lipson and put up a determined fight. Score: Truro C 4-3 O.P.M. A O.P.M scorers: Gareth Logan, Pete Honey (2)
Team: T Chalmers, M West (MoM), I Stone, D Hughes, R Stroud, I Johnson, P Honey (C), C Wilding, R Davies, A Harper, G Logan
Ian Stone, Gareth Logan Ian Stone