O.P.M. HOCKEY CLUB
1st XI Match Reports
Season 2008/2009
27/09/2008 (A) vs Bridgwater, South Division 2
by Jason Sweby
OPMs paid the price for a slow start but ultimately were unlucky to lose by four. Bridgwater were clinical early in the game and took every opportunity they created. OPMs made a few forays into the opposition D but they all amounted to nothing. 3-0 down after 20 minutes and OPMs switched on. They finished the half much more brightly than they started, and began to stifle the home side more. Stuart Bennett saw a cracking strike bounce off the cross-bar just before half-time. The visitors were a much better match for the home side in the second half and at times dominated control, but suffered from a lack of any ability to finish. Bridgwater scored their fourth from a decisive and quick break, seeing defenders being beaten all over the place before the ball finally ended up in the goal. Credit to OPMs, however, as at 4-0 down they continued to press and made more chances, but ultimately the game had already been won in the first half. Score: Bridgwater 4-0 O.P.M.
Team: Steve Payne, Matt West, Chris Frude, Alex Peacock, Laurence Peacock, Glenn Martin, Lewis Gunn-Colling (MoM), Jason Sweby, Martin Simpson-Scott, Stuart Bennett, Pete Honey, Gareth Logan
11/10/2008 (A) vs Torbay A, South Division 2
by Jason Sweby
OPM remain bottom of South Division 2 after losing away in a game in which they twice led. Player/coach Laurence Peacock scored from a short corner early in the first half to settle the visitors and the lead stood until early in the second half when the home side equalised. Martin Simpson-Scott immediately put OPM ahead again, only for Torbay to score twice in 5 minutes to seal the match. Score: Torbay A 3-2 O.P.M.
Team: Steve Payne, Aaron West, Chris Frude, Charlie Helyer, Alex Peacock, Laurence Peacock, Paul Evans, Francois Ravin, Jason Sweby, Martin Simpson-Scott, Stuart Bennett (MoM)
Scorers: Laurence Peacock, Martin Simpson-Scott
Francois Ravin18/10/2008 (H) vs Bude, South Division 2
Score: O.P.M. 5-2 Bude
Team: Steve Payne, Aaron West, Matt West, Chris Frude (MoM), Charlie Helyer, Alex Peacock, Paul Evans, Francois Ravin, Jason Sweby, Martin Simpson-Scott, Stuart Bennett, Nick Middleton
Scorers: Stuart Bennett(2), Martin Simpson-Scott, Francois Ravin, Aaron West
Francois Ravin25/10/2008 (A) vs Dart, South Division 2
Score: Dart 2-1 O.P.M.
Team: Steve Payne (jMoM), Aaron West, Matt West, Charlie Haswell, Chris Frude (jMoM), Charlie Helyer, Alex Peacock, Laurence Peacock, Paul Evans, Francois Ravin, Jason Sweby, Martin Simpson-Scott, Stuart Bennett
Scorer: Martin Simpson-Scott
01/11/2008 (H) vs Plymouth Marjon C, South Division 2
Score: O.P.M. 3-2 Plymouth Marjon C
Team: Steve Payne, Charlie Haswell, Aaron West, Matt West, Chris Frude, Charlie Helyer, Alex Peacock, Laurence Peacock, Paul Evans, Francois Ravin (MoM), Jason Sweby, Stuart Bennett
Scorers: Laurence Peacock, Francois Ravin, Alex Peacock
08/11/2008 (A) vs Isca B, South Division 2
by Jason Sweby
OPM came from behind to crash five goals against a higher placed Isca side. The home team scored mid way through the first half from a short corner after a mistake by keeper Steve Payne, but OPM pressure eventually got its reward when Matt West earned a penalty stroke which was duly dispatched by centre forward Stuart Bennett. The move of the game, involving over half of the OPM team, then resulted in winger Martin Simpson-Scott smashing home to make it 2-1 at half time. Both sides had opportunities to score in the second half and good saves from OPM keeper Steve Payne kept Isca out. Eventually, Aaron West, Simpson-Scott and club captain Jason Sweby combined, with Sweby scoring to make it 3-1. Man of the match Aaron West then grabbed one for himself before Laurence Peacock scored from a well worked short corner to complete the rout. This was a superb team performance and everyone who played deserves credit for taking part in both an enjoyable game of hockey and one of OPM's finest performances in recent years. Score: Isca B 1-5 O.P.M.Team: Steve Payne, Charlie Haswell, Aaron West (MoM), Matt West, Chris Frude, Charlie Helyer, Alex Peacock, Laurence Peacock, Paul Evans, Francois Ravin, Jason Sweby, Stuart Bennett, Martin Simpson-Scott
Scorers: Stuart Bennett (pen), Martin Simpson-Scott, Jason Sweby, Aaron West, Laurence Peacock
15/11/2008 (H) vs Exeter Uni C, South Division 2
OPMs held league leaders Exeter Uni C to a goalless draw at home and so ended the Exeter side's 100% record for the season. OPMs had 2 short corner goals disallowed, one in each half.
Score: O.P.M. 0-0 Exeter Uni CTeam: Steve Payne, Charlie Haswell (MoM), Chris Frude, Charlie Helyer, Alex Peacock, Laurence Peacock, Francois Ravin, Jason Sweby, Stuart Bennett, Martin Simpson-Scott, Nick Middleton
22/11/2008 (A) vs Mid Somerset, South Division 2
by Chris Frude
OPM's managed to notch up another three points against a tough Mid Somerset opposition. The first real chance came early as the vice captain ghosted into the D un-marked. Loz P slotted a superb ball through which was followed up by a glorious air shot. The second swing wasn't much better either although a short corner was won off a foot. However it was Mid who opened the scoring soon after catching the visitors on the break. This slap in the face seemed to wake OPM's up and the visitors replied soon afterward to level the scoring with some good build up play finished off by Mozza. Stuart put OPM's 2-1 up before the break but things were still not comfortable as the half time whistle blew.
It was a very determined squad that came back out to face the home side, all agreed we had a point to make against the somewhat agricultural hockey on display. It took some disciplined hockey from all and excellent finishing from Loz, Mozza (MOM) and Stuart to see Mid off 6-2 in the end. The home side did manage to score a second from a break and could have made it more if not for some strong defending. Special note should be made of our super captains undercut sideline hit in the first half. This beauty caught one of the Mid Somerset midfielders square in the neck and failed to get him a DOD nomination somehow. That honour fell to Matt West for repeated 16 yard hit outs straight to the opposition, something that this author would never had done in the past!!! All said and done another good performance from all although definitely not the best of the season by far. Bring on the next match! Score: Mid Somerset 6-2 O.P.M.Scorers: Stuart Bennett (3), Martin Simpson-Scott (2), Laurence Peacock
06/12/2008 (H) vs East Devon A, South Division 2
OPM centre forward Stuart Bennett led the charge with a hat-trick as OPMs demolished East Devon A 11-0 at home. The hosts were 4-0 up at half thanks to goals from player/coach Laurence Peacock (2), Francois Ravin and Bennett. In the second half, goals from man of the match Martin Simpson-Scott (2), club captain Jason Sweby, Aaron West and skipper Alex Peacock continued the rout, before Bennett completed his hat-trick.
Score: O.P.M. 11-0 East Devon AScorers: Stuart Bennett (3), Martin Simpson-Scott (2), Laurence Peacock (2), Jason Sweby, Aaron West, Francois Ravin, Alex Peacock
17/01/2009 (A) vs Ashmoor, South Division 2
OPMs took a second minute lead from Martin Simpson-Scott, but then capitulated to an organised and fit Ashmoor side.
The early goal was exactly what OPMs had set out to achieve, but Ashmoor levelled only minutes later with a drag flick short corner. They scored again to make it 2-1 at half time. The game was close for a long period of the second half and although Ashmoor looked the more likely to score, both sides had equal chances. Eventually, it was Ashmoor who scored again, and OPMs caved in. Francois Ravin was yellow-carded for a high stick (even though no one was near to him), but the visitors had nothing left as Ashmoor dominated the remainder of the game and scored at will, with 3 more goals going in. Paul Evans won MoM almost unanimously for single-handedly taking on Ashmoor's attack. Score: Ashmoor 1-6 O.P.M.Scorer: Martin Simpson-Scott
Team: Steve Payne, Matt West, Charlie Helyer, Francois Ravin, Paul Evans (MoM), Chris Frude, Alex Peacock, Laurence Peacock, Lewis Gunn-Colling, Stuart Bennett, Jason Sweby, Martin Simpson-Scott
Francois Ravin24/01/2009 (H) vs Torbay A, South Division 2
This report is dedicated to the memory of Charlie Haswell. For calling me a slacker. By email. From Lanzarote.
OPMs avenged a long run of defeats to Torbay A with a convincing scoreline that wasn't always as convincing as it looked. An early short corner routine led to skipper Alex Peacock scoring the opener, and OPMs had a series of chances to put the game beyond doubt but failed to take them. Jason Sweby did score when Martin Simpson-Scott fed a ball through the defence, but the goal was ruled out for a foot along the way. It remained 1-0 at half time. Lewis Gunn-Colling was inexplicably yellow-carded for a tackle that, to everyone else on the pitch, seemed clean and well timed. The inevitable happened 10 minutes into the second half when OPMs failure to score led to Torbay grabbing an equaliser. Contrary to recent performances, OPMs did not panic and instead almost scored from the push-back when Stuart Bennett and Mozza passed their way through the defence, only for the end result not to be taken. However, a short corner was earned minutes later and the same routine as the previous goal led to Alex Peacock scoring the second. After that it was pretty much OPM's game, and Mozza scored a well taken third, before hitting the post from point blank range for what could have been the 4th. Sweby then had yet another goal disallowed for someone else's foot. Francois Ravin was yellow-carded for the second week running for dissent, but came back on and scored almost immediately, stealing in on Laurence Peacock's strike to deflect the ball up and over the keeper and in off the crossbar. Special thanks to Westie who came back from Norn Iron to put in an effortless display and earn himself Dick of the Day. Credit to Ella for nominating him! Score: O.P.M. 4-1 Torbay AScorers: Alex Peacock (2), Martin Simpson-Scott, Francois Ravin
Team: Steve Payne, Matt West, Charlie Helyer, Francois Ravin, Paul Evans, Chris Frude, Alex Peacock (MoM), Laurence Peacock, Lewis Gunn-Colling, Stuart Bennett, Jason Sweby, Martin Simpson-Scott, Aaron West
Martin Simpson-Scott
Lewis Gunn-Colling, Francois RavinUmpires: Clare Martin, John Ripley
31/01/2009 (A) vs Bude, South Division 2
Score: Bude 1-4 O.P.M.
Scorers: Lewis Gunn-Colling, Chris Frude, Alex Peacock, Laurence Peacock
Team: Steve Payne (MoM), Matt West, Charlie Helyer, Paul Evans, Chris Frude, Alex Peacock, Laurence Peacock, Lewis Gunn-Colling, Stuart Bennett, Jason Sweby, Martin Simpson-Scott, Aaron West
Laurence Peacock07/02/2009 (H) vs Dart, South Division 2
OPMs led then came from behind to win a dramatic and close match against Dart. OPMs opened the scoring early in the first half when Francois Ravin bundled in a goal, but a spell of poor passing and marking gifted Dart the equaliser.
The second half was as tight as the first but OPMs lost control of the game when Dart scored their second to take the lead. Frustrated by the manner in which the goal came about, OPM's discipline disappeared, Aaron West lucky to only get a green card and other players lucky not to also be sanctioned. However, the team spirit came through and Stuart Bennett grabbed an equaliser to settle the game and OPMs. The match could still have gone either way but after the best work of the match down both flanks, the ball eventually fell to Stuart Bennett in front of goal who selflessly played the ball to an unmarked Jason Sweby who grabbed the winner. The matches between OPMs and Dart this season both proved to be very close affairs, and a draw was probably a reasonable outcome in both matches. However, Dart won the first encounter and OPMs won the second. Score: O.P.M. 3-2 DartScorers: Francois Ravin, Stuart Bennett, Jason Sweby
Team: Steve Payne, Matt West, Charlie Helyer, Chris Frude, Francois Ravin, Alex Peacock, Laurence Peacock, Lewis Gunn-Colling (MoM), Stuart Bennett, Jason Sweby, Martin Simpson-Scott, Aaron West
Aaron WestUmpires: Ian Stone, Tracey Pearce
14/02/2009 (A) vs Plymouth Marjon C, South Division 2
OPMs recorded a fourth straight win with a 3-0 away win at Plymouth Marjon C. OPMs started the brighter and were 2-0 up within 20 minutes. Alex Peacock slammed home from a short corner, before Jason Sweby picked up a rebound after Marjons 'keeper Alan Thomson had initially saved Stuart Bennett's strike. Marjons came back into the game at this point and had several good opportunities to score. Both keepers were in good form to keep it 2-0 at half time.
The second half was more even, and Marjons did most of the pressing forward. They hit the post from a short corner, before Bennett grabbed a third to seal the win. The game was much more even than 3-0 suggests, although Matt West and Aaron West (MoM) did a terrific job at the back. There was a welcome return to Matt Allen, and an excellent first team debut from Rob Blake who ran everything down and showed good strength to win possession. Score: Plymouth Marjon C 0-3 O.P.M.Scorers: Alex Peacock, Jason Sweby, Stuart Bennett
Team: Steve Payne, Matt West, Alex Peacock, Laurence Peacock, Lewis Gunn-Colling, Stuart Bennett, Jason Sweby, Aaron West (MoM), Matt Allen, Rob Blake, Paul Evans
Umpires: Paddy Porter, Roger Triscott
21/02/2009 (H) vs Isca B, South Division 2
OPMs completed the double over Isca B with a solid 4-2 win at home. Jason Sweby turned provider for Francois Ravin and Laurence Peacock to take an early 2 goal lead, before Alex Peacock scored from the penalty spot for 3-0. Isca scored a penalty corner on the stroke of half-time, and then scored straight from the second half restart to make it 3-2. But South African Matt Allen grabbed his first ever goal for OPMs to make it 4-2 to keep OPMs 7 points clear in 4th place.
Score: O.P.M. 4-2 Isca BScorers: Francois Ravin, Laurence Peacock, Alex Peacock (pen), Matt Allen
Team: Steve Payne, Matt West, Charlie Helyer, Alex Peacock, Laurence Peacock (MoM), Lewis Gunn-Colling, Jason Sweby, Aaron West, Matt Allen, Rob Blake, Francois Ravin
Umpires: Arthur Norflok, Roger Reffell
28/02/2009 (A) vs Exeter Uni C, South Division 2
4th placed OPMs came back from 2-0 down to draw with 2nd placed Exeter Uni C in South Division 2. A goal in each half gave Exeter Uni the lead but when Laurence Peacock grabbed his 11th goal of the season, OPMs regained their confidence. Jason Sweby smashed home the equaliser to give OPMs a deserved point.
Exeter had plenty of chances to put the game out of reach but they hit the post and keeper Steve Payne, MoM, was in top form to deny them time and time again. Score: Exeter Uni C 2-2 O.P.M.Scorers: Laurence Peacock, Jason Sweby
Charlie HelyerTeam: Steve Payne (MoM), Matt West, Charlie Helyer, Alex Peacock, Laurence Peacock, Chris Frude, Lewis Gunn-Colling, Jason Sweby, Aaron West, Rob Blake, Francois Ravin
07/03/2009 (H) vs Mid Somserset, South Division 2
OPMs continued an excellent run of form to secure at least 4th position in South Div 2 with a 3-2 home win over Mid Somerset. OPMs dominated the start and Stuart Bennett gave the home side the lead from the penalty spot after 10 minutes. Mid Somerset then responded and deservedly scored an equaliser before half time.
Bennett scored again to restore the OPM lead before Man of the Match Laurence Peacock added a well taken third. The visitors scored a last minute penalty corner. Score: O.P.M. 3-2 Mid SomersetScorers: Stuart Bennett (2, 1 pen), Laurence Peacock
Laurence PeacockTeam: Steve Payne, Matt West, Charlie Helyer, Alex Peacock, Laurence Peacock (MoM), Chris Frude, Lewis Gunn-Colling, Jason Sweby, Paul Evans, Francois Ravin, Matt Allen, Stuart Bennett
Umpires: Matt Reynolds, Mark Gott
14/03/2009 (H) vs Plymouth University A, South Division 2
Score: O.P.M. 5-1 Plymouth Uni A
Scorers: Stuart Bennett (2), Alex Peacock, Simon Quincey, Jason Sweby
Lewis Gunn-CollingTeam: Steve Payne, Matt West (jMoM), Charlie Helyer, Alex Peacock, Laurence Peacock, Chris Frude, Lewis Gunn-Colling, Jason Sweby (jMoM), Paul Evans, Stuart Bennett, Simon Quincey
Umpires: John Wollington, Roger Triscott