Surbiton Sloths 4 - 0 Teddington Tornadoes (A)

League Match: Sunday 28th January

For some reason, which is unbeknownst to me and therefore unjustified, I find myself writing yet another match report……I think the team just like my match reports!

After a really enjoyable Sloth social on Saturday night the team rolled up in various states and at various times. All except one player, who shall remain anonymous, who put yes on her availability, was subsequently selected and on the published team sheet but who happened to be away skiing on the day of the match!

Onto the match… the Sloths played really well to beat the Tornadoes 4 – 0 with three of the goals scored before half time. The defence were particularly superb keeping a clean sheet and remaining composed (not that I am biased). Annie made some fantastic reactive saves both low down and high up. Jane made a save on the goal line and was instrumental in the attacks up the right hand side. Emma Dempsey put in excellent tackles and interceptions as well as sending some great balls up the left sideline. Fee was her usual self, stopping counter attacks and beating players before distributing the ball left and right.

I suppose I ought to mention some other notable performances. Pia had a fantastic game in midfield – the opposition asked me quietly if she was really O35 given her speed chasing those “weighted” balls form Charlotte. Despite a great game, Pia was also a very strong contender for DOD, having running the length of the pitch only to fall over and asking Sophie Beaney why she wasn’t playing for the Sloths (note to reader: Sophie is about 24 years old). Courtney and Sunny held the middle whilst also keeping one of the best Tornado players quiet. Ruth generally annoyed the defenders and possibly set up some goals… I can’t remember. Jo was excellent in the midfield with her work rate and the number of turnovers she won.

Now onto the goals… despite her best effort not to play Charlotte scored the first two goals which will help in her quest for the Golden Stick. She played a beautiful forward defensive into the goal for the first one – a shot I wish she would employ when playing cricket and she smashed the second one as she usually does. The third goal came with the help of the fumes of espresso martinis… Laura, who is usually in defence had to play up front (where there is less running) due to her hangover. The ball came flying across the goal face and she dived full length and deflected it in at the far post – OUTSTANDING.

The second half was a little quieter on the goal scoring front but Val’s contribution came with ten minutes to go. I think it came from a drive up the right by me, I fired the ball into Ruth (possibly) who then laid it off to Val… something like that anyway!

In summary, a fun night out followed by some excellent hockey with a team who trust each other and enjoy playing together.

Player of the Match went to Sunny with special mentions going to Laura, Annie and Jo.