RECENT FIXTURE REPORTS:

FOOTBALL

Written by Benjamin Hess

Law 2 v 3 B Blockers

An unglamorous game resulted in another frustrating loss for the law team. The opponents long ball tactics proving to be sufficiently effective to clinch a victory. The Law team started strongly and completed a tidy move with a goal to open proceedings. But the long ball tactics of the opposition took the Law defence apart and some quick counter attacking goals were Law’s downfall. At 3 v 2 in the last few minutes the Law team pressed for an equalising goal, and came close when Ben Hess drifted through the opposing defence, even after an attempted scything down by the opposing midfielder.
The Law team reigned shots in from all angles, but the goalkeeper was solid. The B Blockers' long ball counter attacking tactics won the day. Their three shots were three goals, in a highly frustrating game for the Law team.

HOCKEY

Written by Sam Clarke

Law v Elgar walkover to Law (3-0 win)

Elgar were no shows again, giving Law a big W, 3 more points and 3 more goals. We had a bit of a friendly knock around with some keano Hunter Court/Tennis Courts players who were early to their game. In between being battered by gales we had a run around, I was absolutely shocking, obviously having mentally geared myself up for a spot of goal keeping. Captain Atkinson went on a three minute solo run, from left to right, towards the goal, away from goal, back to the left, round the centre spot and then playing a great ball to Alice. Who was on the other team. Alice had a great game too, leaving me on the floor at one point and managing to go the whole day without falling over (unlike Friday...). Michelle sped around the right side of the pitch leaving many in her wake and Ed, Will and Jon took it in turns to bust out some silky skills. Andy (making a name for himself as a holding midfielder), Fern, Simish and Helen completed the Law hardcore.

Law v Tennis Courts 1-1 Scorers: Nick Bamber

With continuing injury problems and veteran Clarke having to rest a week on the beaches of the south coast (of the Thames) to try to prolong his career, Captain Alice reshuffled her defensive pack. Dani and Kev filled in wide defence and right winger Alice J dropped in to centre back. It was a hard fought battle from the off - the league's top scorers (us) were playing the meanest defence (them). Samm 'The Cat' Lewis was instrumental in goal, quashing a series of TC attacks whilst Jon Round sat 'in the hole' protecting the defensive trio for all he was worth. Some of the flowing hockey from the previous weeks was missing, but in its place was a steely reserve to grind out a result. Bambi I believe grabbed our goal, no doubt a well taken venture, although to tell you the truth I wasn't actually there, we'll just call it poetic license. Captain Spoon has been added to the physio's table (that's why Ginette is playing for us...) in an injury list that would startle even a Newcastle United doctor. Dani, Alice and Kev made a sturdy defensive triumvirate, whilst Andy Li was a constant attacking threat with his pacey, tricky runs, but MOM this week goes to Samm for her best impression of a wall in the face of what can only be describe as a barrage of shots. A great defensive display, and we are still top of the league so roll on next week against Elgar Courrt!


Law v Engineering Eagles won 2-0 Scorers: Rich Barrett, Sam Clarke

Captain Johnston faced her first serious selection issue this weekend, with the Law team suffering from various ailments en masse, with even Doug Houghton having to call off his latest comeback due to illness. After some late scrambling Law managed to get 12 players pitchside and ready for push back. Alice Johnston - right wing extraordinaire - this week started more centrally, but found herself drifting right again later in the day. We started strongly; Baz, Fern, Sophie and Andy were moving the ball around beautifully, crafting some half chances but nothing concrete early doors. Slowly 'The Eagles' started to get back into the game, led by their rapid forwards and centre back. The defence held strong, Dani and Ginette (both on debut!) gave no space and managed to hold firm despite some wayward passing and dribbling by yours truly. We turned round at 0-0, with resolve to return to our flowing, passing, intuitive game. After a bit of a wobble down the middle of the park by Sam, Baz put in his effort for goal of the season with an audacious lob - the trajectory similar to Everest and indeed came down with a bit of snow on it. The defender had a good three minutes to line up the ball but missed his Adam Gilchrist-esque pull shot and the ball dropped over the line. Beautiful. As they pushed forward, more space was made available - Andy Powell dragged his marker all over the place and was unlucky not to find himself with a chance in front of goal. Their keeper noted our lack of subs and started taking players out who dared enter his D - Kev, Andy and myself all with the grazes to prove it. At the other end, Samm bellowed out instructions to keep the defence solid, with Michelle, Ginette and Sophie in particular denying time and space to the opposition. Towards the end Law grabbed their second, Sam Clarke adding to last weeks haul with a cheeky counter-attack and this time managing to avoid the on-rushing GK. MOM goes to Sophie for another great display down the left. Special mention to a hamstrung Will Barrington who turned up to cheer us on but ended up umpiring the second half. A great win against a strong side and fantastic post-hockey, exceptionally inclusive and not at all akward converstion afterwards.


Law v KINVIG won 5-2 Scorers: Sam Clarke 3, Jon Cree, Kev Burns

With a handful of debutants, a collection of older and aching limbs and two new captains, the new IMS season started with a bang for Law. The glossy blue shirts made a strong start, putting together a strong move down the right which resulted in an easy conversion for senior pro Sam Clarke. His, and the team's, second was a different matter altogether. Making a darting lead for the ball, he provided instant control to a bobbling pass, shifted his feet gloriously before slamming the ball in the corner. Different gravy. Law dominated the rest of the half, leaving the notoriously fiesty KINVIG with no hope, desire or drive to get anything from the contest. Jons Round and Cree were letting nothing through at the back with captain Spoon and Michelle having it all their way down the flanks. Second half saw Dr Hockey complete his hattrick wih a stupendous Pele-esque dummy round the keeper that even the great Jonty Clarke would have been proud of. Back Door Cree scored a textbook tap-in and ex-Captain Lame unexpectedly opened his account. At the 3rd time of asking. New recruits Fern and Henry looked the part with both coming close to opening day goals. Alice reined in her far right opinions to put in a top performance in the middle of the park and Will squeezed himself into only a mildly tight fitting shirt to launch most of Law's attacks. Samm was only called into action late in the game when we let them have a few consolation strikes but there was never any danger of a serious comeback. I'd like to mention how well Bambi played, but following his insistence on quaffing cocktails the night before, I feel there is a lot more to come from the young starlet. Jon Round gets MOM for tackling his bum off having already run a breezy 13.1 miles earlier in the day. And in case anyone thought I'd forgotten Thumpers miss, well, lets hope Henry can nurse him back to full mental strength as well as he managed to get him back to full physical capability. Tap-in doesn't even begin to describe it. Chin up Harry - there's always next week!


Earners v Learners
In a preseason warm up (just two hours before the season proper kicked off) a rag-tag collection of former Law Legends alongside some sharply attired ringers took on the new 09/10 Law Hockey team. Despite having superior numbers, the experience and cultivated talent of the senior side was just enough to edge out the raw, talented youngsters. Highlights were very much present in Jon Cree's hairdo, but despite this disadvantage he was on hand to smash home the opener. The rest of the game was a tightly contested affair, but Law Jr.'s just ran out of time in their search for an equaliser.

Champions 2 years in a row. Local, National and International media acclaims Law greats. Only trophy left to win is Summer Sports Festival. Captains Atkinson and Johnston restate desire to complete the law clean sweep.