Match Reports 2005/06

8 October 2005 - Spencer away, Prem

A balmy afternoon on a tremendously prepared pitch saw Purley take on Spencer in their first game of the season. Purley welcomed new boys Rich Kennedy and Nigel Tasko, who joined his brother Jamie, though as luck would have it they won't be playing together as Jamie will be out until Christmas following knee surgery. And speaking of knee surgery, Dave Arnot also returns after 2 years out with a knee injury.

It became apparent early on that Spencer's stick skills and overall game play had improved since last season, and it would be more of a challenge - as was shown by their close 13-7 loss to Hillcroft last week. Purley's lack of game action saw them go one-nil down early on, and they struggled to level the scores 1-1 at quarter time.

The second quarter was also close, with Purley giving the ball away too easily, and failing to use the ball well when they did get it. However they did pull it together enough to pull out to a 6-2 lead, before loose marking and lack of discipline in defence saw Spencer pull 2 goals back at the end of the quarter to bring the score to 6-4.

The third quarter saw no improvement for Purley, as Spencer completely dominated possession. But the Purley defence held firm, aided by some excellent midfield defence from Graeme Holland, and Paul Terry being a wall in the cage. At the other end Tim Richmond managed to get the only goal of the quarter, leaving the game still in the balance for the final quarter.

It was the final quarter when the rust finally wore off. No more silly mistakes, slick ball movement, and intelligent offensive team play lead to seven goals in the quarter, to give a final score of 14-4.

Scorers: Tim Richmond 4, Dave Arnot 4, Nigel Tasko 2, Chris Spence 2, Mike Barrett 1, Dave Cluney 1

See also pictures.

15 October 2005 - Hillcroft at home, Prem

Purley took on Hillcroft in their first home game since their return to Sandilands. The pitch was in pristine condition, the sun was shining - what better to do than play lacrosse?

Hillcroft started brightest, taking the lead early, but two solo goals by Nigel Tasko say Purley edge in front - and it continued nip and tuck all the way. Purley failed to take advantage of their superior possession, and Hillcroft were more decisive, especially their left handed attack man. Purley did manage to pull into a 2 goal lead mid way through the second quarter, through a goal by keeper Paul Terry - loverly. Paul crossed the half way line on the clear, and since the field was open in front of him drove towards the goal. Steve Flint in the Hillcroft net knew the shot was coming, but a vicious shot low between the legs left him looking rather less than pleased. This rallied the Purley side, and they dominated possession for the next few minutes. It looked like they would pull away to a decisive lead, but stern defence by Hillcroft kept Purley out, and Hillcroft managed to pull the score back on a fast abreak to bring the score to 6-5 at half time.

The third quarter was much of the same, with the lead changing hands several times, ending with the scores tied 9-9 to set up a tense finish. In tight battles like this it is often the first goal in the final quarter which is crucial - and it was Hillcroft who scored it, and more. Purley simply squandered too much of their possession, and Hillcroft pressed their advantage to go 3 goals up. If Hillcroft thought it would be any easy ride to the final whistle, they were much mistaken, as Purley pressed and pulled one back, then two - but unfortunately for the Purple and Gold time had run out, and Hillcroft ran out winners 13-12.

Scorers: Dave Arnot 4, Nigel Tasko 3, Tim Richmond 2, Paul Terry 1, Matt Payne 1, Mike Barrett 1

See also pictures.

29 October 2005 - Hitchin at home, Prem

Purley's return to Sandilands has not got off to the best of starts, and things went from bad to worse when they faced Hitchin at the weekend.

Purley won the first face off and dominated possession at the beginning of the first quarter. However, Hitchin's defence was well organised, and though Purley created several shooting chances, none of them were clear cut. Hitchin eventually broke the deadlock with a well taken opportunity on their first shot of the game, and they continued to be clinical during the first quarter with 3 goals from 3 shots.

Purley were extremely ill disciplined during the first half taking about 8 penalties for silly fouls. Unfortunately for Purley, Hitchin's man up unit were working well and they converted from at least 4 of these opportunities, and Hitchin went into the break 7-3 up.

In the second half Purley started to cut out the silly mistakes, and began to claw their way back into the game. Well taken goals from Mike Barrett, Matt Payne and Tim Richmond seemed to settle the team. The defence started to communicate with each other and there was much more movement off the ball in attack. However Hitchin were keen to play the clock, and whenever they had possession they tried to eat up as much time as possible by holding the ball in a corner behind the Purley goal. A lack of urgency by Purley to get the ball back in the third quarter probably cost them the game, as their comeback eventually ran out of time with the game finishing 8-10.

Hitchin played good controlled Lacrosse and were the better team. It's just a shame that Purley didn't start with the urgency that they finished the game with as this would have been a thrilling encounter.

Goals: Dave Arnot 2, Mike Barrett 2, Matt Payne 2, Tim Richmond 1, Nigel Tasko 1

See also pictures.

5 November 2005 - Hampstead away, Prem

With bright new kit for the Centenary year, it was Purley's first game on Hampstead's swanky artificial pitch - it has "playing characteristics almost identical to grass" apparently, and is a fine surface to play lacrosse on.

Lack of discipline cost Purley in the first quarter with Hamsptead scoring 3 goals on man-up plays, but more worrying was the silly mistakes which cost Purley much of their possession. It was 1-4 at quarter time, and if Purley could cut out the mistakes there was still plenty of time to come back, but that wasn't what happened. Lack of movement off the ball, bad decisions when on the ball, and lack of communication in defence meant Hampstead completely dominated possession in the 2nd quarter, and put the game out of reach by half time with a 9-2 lead.

With the Hampstead face-off working to perfection, they continued to control the ball in the second half, and it wasn't until the final quarter that Purley started to compete. The attack was more incissive, noteably Jesse O'Hanley who notched up 2 goals in the quarter, but even so Hampstead were better, winning the quarter 4-3, and giving them a comfortable 16-6 victory.

So it's official - 3 losses in a row make it a losing streak, the first one for Purley in what must be 10 years, and one that probably ended their chances of league success this season. Purley will have to improve if they don't want to end up in mid table this season.

Goals: Jesse O'Hanley 2, Nigel Tasko 2, Mike Barrett 1, Dan Heighway 1

See also pictures.

12 November 2005 - Bath away, Prem

It was a typically picturesque setting at the Recreation ground. The Purley Boys donned their new uniform with black armbands in respect of the late Stan Smith. After observing a moments silence the game got under way. Improved communication and movement were the team objectives, and a positive team effort was evident from the start.

Though Purley controlled most of the possession, initially their movement off the ball wasn't good, and they failed to create many clear cut scoring opportunities. Purley were always ahead but Bath battled well to leave the score 2-2 at quarter time. Progressively through the game Purley sharpened their play and showed increasing control, patience and confidence to score regular team goals. The defence remained strong despite only having 2 regular long sticks with all players helping each other through loud communication, and by half time the Purple and Gold had managed to pull out to a 7-3 lead.

In the 3rd quarter after another fine goal by Nigel Tasko, Bath desperately called for a stick check. After the Refs agreed that there were no problems with the stick the game resumed. Not that Purley minded - with only 11 men they were glad of the rest, and Purley lead 11-4 at the end of the quarter. In the last quarter Purley drew further ahead with continuing fighting spirit and pride finishing 15-4 winners.

We reduced our unforced errors and sloppy play to a minimum and shared the scoring amongst the short sticks, clearly enjoying ourselves. It was a good all round team effort, but special mention must go to Dave Cluney who had a fine game capped with 2 goals, and Dave Arnot who gave a lesson in crease play, and ended with a season high 6 goals. It was a performance that we hope Stan would have been proud of.

Scorers: Dave Arnot 6, Tim Richmond 3, Nigel Tasko 3, Dave Cluney 2, Mike Barrett 1

19 November 2005 - Reading Wildcats at home, Prem

It was another beautiful day at Sandilands with the pitch in pristine condition, and Purley needed to continue last week's resurgence. To start possession was shared, but whereas Reading lacked penetration in attack, Purley were more incisive, and it was only a matter of time before Purley began to take control. Good team goals, including one by keeper Paul Terry, gave Purley a comfortable 4-1 lead at quarter time.

The second quarter was even better for the home team. With Mike Barrett winning the majority of the face-offs, and the Purley clear working well and causing more than one offside, Purley had plenty of possession. Slick ball movement and good work off the ball lead to a series of attractive goals, and Purley completely dominated to give a half time score of 10-1.

At that stage Reading must have been concerned they were in for a drubbing, but they used the half time break well to reorganise themselves. Better riding, varying attacking formations, and more control on the ball all helped in the second half. In contrast Purley already considered the job done, and their intensity dropped considerably. Even so, Purley won the third quarter 2-1, but Reading's dogged determination reaped it's rewards as they won the last 3-0 to bring the final score to 12-5.

Purley will be more than happy with their first half performance, but against the likes of Hampstead they will need to compete for the whole 80 minutes.

Goals (assists): Dave Arnot 3 (1), Tim Richmond 3 (2), Nigel Tasko 2, Paul Terry 1, Graeme Holland 1 (1), Mike Barrett 1, Dave Cluney 1

See also pictures.

26 November 2005 - Bath at home, Snr Flags R2

It was a cold day at Sandilands as Purley's opponents of two weeks ago Bath came to town. Both sides turned out stronger teams for this flags match than for the previous league encounter. Purley got off to a good start scoring the first goal of the game through an individual effort by Nigel Tasko. Bath replied not long after with a good fast break, and this was to set the scene for the rest of the quarter - Nigel Tasko individual effort followed by a Bath break, and at the end of the quarter only a Dave Arnot goal seperated the sides as Purley lead 4-3.

The second quarter saw Purley take charge of the game which they had threatened to do in first quarter, but had been pegged back by a hard working and much improved Bath team. Purley worked hard cut out the team mistakes, and the defence played tighter as a unit and only allowed the Bath side one goal. With another "Nigel" effort and good team goals by Mike Barrett and Jamie Tasko (making his first appearance having knee surgery in the summer) the quarter ended with a Purley lead of 7 - 4.

The third quarter was the return to attack for Matt Payne after playing the first half as a long pole. His new found role as a long pole has been very refreshing for the defence and midfield. Tim Richmond also got released from refereeing duties and made an immediate impact creating a better shape and adding a sense of control to the Purley attack, and his two goals in the quarter helped Purley extend their lead to 11 - 7.

Tiredness from both sides caused the fourth quarter to be very open with lots of fast break chances at both ends. Bath began to rally at the start of the quarter, and with two quick goals they got themselves to within two, but Purley came back with some excellent fast break goals and solid settled play. Two goals in the final seconds made the score perhaps a bit more flattering than Purley deserved, with a final tally of 17 - 9.

A mention also goes out to Purley's new Australian recruit from Camberwell, Luke Smith who had good game considering he was wearing borrowed equipment.

Purley's opponents in the semi-finals will be Hitchin, who overturned Hillcroft 12-10 in extra time - sounds like that match was a cracker.

Goals: Nigel Tasko 5, Jamie Tasko 4, Dave Arnot 3, Tim Richmond 3, Mike Barrett 1, Matt Payne 1

3 December 2005 - Walcountian Blues away, Prem

Purley returned to their previous home for this week's clash with the Blues. Having warmed up in bright sunshine the Lacrosse gods must have know what was in store as the heavens opened as the whistle sounded.

The standard of Purley's lacrosse in the first quarter would have brought a tear to the eye of the Creator of our wonderful game, however as the clock ticked Purley's attacking movement might have briefly put a smile back on his face. The Blues on the other hand started well, and though their attack lacked penetration their patient, controlled lacrosse gave them the vast majority of possession which enabled them to work their openings and take an early 2-0 lead.

After that Purley battled back, and though poor finishing wasted many good scoring opportunities they had pulled out to a comfortable 5 goal lead in the fourth quarter. A couple of late goals by the Blues meant the game finished 8-5, a scoreline that suggests the game was closer than it was. However this was such a scrappy encounter that the highlight of the day was walking off the hill that we'd been playing on!

Matt Payne playing in his more traditional role in midfield had a good game, and Dave Cluney is now playing with the composure that allows him to impact on games. Comedy moment of the day goes to Jamie Tasko who missed a Luke Smith feed only for it to hit him in the head and end up in the back of the net! Surely Stato wouldn't allow him to claim that one.

Scorers: Matt Payne 3, Dave Arnot 2, Jamie Tasko 1, Jesse O'Hanley 1, Nigel Tasko 1

10 December 2005 - Penarth at home, Prem

After last weeks dour performance it was time for Purley to show a little more class, and that is exactly what they did against a visiting Penarth.

The first quarter started like it was a personal competition between the Tasko brothers, with Nigel and Jamie matching goals to rapidly take the Purple and Gold to a 2-0 lead. Dave Arnot used his twinkle toes to ghost past four Penarth players untouched before finding the back of the net, and with a quarter time score of 7-0 the game was effectively over as a contest.

After a foul at the end of the first quarter Penarth started the second with possession and quickly got their name on the score sheet on the man-up, but after that it was more of the same for Purley. Good team work and movement in attack along with slick ball movement led to some attractive goals, the majority being assisted, and they stretched the lead to 12-1 at the half and 16-2 at three quarters.

In the final quarter lack of concentration in the Purley defence gifted Penarth a couple of goals, but Penarth battled well tieing the quarter at one point 3-3, before Purley accelerated again to take the quater 7-4, and the game 23-6. Over all a good day at the office for Purley.

Goals: Jamie Tasko 8, Dave Arnot 7, Matt Payne 3, Nigel Tasko 2, Jesse O'Hanley 1, Dave Cluney 1, Graeme Holland 1

See also pictures.

17 December 2005 - Hitchin away, Prem

Purley arrived at a freezing Hitchin with 16 players, and 17 by half time, but even with this size squad Purley only managed to bring 2 regular long sticks. Chris Spence stepped into the breach and had a fine game in defence, and likewise Jesse O'Hanley as long stick middie. Because of the standard of the opposition Purley decided to sit two of their players out. It's a long way to go not to play (sorry guys), but at least they had the consolation of watching a thrilling match, as Purley ended the year with a clinical 11-8 victory to end Hitchin's 100% record.

The first quarter was almost almost a reverse of the two sides previous encounter. This time it was Purley with the patient offence causing Hitchin to foul, and the Purley man-up converted their first two opportunites to give Purley the early lead. Fine face-off work by Luke Smith, Nigel Tasko and Mike Barrett meant Purley had plenty of possession, and they dominated the quarter ending 4-0 up.

Hitchin managed to reduce the deficit to 5-2 at the half, and continued their good work into the third when they quickly drew to within one goal. That was the cue for Tim Richmond to step up, and two quick goals from solo efforts restored the deficit, which took the fire out of Hitchin's comeback and the quarter ended 7-4.

Initially in the final quarter Purley controlled the ball as they tried to run out the clock. With Hitchin chasing the ball Purley were able to exploit gaps in the defence. It was at this point that the quarter turned into rather a goal-fest. Graeme Holland started it with a goal from Purley, and Hitchin replied almost immediately from the ensuing face-off, but any thoughts of a comeback were rapidly quenched as it was Purley's time to score direct from the face. Two more goals from Purley gave them a six goal lead until three quick fire goals at the death saw Hitchin make the score a more respectable 11-8.

Dan Heighway must have the record for shot speed of the day - the rocket he hit the crossbar with must have flewn at least a mile up in the air (see picture). After 3 years out with a knee injury it's taken a while for Dave Arnot to get completely back to 100%, but fine performances in the last two games have shown he's back to his best. His renewed partnership with Jamie Tasko, in his fourth game back also after knee surgery, has meant the Purley attack has more potenency. If Purley can manage to turn out this callibre squad every week they should be able to cause anyone in the Premiership trouble.

Goals: Dave Arnot 3, Jamie Tasko 2, Tim Richmond 2, Dan Heighway 2, Graeme Holland 2

See also pictures.

14 January 2006 - Spencer at home, Prem

This was the first match back after the Christmas break, and it took both teams a while to readjust. To start Purley had the majority of possession, but initially they failed to make any clear cut opportunities, and they only broke the deadlock on their first man-up with a well taken goal by Jamie Tasko. Unforced errors by Spencer, especially on the clear, allowed Purley to keep the pressure on the Spencer goal, and they stretched the lead to 3-0 at quarter time.

An early goal in the second quarter by Nigel Tasko gave Purley a 4-0 lead. Spencer fought back with two quick goals to bring it to 4-2, and it could have been closer except for a couple of fine saves by keeper Paul Terry. But Spencer couldn't keep the pressure on, and were still squandering too much possession. This allowed Purley to come back to take the score to 6-2 at the half.

The score was still close, but Purley were finally hitting their stride, and three goals from Dave Arnot in the third quarter helped them put the game out of reach. Ill discipline from Spencer also gave Purley several man-up opportunities, and helped give them a three quarter lead of 11-3. The final quarter went much the same way to give a final score of 15-3.

Goals: Jamie Tasko 5, Nigel Tasko 4, Dave Arnot 3, Graeme Holland 1, Matt Payne 1, Mike Barrett 1

21 January 2006 - Hillcroft away, Prem

With Purley keeper Paul Terry working in the US of A this week it was going to be a tough game for the Purple and Gold. Dave Slaughter stepped into the breach from his usual defensive role, and early on Hillcroft looked to exploit the inexperienced keeper with plenty of outside shots, but he was up to the task and this only served to give Purley more easy possession. The Purley attack started well, controlling the ball and creating opportunities, and 2 goals by Jamie Tasko gave them the early lead, before Hillcroft pulled one back. Purley continued their good work in the quarter, especially Dave Cluney who is looking better and better every week, and had a 4-2 lead at the break.

In the second quarter Purley lacked the control they had in the first quarter, which allowed Hillcroft to have a much larger share of possession. Good face-off work by Hillcroft's Rob Clarke gave them several scoring opportunities, and goals from the face-off and fast breaks allowed them to tie the game at half time 5-5. This trend continued into the third quarter, with the Purley trying to force the ball too much in attack, and giving Hillcroft too much possession which they used to take an 8-6 lead.

In the final quarter some ill discipline by Hillcroft gave Purley a man-up advantage for 3 minutes, and Purley exploited this to the full to bring the scores back level at 8-8. Hillcroft then managed to regain their two goal lead, but with two minutes to go Purley got back to within one with a well taken Dave Arnot solo goal. However Purley couldn't complete the comeback, and Hillcroft sealed their well earned victory with a goal with 7 seconds left. Final score 9-11.

One other point of note: Graeme Holland missed the game because his wife Nicki had just given birth to a baby boy. Congratulations to them from all at the club.

Goals: Jamie Tasko 3, Mike Barrett 2, Dave Arnot 1, Jesse O'Hanley 1, Nigel Tasko 1, Chris Spence 1

28 January 2006 - Oxford at home, Friendly

Oxford have been rampaging through the West Division, with a 27-1 win last week and overall an 8-0 record. To give themselves more of a challenge they were looking to arrange a friendly with Premiership opposition, and spotting they had the same week off as Purley they got in touch, and a game was quickly arranged.

The first quarter started at a frenetic pace with end to end action, but initially it was Purley who worked the better opportunities to take a quick 2 goal lead. But Oxford are a well drilled team, and fit of course like most students, and came back to first 2-all, and held the lead at the quarter 4-3.

During the first half Purley were guilty of not giving Oxford enough respect - going for the stick rather than playing body in defence, and not paying enough attention on the crease man, and it was by driving one on one and feeding the crease and that Oxford kept the lead 6-5 at half time. One of the few bright spots for Purley was a strong showing from Jesse O'Hanley with 3 goals in the half.

It was in the third quarter that Purley broke the game with a 7-0 blowout. The defence stepped up, the attack controlled the ball, and clinical finishing saw the Purple and Gold pull into a comfortable 12-6 lead. The only down-side was that Nigel Tasko was sidelined with a neck injury. Initially it looked serious, indeed Purley were on the phone for the ambulance when Nigel decided to stuggle to his feet.

In the final quarter possession was all Oxford's. Purley didn't help themselves by failing to clear on many occaisons, and the midfield and attack were in run 'n gun mode which gave possession back to Oxford far too quickly. But by now the Purley defence had the measure of the Oxford attack. Strong body on the outside men, and close marking on the crease saw Oxford's opportunities dry up, and on the rare occaisons they did get through 'keeper Paul Terry made a couple of fine saves. The Purley attack were still as clinical as the previous quarter, with 2 goals from their limited offense - including one from Nigel Tasko, who showed that these Canucks are a tough lot as he reappeared to find the top corner with an around the back shot. Final score 14-6.

It's a sure fire certainty that Oxford will win the West Division, and having seen the team it looks to be a good bet that they will win the play-offs with the East to get into the Premier Division. Good luck to them, hopefully we'll see them there next year.

Goals: Jesse O'Hanley 3, Jamie Tasko 3, Dave Arnot 2, Nigel Tasko 2, Matt Payne 2, Graeme Holland 1, Chris Spence 1

4 February 2006 - Hitchin at home, Flags SF

Hitchin are riding high at the top of the Premier League with their only defeat being at the hands of Purley, and their other meeting this season going to Hitchin, so this Flags semi-final was set up to be a thrilling encounter. It looked like the rest of the lacrosse community thought so too, as not only did both sides bring plenty of supporters, there were also quite a few neutrals on the sidelines.

Both sides started brightly, with some fast and skilful lacrosse, and both teams had hit the pipes before Purley took the early lead. Hitchin came back with a 3 goal run to take it to 1-3, but the home side pulled their way back into the game to bring the quarter time score to 3-3. The second quarter for Purley was the Nigel Tasko show - with two solo goals, and one on man-up where slick passing gave him an open shot. Purley led by the odd goal through most of the quarter, but Hitchin were always in touch, and levelled the game just before the half at 6-6.

Missed shots from both teams, and good work between the posts from both 'keepers kept the score low in the third quarter. Hitchin had the majority of possession, helped by Purley who gave the ball away far too frequently with silly mistakes, but it was Purley who got the only goal of the quarter to take a narrow 7-6 lead. To start the final quarter Purley were again guilty of not looking after the ball, which allowed Hitchin about 5 minutes of solid offense, but the Purley defence held firm aided by some fine stops by Paul Terry, and on almost the first occaision they did manage to get the ball up the field the Purley fast break was on song to allow Dave Arnot to give Purley a two goal lead. Hitchin then pulled back to within one goal, but a well worked goal saw Dave Arnot feed Nigel Tasko to restore the two goal advantage.

This lead looked like it might be enough for the home side, but Hitchin made it an interesting finale as they again pulled back to 9-8 with just over two minutes left on the clock. Purley also decided to make it more interesting for themselves, as with under a minute to go rather than keep the ball they tried a shot, which not only resulted in Hitchin possession but Purley also committed a technical foul to put them man down. But the Purley defence held firm, and Matt Payne intercepted the ball in the middle of the zone, and hurled the ball into attack – and Purley held onto the ball as the seconds ran out. Final score 9-8.

Special mention must go to Luke Smith, who managed to make it to the game despite the vagaries of the British transport system. With all trains cancelled from Guildford it took him 4 hours to make it to the game, but he perservered and made it midway through the second quarter - which definately helped the Purley face-off.

Goals: Nigel Tasko 4, Dave Arnot 2, Jesse O'Hanley 1, Jamie Tasko 1, Matt Payne 1

See also pictures.

11 February 2006 - Hampstead at home, Prem

Fresh off their Flags Semi Final win against Hitchin Purley were looking to redeem themselves for their loss to Hampstead earlier in the season and set the tone for the Flags final encounter between the two teams. With home pitch advantage Purley were definitely up for the match early on, but things took a turn for the worse and progressively fell apart even more as the game played out.

It wasn't all doom and gloom from the start though as a quick solo drive to the net by Nigel Tasko saw Purley take an early lead just minutes into the game. Just as quick to get themselves going Hampstead replied with their opening marker just moments later. Jamie Tasko rallied for the cause with a sweet shot of his own and Purley were up again 2-1. Rallying their troops Hampstead again tied things up before Jamie Tasko deposited another to make it 3-2 for Purley. Unfortunately that was the last Purley lead, as Hampstead aggressively worked their offense and clinically denied Purley attempts to penetrate with an excellent display of defence and played the quarter out with a 4-3 lead.

The second quarter had its moments but Hampstead were undoubtedly showing that they meant business and despite goals from Dave Arnot, Matt Payne and Jamie Tasko the half time score was 9-6 for Hampstead. It could, and probably should have been closer had not Purley given away 3 soft goals in the quarter.

Mentally it was still anyone's game and Purley seemed amped to mark a comeback and regain control of the match, but this did not materialize as Hampstead executed a well practiced plan and won the quarter with all of the four goals scored.

A lot can happen in twenty minutes of lacrosse and despite being down 13-6 going into the final quarter Purley had to believe that it could be them that filled the net and at least make things respectable, if not make good on an all out come back and win. Wanting is one thing and wishful thinking was no match for the disciplined Hampstead squad as they went on to win the game with a final score of 16-7. Mike Barrett scored the only goal for Purley on a nice pass from Matt Payne but Purley was unable to muster up enough possession to be a viable threat as Hampstead made the most of innumerable unforced errors and turn overs to play almost every minute offensively.

All in all it was a shame that Purley took themselves out of the game almost more than Hampstead took it to them. In all fairness though Hampstead played a great game and made our defence work for most it not close to all of the second half. In a game where numbers add up and count for everything Purley's defence and goal tending were truly tested and were able to thwart most of Hampstead's relentless attack.

There will no doubt be some serious planning and practicing ahead for Purley over the remaining games in the season before they meet back up with Hampstead in the Flags Finals on March 18th.

Goals: Jamie Tasko 3, Nigel Tasko 1, Dave Arnot 1, Matt Payne 1, Mike Barrett 1

18 February 2006 - Bath at home, Prem

So far this season Purley have been averaging a squad size of 14, but with injuries and work commitments this week meant Purley were struggling to put out a team. Starting with 9, and with the 10th arriving well over 5 minutes into the game Purley were up against it before they had even started. Bath used their man advantage well to take a 2 goal lead before Purley were up to full strength, and the home side failed to settle even with level numbers allowing Bath a comfortable 5-0 lead after the first quarter.

The second quarter was better for the home side as they had prolonged periods of possession, but far too often they failed to make Bath pay with a loose final shot, and at the other end Bath were far more clinical to keep their 5 goal margin with a half time score of 2-7. In the second half Purley played well in patches, but far too often the allowed Bath to dominate. With both teams trading goals Purley never looked likely to close the gap, and the final score was 6-12.

Not a good outing for Purley. One or two extra players would have made quite a difference, but Bath deserved their win on the day.

Goals: Dave Arnot 2, Jesse O'Hanley 2, Nigel Tasko 1, Graeme Holland 1

25 February 2006 - Reading Wildcats away, Prem

After running Hillcroft very close last week (5-6, and I hear they were winning by 3 at the half), and Purley's surprise defeat at the hands of Bath, Reading must have thought they were in with a fine chance of causing an upset.

The match started with possession fairly evenly shared, but both teams failed to create any clear cut opportunities, though Purley were the more decisive in attack. As the game went on the Purley offense improved, hitting the post before Graeme Holland opened the scoring 10 minutes in, and taking a quarter time lead of 3-0, and 5-0 at the half. The more the game went on, the more possession Purley had, aided by patient and controlled offense and sterling ground ball work in defence by Andy Booth, but the Reading defence is a strong unit with an excellent 'keeper, and they limited Purley's scoring opportunities. However, with good ball movement, and intelligent play in recognising any mismatches, Purley kept the score ticking along nicely. Reading did manage to get on the score sheet in the third quarter on the fast break, but that was their only goal as Purley ran out comfortable 11-1 winners.

Over all a fine team performance, but special mention must go to Graeme Holland with 3 well taken goals, and also bringing the patience to the Purley attack which has sometimes been lacking this season.

Goals: Nigel Tasko 4, Dave Arnot 3, Graeme Holland 3, Mike Barrett 1

See also pictures.

4 March 2006 - Walcountian Blues at home, Prem

The Blues arrived with only 9 players, and though Purley let them off the offside (i.e. 3 players in defence and 2 in attack as opposed to the usual 4 and 3) it was always going to be an uphill struggle for them. However they started brightly, taking first a 1-0 and then 2-1 lead. It has to be said Purley didn't help themselves by over pressuring the ball no matter whether their defence had set up or not, which allowed the Blues attack a good shot after a single dodge.

However after Purley settled down it was all one way traffic, as Purley took the quarter 4-2, and were up at the half 9-3. The Blues battled hard thoughout the game, but couldn't stop the Purley goal spree – final score 18-3.

For Purley Dave Arnot filled his boots with 11 (yes that's eleven) goals – obviously the lack of any goal hungry Canucks agreed with him (Jamie is out with a knee injury, and Nige was in Amsterdam). Also, though the stats don't show it, Darren Novell had an excellent game in attack – it's a shame our Stato doesn't record assists because Darren must have had 7 or 8.

Goals: Dave Arnot 11, Graeme Holland 4, Chris Spence 1, Jesse O'Hanley 1, Matt Payne 1

See also pictures.

22 April 2006 - Six-a-sides at Croydon

See also pictures.