Match Reports 2006/07

14 October 2006 - Walcountian Blues away, Prem

The Blues started out strong, obviously confident after the previous weeks one goal loss to Hampstead, whereas Purley showed signs of early season rustiness with missed passes and easy turnovers. For the first ten minutes play was pretty even, but the Blues were more decisive in attack, and only a string of good saves from keeper Paul Terry kept them out. Purley scored first, but the Blues soon levelled with a sweet shot into the top right corner. However, after that the Purley side settled, and with good movement in attack and slick ball movement they cruised to a 6-1 lead at the quarter, and 10-1 at the half.

At the beginning of the second half the Blues stepped it up again, and for the first five minutes played nearly constantly in attack, but the Purley defence was working well and they limited the Blues opportunities to low percentage shots. After weathering the storm, Purley scored on almost their first possession of the half, and then continued on from where they had left off in the first half to finish with a 23-1 victory.

New American coach Ian Nesbitt looks to be fitting well into the Purley defence, and this victory will be especially sweet as Ian shares a house with the 2 Blues coaches, so it looks like he'll have the bragging rights - at least until the two sides next meeting.

Goals: Jamie Tasko 6, Jesse O'Hanley 5, Dan Heighway 4, Mike Barrett 4, Graeme Holland 1, Matt Payne 1, Dave Cluney 1, Chris Spence 1

See also pictures.

21 October 2006 - Hitchin at home, Prem

For the first quarter this game looked like it would be as tight as the two previous encounters between these two sides. The Purley attack was moving the ball well, and went into a 0-1 lead, but this Hitchin side is always effective and took the lead at 1-2 before Jamie Tasko tied it at 2-2.

It was the second quarter when the wheels really came off for Purley. With Hitchin dominating the face-off they gained plenty of possession, and Purley's lack of a fourth long-stick allowing Hitchin too much time in attack, and they completely dominated the play scoring 5 goals in the quarter to take the score to 2-7.

Purley rallied in the third quarter, with Jesse O'Hanley dropping back to fill in as the fourth long stick to pressure the Hitchin attack, and a change in the face-off helping them gain more possession. In the previous quarters face-off man Luke Smith had often been winning the ball, but the Hitchin wing men were always the ones picking up the ball. Purley switched to using two long sticks on the wings, and this proved to be immediately effective as Purley pulled the score back to 4-7. The Purley face-off was also helped by an injury to the Hitchin face-off man who went down awkwardly after a take-out, and had to be taken to hospital - so we hope he is feeling better (we hear he is ok now, though will miss a few weeks).

However, despite pressuring the ball, Purley weren't able to put a dent in the Hitchin lead, and for the remainder of the match the teams traded goals, taking the final score to 6-10.

We'd also like to thank Adam the Canadian ref, who was officiating his first game since moving to this country. He had a good game, so hopefully we'll see more of him during the season.

Goals: Jamie Tasko 3, Chris Spence 1, Mike Barrett 1, Matt Payne 1

See also pictures.

28 October 2006 - Oxford Univ. away, Prem

Oxford started brightly, taking the game to Purley with some sharp dodging and quick shots, and initially this payed dividends, as they went up 1-0, but Purley swiftly replied through Jesse O'Hanley. Learning their lesson from last week's face-off problems Purley were again using two long sticks from the wings. Luke Smith was dominating the face-off, unerringly pulling the ball out to Ian Nesbitt on the wing time after time, which must have gained Purley the ball 90% or more of the time. It was this combination which led to Purley's next goal, as Nez gained possession from the face-off and fired in a rocket. Oxford pulled back to 2-2, and the score was still close with Purley leading 4-2 at quarter time.

In the second quarter Purley had the majority of possession, and started to dominate. Oxford weren't helped by their keeper going off injured (though he returned during the second half). Nez decided to give the stand-in keeper an appropriate welcome, as on the fast break he launched a shot from the restraining line which hit the keeper right in the face mask, rocking his head back, and the ball ended up in the back of the net. Purley continued to increase their lead, ending the half 8-2 up.

In the third quarter Oxford again started brightly, and managed to pull the score back to 8-4. At that point it looked like Oxford might make this a tight game, but after that is was all Purley, as they made their superior possession count to take the three quarter score to 11-4, and completely dominated the last quarter with a clinical display resulting in 7 goals, including another for Nez, and one for the other long stick midfielder Denham Pope. Final score to 18-4.

Thanks to Jon Harrop for his usual consummate performance in the stripes.

Goals: Jesse O'Hanley 6, Jamie Tasko 4, Ian Nesbitt 3, Graeme Holland 2, Luke Smith 1, Matt Payne 1, Denham Pope 1

See also pictures.

4 November 2006 - Hillcroft at home, Prem

See also pictures.

18 November 2006 - Spencer at home, Prem

A bright Autumn day greeted the two side to Sandilands, but the Purley form was far from bright as Spencer stormed to a 5-0 lead within 15 minutes. Where Purley were lacklustre and unfocused, Spencer were aggressive and decisive, and thoroughly deserved their lead. However this Purley side isn't one to give up easily, and a period of sustained possession at the end of the quarter allowed Matt Payne to score a crucial goal to get Purley off the mark, and take the quarter time score to 1-5.

The break allowed Purley to regroup, and in the second quarter they looked like a different side. Strong, organised defence stemmed the tide of Spencer goals, and controlled, patient attack allowed Purley to claw their way back, and finally take the lead 6-5 going into half-time.

Purley scored early in the third to give them 7 goals without reply, but Spencer weren't done and kept the pressure on, and two more goals saw them level the scores 7-7 at three quarter time to set up a tense finale.

In close games the first goal in the final quarter is often decisive. Purley started well with a period of pressure, and Matt Payne topped a fine performance with a solo goal to give Purley a vital 8-7 lead. From the next face off Ian Nesbitt won the ball from the wing, dodged a take out, ran up the field and placed the ball past the keeper from just within the restraining line to give the Purple and Gold an even more comfortable margin. Purley continued to control the ball, building up an 11-7 advantage, before Spencer pulled one back to 11-8 to make the last few minutes interesting, but a goal from Mike Barrett sealed the tie with a final score of 12-8.

Thanks to ref Simon Peach.

Goals: Matt Payne 3, Jamie Tasko 3, Mike Barrett 3, Jesse O'Hanley 2, Ian Nesbitt 1

See also pictures.

25 November 2006 - Hampstead away, Prem

In a complete reversal from last week it was Purley who had an unstoppable first quarter. Jesse O'Hanley's sweeping runs to the cage were causing Hampstead all sorts of problems, and helped him to four goals in the quarter. The Purley attack were moving the ball and themselves quickly to create good scoring opportunities, and even long-stick Ian Nesbitt got in on the act with one his trademark rockets. At the other end Hampstead were turning the ball over far too easily, but their attack isn't easily stopped, and they managed to score a couple to take the quarter time score to 7-2.

It couldn't last, and it didn't. Purley's fluidity in the first quarter turned to forced passes and easy turn-overs in the second. However Purley were defending well as a unit, and Paul Terry was his usual wall in the cage, and it was Purley who scored first with a sweet pass to Graeme Holland on the crease, who stuck the ball in the net over the keepers head. But Hampstead weren't giving up, and started to claw their way back into the game taking the score to 8-4 at the half.

The third quarter continued on from the second as Hampstead tried hard to close the gap, but too many easy turnovers meant Purley were always able to maintain their 4 goal lead going in 10-6 at the break, thanks to 2 goals from Jamie Tasko. The final quarter started with all guns blazing, as 2 quick-fire goals for each side brought the score to 12-8, but after that it was a much tighter match. Hampstead finally managed to pull one back, and probably should have brought it back to 12-10 with just under 2 minutes left, but when they were on the break and clear on goal their frustration blew over, and a slight altercation back in their defensive zone caused the referee to blow the whistle for the foul. Final score 12-9.

Goals: Jesse O'Hanley 5, Matt Payne 3, Jamie Tasko 2, Graeme Holland 1, Ian Nesbitt 1

2 December 2006 - Reading Wildcats away, Prem

With several good results under their belt this season Reading were definitely up for this game, and if their 'keeper was anything to go by some type of blood pressure monitoring wouldn't have gone amiss. However, after a slightly rocky start to the season, Purley's revamped attack has really started to gel together, and patient, controlled offense saw them take a comfortable 5-1 lead at the quarter. This continued into the second quarter, but the goals all but dried up for Purley as poor finishing, and some fine stops by the Reading keeper kept the lead to 6-2 at the half.

With the change in the attack formation this year Jamie Tasko is playing less on the crease than previously, which has enabled him to show us much more if his dodging skills this season. Good movement on and off the ball gave him plenty of opportunities, and 2 goals in the third quarter and 4 overall topped a fine performance. Reading did manage to get one back as the Purley defence were caught napping after a quick turn-over and fast break, but 2 more goals for the Purple and Gold took the three quarter score to 10-3.

Reading started the final quarter with renewed vigour, but when a long period of sustained pressure which ultimately resulted in a man-up still yielded no goals the fight seemed to have been knocked out of them. Purley, it seems, had also decided the game was over, and after a final flurry with a sweet goal beating 3 men from Dave Cluney, a rather lack lustre display of lacrosse ensued, with neither side threatening to trouble the scorers. Final score 11-3.

Goals: Jamie Tasko 4, Matt Payne 2, Jesse O'Hanley 2, Mike Barrett 1, Dave Cluney 1

Ref: Trev Rogers

9 December 2006 - Bath away, Prem

Starting with only 10 men, including 4 long-sticks, Purley were always going to find this a tough game. Purley decided to play all 4 long-sticks with long-stick middie Ian Nesbitt playing attack and defence, rather than have one of them use a short stick. Purley didn't start too well - the attack were in run n' gun mode, trying to force an opening as soon as they had the ball, which gave Bath plenty of possession and only a couple of fine saves by Paul Terry kept the home side out. The usually pristine Bath pitch was very sticky and difficult to pick up on, which made every ground ball contestable. Initially it was Bath who were coming up with the ball far too often, and for the first ten minutes it looked like this would be a very tight game. However the Purley attack were starting to adjust to the long-stick in offence, and a well worked move found Matt Payne one-on-one with the Bath keeper. Matt duly slotted the ball home, but in an attempted take-out the Bath keeper twisted his knee and had to be replaced by one of their defenders. Purley started to control the ball more, and goals from Jesse O'Hanley, and then Ian Nesbitt gave Purley a 3-0 quarter time lead.

Bath scored first in the second quarter to bring it to 3-1, but as the game wore on Purley were gaining more and more possession, and three more goals saw them go in at the half 6-1 up. Purley were also starting to gain more possession from the face-off. Missing usual face-off man Luke Smith, stand-in Dave Cluney was doing an excellent job in the middle. The more the game went on the better he got, and Dave topped a fine performance with a well taken cut, and lefty goal in the third. Bath also lost another defenceman with a hamstring injury, which didn't help their cause, and Purley then cruised to a comfortable victory with 4 goals in each of the last 2 quarters to bring the final score to 14-1.

Goals: Jesse O'Hanley 5, Matt Payne 4, Jamie Tasko 2, Ian Nesbitt 2, Dave Cluney 1

Ref: Miles Whittle

27 January 2007 - Reading Wildcats at home, Prem

For the first half this looked like it could be a close match. Despite periods of controlled possession for Purley, the Reading defence were making good scoring opportunities hard to come by, and with the Reading keeper pulling off some excellent saves the Purple and Gold were finding it hard to keep the scoreline ticking over. Purley were never really in any trouble though, as at the other end the Purley defence were handling the Reading attack with ease, and with Reading turnovers allowing Purley to capitalise on fast breaks they started edging out a lead with the score at 3-0 at quarter time and 5-0 at the half.

The second half was a vast contrast to the first as Purley started to wear down the Reading defence, and smart passing moves were increasingly finding free men close in on goal, which was duly capitalised on by Dan Heighway who top scored with 6. Five goals in the third quarter and 8 in the last blew Reading away. Final score 18-4.

Purley will also be pleased by the first performance this season of new recruit Adam Culling, who showed he wasn't out of place in a Premiership side, and Mike Barrett continues his good scoring form this season with 4 well taken goals.

Ref: Trevor Rogers

Goals: Dan Heighway 6, Mike Barrett 4, Jamie Tasko 3, Jesse O'Hanley 3, Chris Spence 2

See also pictures.

3 February 2007 - Spencer at home, Snr Flags R2

In a complete reversal of their previous meeting this season, it was Purley who opened a big gap early in the game, with a 7-0 lead mid way through the second quarter. Spencer did battle back with a couple of goals to take the half time score to 8-2.

Control of the ball in attack gave Purley prolonged periods of pressure on the Spencer goal, and good movement on and off the ball regularly opened up the Spencer defence, and kept the score ticking over nicely – and ensured the goals were spread around the team, as eight different names made it onto the score sheet. Six goals in each of the remaining quarters saw Purley ease through to the next round of the Flags with a 20-4 win.

Ref: Simon Peach

Goals: Jesse O'Hanley 5, Nick 4, Mike Barrett 3, Matt Payne 2, Jamie Tasko 2, Chris Spence 2, Graeme Holland 1, Dave Cluney 1

See also pictures.

17 February 2007 - Reading Wildcats away, Flags SF

Starting slowly against Reading seems to have become a habit with Purley this season, and in their third meeting it was again the case this week as Purley quickly went 0-2 down, one on a man-down, and the other as long clear was tipped into his own net by Andy Booth. One would have thought that maybe the keeper should have handled it, but he was possibly too keen on the take out of the Reading player Andy was marking, and whom the clearing pass was aimed at as he attempted to back door cut to the goal. After that Purley started to get back into their rhythm, and though they didn't make spectacular progress they drew the scores level 2-2 at the quarter, and had a 4-2 lead at the half.

It was the start of the second half when the goals began to flow for Purley, with Dan Heighway notching up 3 quick goals, partly benefiting from being the open man on a couple of well worked team goals, and also good movement off the ball allowing him time to show his dodging moves. Purley had built up a nice 8-2 margin before Reading replied, and with the score 10-3 at the quarter, Purley scored another 5 in the last to take the final score to 15-3.

Ref: Jon Harrop +1

Goals: Dan Heighway 5, Graeme Holland 4, Jesse O'Hanley 2, Jamie Tasko 2, Mike Barrett 1, Ian Nesbitt 1

See also pictures.

24 February 2007 - Hampstead at home, Prem

In this preview of the Flags final in four weeks time, it was Purley who started brightly. Good movement on and off the ball gave them a long period controlled possession, and with the attack zipping the ball round Purley were causing Hampstead all sorts of trouble as they eased in to a 2-0 lead. Then, for some unknown reason, Purley seemed to just take their foot off the gas, allowing Hampstead back into the game, and they took full advantage to take a 2-3 lead at quarter time.

Hampstead continued to stretch their lead in the second quarter, going up 2-5, but Purley drew back to within one to bring the game to 4-5 at the half. With the scores so close, this match was turning into well a contested and excellent display of lacrosse. The third quarter was again a really tight affair, with both sides battling hard for supremacy, which resulted in only a single goal for each team in the quarter, Purley first levelling the scores, and then Hampstead re-established their lead at 5-6.

For the first five minutes of the last quarter it looked like that might remain the score, as both defences were working hard to limit any scoring opportunities, but it was Purley who eventually managed to take the upper hand with goals from Jesse O'Hanley and Graeme Holland, both of whom had excellent games, which gave Purley their first lead since the first quarter. As Hampstead tried to press the ball, Jesse O'Hanley capitalised on the extra space this gave to give Purley a more comfortable 2 goal margin, which they managed to hold on to take the final score to 8-6. With a good all-round team performance, Purley will be well pleased with their days work.

Ref: Simon Peach

Goals: Jesse O'Hanley 3, Graeme Holland 3, Mike Barrett 2

See also pictures.

3 March 2007 - Spencer away, Prem

This week saw a truly forgettable performance from the Purple and Gold. Spencer opened the scoring as the heavens opened, in what could have been the Creator's verdict on Purley's performance. Unforced turnovers gave Spencer plenty of possession, and when Purley did work the ball in attack poor choice of shot was costing them dearly, with Purley finding the back netting more times than they were on target. At the other end things weren't much better, with the normally solid Purley defence allowing runners from midfield to slice through for shots on goal.

Even so, Purley did manage to sneak out into a 2-1 lead at quarter time, and 6-3 at the half, mainly due to the only part of the Purley game that was working well – transition. Winning the ball on the ride yielded a couple of goals, and the clear was also generally working well, resulting in several fast breaks.

Though the Purley lead was never substantial, Spencer never looked likely to close it, and though Spencer got to within 2 when they opened the scoring in the 4th quarter, they never seemed to have the belief that they could take the game, showing a lack of intensity which allowed Purley to notch up 2 more goals without reply to take the final score to 11-7.

Goals: Matt Payne 3, Jesse O'Hanley 3, Jamie Tasko 2, Graeme Holland 1, Mike Barrett 1, Chris Spence 1

10 March 2007 - Bath at home, Prem

Purley had the perfect warm-up for next weeks flags final with a dominant performance over Bath in the bright Spring sunshine as Addiscombe. From the start the Purley attack moved themselves and the ball well, and with 6 goals in the first quarter and 7 in the second the game was over as a contest by half time. With many well worked team goals, the best was probably a fast break from the face-off where all 6 offensive players touched the ball. Luke Smith won the face, pulled it back to Ian Nesbitt who picked up the ground ball and fed Mike Barrett who was breaking down the middle. Mike drew the defence and passed it to Jamie Tasko on the right wing, who passed it on to Graeme Holland on the right post, and drawing the keeper fed Matt Payne who had the easy job of slotting the ball home.

Bath did manage to get on the score sheet in the third quarter, but Purley continued on from their first half performance to end comfortable 23-1 winners. The third quarter also brought the weirdest assist of the game, as Jamie Tasko's shot rebounded off the keeper's box straight back into Jamie's stick - and Jamie wasn't about to miss on the second attempt.

The return of Luke Smith at the face gave Purley plenty of possession – for some strange reason he had decided to get married in the middle of the lacrosse season and had been on honeymoon. Congratulations Luke, and married life obviously agrees with him as he notched up two well taken goals.

And of course it's always nice to know that this was the third highest goal difference against Bath – nice stat to keep on your website guys (and of course Purley have the number 1 spot as well!).

Ref: Adam Crowe

Goals: Jamie Tasko 7, Jesse O'Hanley 6, Matt Payne 4, Mike Barrett 2, Luke Smith 2, Graeme Holland 1, Dave Cluney 1

See also pictures.

17 March 2007 - Hampstead at Reading Wildcats, Flags Final

While the crowd weren't treated to the display of free scoring, spectacular lacrosse you might expect from these two sides, they were none the less given a tense, thrilling contest which went down to the wire.

Purley weren't quite at full strength, with a couple of players missing through work commitments, but were still quietly confident as they started with the same 12 who had beaten Bath so convincingly last week. The only other team worry was that Dean Searle was originally rostered to work today and would have had to leave by 4pm. While this would normally have been fine, the Senior Flags would start at 3pm to accommodate all the finals on the day, so he'd only make the first half. Fortunately for Purley Dean's boss allowed him the extra time, so thanks to him. And good job too, as having that 4th long stick really makes a difference, and Dean's aggressive defence helped keep the Hampstead offense under pressure, and resulted in more than his fair share of turnovers.

The first three quarters followed pretty much the same pattern. Both sides were guilty of turning over the ball far too easily, which helped keep the score low, and until late in the game no more than a single goal ever separated the sides. Hampstead's game plan seemed to be to dodge one-on-one, but too many times they weren't looking for the pass when the slide came, which allowed Purley to deal relatively easily with this threat for the most part. Purley on the other hand tried to work the openings, but while they moved the ball quickly round the outside, the movement off the ball which had been so key in last week's goal fest was sadly lacking. This made the offense somewhat toothless, and far too often attacks ended with an easy turnover on a dodge into a well positioned defence, or a poor shot from outside.

Purley took the lead 1-0 through Jesse O'Hanley, but after that is was always Hampstead who were in front, only to be pegged back time after time by Purley. Hampstead's first goal came from a defensive mix-up as Purley lost the ball on their own man-up, and failed to register the fact that the penalty was up as the Hampstead man stepped out of the sin bin unmarked, which allowed them to get an easy fast break which Mike Noonan duly converted. Hampstead then took the lead on a Dave Leach fast break. Paul Terry made the initial save, only to see it rebound straight into Dave's path, and with Paul out of position all he had to do was pick the ball up and put it in the empty net. At quarter time it was 1-2 to Hampstead.

In the second quarter Purley did manage to get some periods of sustained possession, but only managed a single goal when Mike Barrett fed Jamie Tasko who was sneaking onto the crease from behind goal. However, they did keep Hampstead out at the other end to bring the score to 2-2 at the half. Hampstead scored early in the second half to restore their lead, but Purley responded swiftly with a goal from Mike Barrett. Hampstead then scored again in transition, which Purley eventually replied to through Jamie Tasko, taking the three quarter score to 4-4.

So, everything to play for in the final quarter. Purley again started with periods of controlled possession, but in contrast to previous quarters they were now starting to move off the ball, and created a couple of good chances before a sweet feed from behind found Mike Barrett with some space and time up top, and Mike stuck the shot in low to give Purley a crucial lead. The Hampstead attack caused Purley a couple of nervous moments before Purley doubled their advantage, this time it was Mike Barrett who fed the ball cross field to Graeme Holland on the left wing, and before the keeper had set himself Graeme had drilled the ball past his left hip. Hampstead then had a period of sustained pressure resulting in a couple of man-ups, but they missed these vital opportunities to get back in the game as the Purley defence held. With Hampstead now having to pressure the ball Purley used the extra space well, and two more goals from Graeme Holland gave Purley a comfortable cushion, and perhaps a rather flattering final score of 8-4.

Purley will be grateful to their defence and keeper for keeping them in the game in the first three quarters, but it was finally good team offense and accurate shooting by Graeme Holland which gave Purley the victory.

Thanks to the men in the stripes, Simon Peach, Adam Crowe, and whoever the third ref and CBO were, Reading for their usual fine job as hosts, and Chris Terry for doing the video.

Goal: Paul Terry
Defence: Andy Booth, Dean Searle and Dave Slaughter
Long-stick midfield: Ian Nesbitt
Midfield: Mike Barrett (2), Dave Cluney, Jesse O'Hanley (1), Luke Smith
Attack: Graeme Holland (3), Matt Payne and Jamie Tasko (2)

See also pictures.

31 March 2007 - Hillcroft away, Prem

With Oxford conceding last week (the University has short terms, and a large proportion of their squad had headed home for Easter so you can't really blame them), a win this week would see Purley secure 2nd place in the Premiership. And they did it in style with a seasons best 24-0 hammering of an under strength Hillcroft side.

Hillcroft had 2 players new to the game, and with a squad of 11 this meant there was always a weak link on the field. On the defensive end this meant Purley were always in a position to cover any threats and double the ball, and except for a few half chances and a couple of missed opportunities on the fast break the Purley keeper was never troubled. On the attacking end the Purley offense was it's usual clinical self, moving the ball well to create openings, and Jamie Tasko filled his boots with 9 goals, most of them from feeds to his favourite crease location, and goal hungry Canucks don't usually miss from right on top of the goal. An added bonus for Jamie is that this haul puts him back in contention for top scorer of the season, as he is now tied on 54 goals with Jessie O'Hanley. The Hillcroft defence switched from man-on-man to zone and back again, but nothing really worked as Purley scored steadily throughout the game, notching up 5, 6, 6 and 7 goals respectively in each quarter.

Finally, congratulations to Jesse and Paola on the birth of their son Victor. The Purley squad for 2025 looks to be coming together nicely.

Goals: Jamie Tasko 9, Mike Barrett 3, Jesse O'Hanley 3, Dan Heighway 3, Graeme Holland 2, Matt Payne 2, Chris Spence 2

See also pictures.

14 April 2007 - Walcountian Blues away, Prem

See also pictures.