It was an emotional night. 18 men fought long and hard with style and panache, energy and verve and still the scores were level, until finally a golden goal saw the bibless scrape home with a 6-5 victory.
The quality of the match was a fitting end to our current tenure at Castlehaven.
Josh Waitzkin once wrote, "The key to pursuing excellence is to embrace an organic, long-term learning process, and not to live in a shell of static, safe, mediocrity," and there was not a single player there tonight, who did not play with these words etched in his heart, who has not improved since these games have started, and, indeed, there was not a single player there who has flinched from showing commitment and passion.
Those words go for those regulars too who have graced the Castlehaven pitch but could not be there tonight.
As we move now to Regent's Park, it is invidious to rate and rank individuals, instead we can all hold our heads up high.
As we move pitches, it is fitting to remind ourselves of the ancient Eastern adage: "Before enlightenment, chop wood and carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood and carry water."
E.J Thribb (17.5)
Thursday, 15 July 2010
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Match report 25 March 2010
A cracking 6v6 tonight with the bibs edging out the bibless 14-12.
The bibbed featured Dwayne, David, Paul O'C, newcomer Tim, Luke, and Russian Davide; whilst the bibless had the formidable force of Nick, Dickon, Daniel, Francesco, Russian Arshan, and Danny.
We are running out of hyperboles to describe the multi-talented Dwayne. Suffice it to say, he had the control and vision of Zidane coupled with the decisive runs of Alan Hudson; David played a top notch game and scored a brace of goals - one worthy of Thierry Henry without even needing to handle it; Paul O'C ran a masterclass in midfield and controlled the play in the manner of Luis Figo crossed with Gareth Barry; newcomer Tim was pure quality possessing the firepower and accurate passing of David Beckham with the footballing sense of Teddy Sheringham, Luke played another stormer proving a real handful making him more of a threat than Craig Bellamy at his best; Russian Davide controlled the defence very much in the manner of Richard Dunne.
Meanwhile the bibless deserved plaudits too. Nick mesmerised all over the park passing and dribbling like Johann Cryff; Dickon was his usual powerful and thoroughly effective presence combining the defensive qualities of Nobby Stiles with the attacking style of Martin Peters; Daniel played as if he had not been away and created numerous chances whilst winning an exorbitant number of 50:50 balls - reminiscent of Patrick Viera; similarly Francesco was back and on fire showing the skills that have seen him likened to Jairzinho and Tostao, whilst Russian Arshan displayed more silky skills than Andriy Arshavin.
The bibless came from behind to take the lead with 5 minutes to go before the bibbed showed great character to come back and win at the death.
The bibbed featured Dwayne, David, Paul O'C, newcomer Tim, Luke, and Russian Davide; whilst the bibless had the formidable force of Nick, Dickon, Daniel, Francesco, Russian Arshan, and Danny.
We are running out of hyperboles to describe the multi-talented Dwayne. Suffice it to say, he had the control and vision of Zidane coupled with the decisive runs of Alan Hudson; David played a top notch game and scored a brace of goals - one worthy of Thierry Henry without even needing to handle it; Paul O'C ran a masterclass in midfield and controlled the play in the manner of Luis Figo crossed with Gareth Barry; newcomer Tim was pure quality possessing the firepower and accurate passing of David Beckham with the footballing sense of Teddy Sheringham, Luke played another stormer proving a real handful making him more of a threat than Craig Bellamy at his best; Russian Davide controlled the defence very much in the manner of Richard Dunne.
Meanwhile the bibless deserved plaudits too. Nick mesmerised all over the park passing and dribbling like Johann Cryff; Dickon was his usual powerful and thoroughly effective presence combining the defensive qualities of Nobby Stiles with the attacking style of Martin Peters; Daniel played as if he had not been away and created numerous chances whilst winning an exorbitant number of 50:50 balls - reminiscent of Patrick Viera; similarly Francesco was back and on fire showing the skills that have seen him likened to Jairzinho and Tostao, whilst Russian Arshan displayed more silky skills than Andriy Arshavin.
The bibless came from behind to take the lead with 5 minutes to go before the bibbed showed great character to come back and win at the death.
Thursday, 18 March 2010
match report 18 March 2010
Essentially it was 5v5 tonight with the bibbed Luke, Yusuf, Andrew, Paul O'C, and John taking on Dwayne, Nick, Rory, Dickon and Danny.
As famous golf coach Bob Rotella wrote in his book, Golf is a Game of Confidence: "It's not what happens to golfers, but how they chose to respond to what happens that distinguishes champions." - and so it was with the bibless, who came from 4 goals down to win in the end.
The bibbed adopted a diamond formation
A
A A
A
whilst the bibless used a floating 1-3 system
AAA
A
When you're up against the likes of Luke with his penetrating runs, Yusuf with his threaded passes, Andrew with his movement off the ball akin to a cross between Aaron Lennon, Jermain Jenas, Tom Huddleston, Luka Modric, Ossie Ardilles, Glenn Hoddle and Ricky Villa but definitely NOT Theo Walcott, Paul O'C with his determination, and John with his finesse - you have to be well organised and work hard and that is what the bibless were and did.
Dwayne once more mesmerised the opposition with his control and technique, Rory ran round the pitch in the manner of a piece of lighted zinc (or is it magnesium?), whilst Nick and Dickon ruled the midfield applying the iron fist and the velvet glove in equal measure.
Another high scoring contest where I'm afraid the exact final score eluded me.
As famous golf coach Bob Rotella wrote in his book, Golf is a Game of Confidence: "It's not what happens to golfers, but how they chose to respond to what happens that distinguishes champions." - and so it was with the bibless, who came from 4 goals down to win in the end.
The bibbed adopted a diamond formation
A
A A
A
whilst the bibless used a floating 1-3 system
AAA
A
When you're up against the likes of Luke with his penetrating runs, Yusuf with his threaded passes, Andrew with his movement off the ball akin to a cross between Aaron Lennon, Jermain Jenas, Tom Huddleston, Luka Modric, Ossie Ardilles, Glenn Hoddle and Ricky Villa but definitely NOT Theo Walcott, Paul O'C with his determination, and John with his finesse - you have to be well organised and work hard and that is what the bibless were and did.
Dwayne once more mesmerised the opposition with his control and technique, Rory ran round the pitch in the manner of a piece of lighted zinc (or is it magnesium?), whilst Nick and Dickon ruled the midfield applying the iron fist and the velvet glove in equal measure.
Another high scoring contest where I'm afraid the exact final score eluded me.
Thursday, 11 March 2010
Match report 11 March 2010
Just a short report tonight. A quality 7v7 tonight (with Roy providing a crucial input for 30 minutes to one of the sides).
It is impossible to fault the bibless, who played beautifully as a unit. Dwayne and Jean linked beautifully in attack, Dickon, who notched up an excellent 4 goals, and Paul were immaculate in midfield, whilst Martin, Nick and David were almost impregnable at the back.
The bibbed were awestruck, although they did manage to pull the score back to 16-14.
As Tom Stoppard said: "Skill without imagination is craftsmanship and gives us many useful objects such as wickerwork picnic-baskets. Imagination without skill gives us modern art."
Unfortunately for the bibbed they weren't up against modern artists but a unique blend of craft and art.
It is impossible to fault the bibless, who played beautifully as a unit. Dwayne and Jean linked beautifully in attack, Dickon, who notched up an excellent 4 goals, and Paul were immaculate in midfield, whilst Martin, Nick and David were almost impregnable at the back.
The bibbed were awestruck, although they did manage to pull the score back to 16-14.
As Tom Stoppard said: "Skill without imagination is craftsmanship and gives us many useful objects such as wickerwork picnic-baskets. Imagination without skill gives us modern art."
Unfortunately for the bibbed they weren't up against modern artists but a unique blend of craft and art.
Thursday, 4 March 2010
Match report 4 March 2010
A great game played in a great spirit to mark Pedro's last visit before he returns to Brazil.
Behind the scenes we are competing with various Italian clubs for his signature and a possible return to good old Blighty in the winter.
It was an 8v7 tonight that ended fittingly at 14 goals apiece.
The bibless played with a heady mix of panache and determination. Pedro played in the style of Garrincha with imagination and flair; his fellow Brazilian Jean, making his debut on concrete, played with the intelligence and confidence of Tostao, Dwayne like Pele was peerless in front of goal and also made some critical interventions in midfield, Ben A played a crucial and commanding role in the centre rather like Zito, Nick was influential at the back and going forward in the manner of Dunga, the Italian newcomer was a devastating force at the back breaking down numerous attacks in the manner of Gilberto.
Meanwhile the bibbed ones, featured Yusuf, more in form than Wayne Rooney and surely threatening for a place on the plane to South Africa, John and Andrew, strident in midfield like Theo Walcott and Ces Fabregas, Jason and Luke bringing a fire to the spine of the side reminiscent of Bremner and Giles for Leeds, Dickon, calm and strong at the back rather like Bobby Moore, Paul C ran all over the park and was a human dynamo rather like Gerry Francis in his heyday, whilst Matt was critical in the spine of the bibs breaking down the opposition whilst constantly finding space on the break in a manner akin to Brian Robson.
It was a classy game played in a great spirit. We all wish Pedro the best for his time in Brazil.
Behind the scenes we are competing with various Italian clubs for his signature and a possible return to good old Blighty in the winter.
It was an 8v7 tonight that ended fittingly at 14 goals apiece.
The bibless played with a heady mix of panache and determination. Pedro played in the style of Garrincha with imagination and flair; his fellow Brazilian Jean, making his debut on concrete, played with the intelligence and confidence of Tostao, Dwayne like Pele was peerless in front of goal and also made some critical interventions in midfield, Ben A played a crucial and commanding role in the centre rather like Zito, Nick was influential at the back and going forward in the manner of Dunga, the Italian newcomer was a devastating force at the back breaking down numerous attacks in the manner of Gilberto.
Meanwhile the bibbed ones, featured Yusuf, more in form than Wayne Rooney and surely threatening for a place on the plane to South Africa, John and Andrew, strident in midfield like Theo Walcott and Ces Fabregas, Jason and Luke bringing a fire to the spine of the side reminiscent of Bremner and Giles for Leeds, Dickon, calm and strong at the back rather like Bobby Moore, Paul C ran all over the park and was a human dynamo rather like Gerry Francis in his heyday, whilst Matt was critical in the spine of the bibs breaking down the opposition whilst constantly finding space on the break in a manner akin to Brian Robson.
It was a classy game played in a great spirit. We all wish Pedro the best for his time in Brazil.
Thursday, 25 February 2010
match report 25 Feb (Chelsea with JT v Man City with WB)
As Helen Keller said "Optimism is the father that leads to achievement" and tonight both teams kept their heads high to come back from behind and appropriately enough the result was a draw.
It was an exciting high scoring contest. The bibless played a Chelsea style 1-2 formation with Dave in a John Terry holding role whilst Paul bombed up the wing with the sprightliness of Ashley Cole, and Dwayne played a tour-de-force attacking midfield role akin to Frank Lampard.
The bibbed had their hands full but nevertheless played with the flair and style of Manchester City on paper (though not in practice). Newcomer Nat showed the agility and accuracy of Gareth Barry, Rory had the blend of lethal finishing and persistence of Carlos Tevez whilst Danny played the ball out of defence in a manner reminiscent of Wayne Bridge.
In spite of the difficult conditions there were a plethora of quality passes and shots and energetic tackling and moving off the ball.
It was great to see such athleticism on the pitch. The players' pre-match preparation called to mind the words of Usian Bolt on what he did on the day he ran the 100 metres in the Olympics and broke the world record:
"I never had breakfast. I woke up around 11, I watched television and then I had some nuggets for lunch. I went back to my room, I slept for two hours, I went back for some more nuggets and came to the track."
It was an exciting high scoring contest. The bibless played a Chelsea style 1-2 formation with Dave in a John Terry holding role whilst Paul bombed up the wing with the sprightliness of Ashley Cole, and Dwayne played a tour-de-force attacking midfield role akin to Frank Lampard.
The bibbed had their hands full but nevertheless played with the flair and style of Manchester City on paper (though not in practice). Newcomer Nat showed the agility and accuracy of Gareth Barry, Rory had the blend of lethal finishing and persistence of Carlos Tevez whilst Danny played the ball out of defence in a manner reminiscent of Wayne Bridge.
In spite of the difficult conditions there were a plethora of quality passes and shots and energetic tackling and moving off the ball.
It was great to see such athleticism on the pitch. The players' pre-match preparation called to mind the words of Usian Bolt on what he did on the day he ran the 100 metres in the Olympics and broke the world record:
"I never had breakfast. I woke up around 11, I watched television and then I had some nuggets for lunch. I went back to my room, I slept for two hours, I went back for some more nuggets and came to the track."
Thursday, 18 February 2010
Match report 18 February 2010
With a 4v3 game it was always going to test the stamina and energy levels and as the clock continued to tick and the lights refused to go off, many players were doubting the veracity of the Chines proverb "The journey is the reward", instead wishing that the journey was bl**dy well over with.
It was a cracker of a game with more twists and turns than Silverstone. The three men (Yusuf, Dwayne and Danny), playing with a narrowed goal, took an extraordinary 10-2 lead, but anybody who writes off a team containing Nick, Matt, Jason and John is a fool of gigantic proportions and so it proved as they pulled the lead back and with a couple of minutes left took the lead, only for Dwayne to score the leveller to make it 17 all with seconds left.
In the end a draw was a fitting end to such a fantastic contest.
It was a cracker of a game with more twists and turns than Silverstone. The three men (Yusuf, Dwayne and Danny), playing with a narrowed goal, took an extraordinary 10-2 lead, but anybody who writes off a team containing Nick, Matt, Jason and John is a fool of gigantic proportions and so it proved as they pulled the lead back and with a couple of minutes left took the lead, only for Dwayne to score the leveller to make it 17 all with seconds left.
In the end a draw was a fitting end to such a fantastic contest.
Thursday, 4 February 2010
Match report 4 February 2010
Another cracking game tonight where 5 men took on 6 and managed to come out on top.
When the teams were eventually settled, many in the crowd might have thought that the six men might have the advantage, but the five men took to heart the words of Gandhi: "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."
A great part of their success must be ascribed to the newcomers Ben and Josep (an old hand of Regent's Park but new to Camden). They made their mark all over the pitch, as effective in attack as defence and emitting so much energy that they had displayed more joules than Ratners.
Ben's style of play was reminiscent of Didier Deschamps, combining effort with flair and always displaying great footballing know-how. Josep was like a young Patrick Vieira breaking down attacks and distributing the ball with surgical precision.
Whilst the newcomers shined the old hands performed well too. Paul O'C successfully defended numerous moves down the left and meanwhile was a real handful for the other side's defence, whilst Yusuf showed his usual mix of silky skills and lethal finishing.
The five men were a class act too. Luke played with his usual high level of energy, determination and skill, Matt was a powerful force in the centre of the pitch akin to a young Steve Perryman, David's tenure between the sticks saw him magically keep out numerous chances that seemed certain to find their way to the back of the net, whilst Chris and John showed flair and imagination - John taking on and beating numerous defenders with his majestic ball control, and Chris using his industry and know-how to find more space than in many a solar system. Meanwhile Nick, as always was tenacious in defence and additionally created many a chance for his side through a heady mix of skill and determination.
When the teams were eventually settled, many in the crowd might have thought that the six men might have the advantage, but the five men took to heart the words of Gandhi: "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."
A great part of their success must be ascribed to the newcomers Ben and Josep (an old hand of Regent's Park but new to Camden). They made their mark all over the pitch, as effective in attack as defence and emitting so much energy that they had displayed more joules than Ratners.
Ben's style of play was reminiscent of Didier Deschamps, combining effort with flair and always displaying great footballing know-how. Josep was like a young Patrick Vieira breaking down attacks and distributing the ball with surgical precision.
Whilst the newcomers shined the old hands performed well too. Paul O'C successfully defended numerous moves down the left and meanwhile was a real handful for the other side's defence, whilst Yusuf showed his usual mix of silky skills and lethal finishing.
The five men were a class act too. Luke played with his usual high level of energy, determination and skill, Matt was a powerful force in the centre of the pitch akin to a young Steve Perryman, David's tenure between the sticks saw him magically keep out numerous chances that seemed certain to find their way to the back of the net, whilst Chris and John showed flair and imagination - John taking on and beating numerous defenders with his majestic ball control, and Chris using his industry and know-how to find more space than in many a solar system. Meanwhile Nick, as always was tenacious in defence and additionally created many a chance for his side through a heady mix of skill and determination.
Thursday, 28 January 2010
Match Report 28 January 2010
It was a nail-biting tussle tonight as five men came from behind to beat four men 15-14.
Initially the four men were WMD (Ben), who could flatten any opposition in 45 minutes - that's what I was told anyway, Matt, Yusuf, and Jason, who, in spite of being outnumbered, built up an early lead with fluid passing and cultured movement off the ball.
WMD was swapped for Danny and immediately the tables started to turn. Gradually the famous five of Dickon, Paul O'C, Nick, Luke and WMD started to assert their authority and relentlessly, patiently, assuredly they eat away at the opposition's lead and sure enough with seconds to spare they took the lead themselves for the first time. It was enough to give them victory, but Matt, Yusuf, and Jason deserve enormous credit too for their valiant fight against the odds.
Initially the four men were WMD (Ben), who could flatten any opposition in 45 minutes - that's what I was told anyway, Matt, Yusuf, and Jason, who, in spite of being outnumbered, built up an early lead with fluid passing and cultured movement off the ball.
WMD was swapped for Danny and immediately the tables started to turn. Gradually the famous five of Dickon, Paul O'C, Nick, Luke and WMD started to assert their authority and relentlessly, patiently, assuredly they eat away at the opposition's lead and sure enough with seconds to spare they took the lead themselves for the first time. It was enough to give them victory, but Matt, Yusuf, and Jason deserve enormous credit too for their valiant fight against the odds.
Thursday, 21 January 2010
Match report 21 January 2009
An incident packed game with 14 men taking to the pitch.
The bibs were initially a man down, as the injured Andrew was not yet available to take to the pitch, and were quickly 2 goals behind, but the bibbed newcomer Fernando had to leave the pitch with an injured calf muscle and that levelled the playing field (pun intended).
There is a worrying trend as to how many injuries afflict Spanish players and Rafa Benitez already irritated by the demand placed on Torres by the national side would definitely have had words with the Spanish authorities about Fernando, if he had been part of the Liverpool squad - goodness knows he is 100 times better than some of them!
The game tilted the way of the bibs and with the class of Stuart, Yusuf and Jason - it is no wonder. These three were like a triumvirate of Gerrard, Lampard and Barry that could actually gel.
Given that sort of midfield and attack and with the likes of newcomer Rory in defence, who scored on his debut with a priceless strike from 20 yards, and Luke masterful in attacking midfield, reminiscent of Alan Hudson in his prime, it was always going to be difficult for the bibless to maintain their slender advantage.
Dickon, Paul C and Paul O'C would have made Pink Floyd proud with their brick wall of a defence, whilst John did so much successful dribbling it was a surprise the pitch was not waterlogged, Andrew playing at less than full strength, nevertheless proved a handful and Matt and the relative newcomer Chris were powerhouses in midfield, but it was all to no avail as the bibless went down 12-9 when bad light stopped play.
The bibs were initially a man down, as the injured Andrew was not yet available to take to the pitch, and were quickly 2 goals behind, but the bibbed newcomer Fernando had to leave the pitch with an injured calf muscle and that levelled the playing field (pun intended).
There is a worrying trend as to how many injuries afflict Spanish players and Rafa Benitez already irritated by the demand placed on Torres by the national side would definitely have had words with the Spanish authorities about Fernando, if he had been part of the Liverpool squad - goodness knows he is 100 times better than some of them!
The game tilted the way of the bibs and with the class of Stuart, Yusuf and Jason - it is no wonder. These three were like a triumvirate of Gerrard, Lampard and Barry that could actually gel.
Given that sort of midfield and attack and with the likes of newcomer Rory in defence, who scored on his debut with a priceless strike from 20 yards, and Luke masterful in attacking midfield, reminiscent of Alan Hudson in his prime, it was always going to be difficult for the bibless to maintain their slender advantage.
Dickon, Paul C and Paul O'C would have made Pink Floyd proud with their brick wall of a defence, whilst John did so much successful dribbling it was a surprise the pitch was not waterlogged, Andrew playing at less than full strength, nevertheless proved a handful and Matt and the relative newcomer Chris were powerhouses in midfield, but it was all to no avail as the bibless went down 12-9 when bad light stopped play.
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