Aka: Vertigo

No, not that film where Cary Grant (or was it Gregory Peck?) climbs up the presidents' noses on that mountain in America (for those old and sad enough to remember.) NB younger people will just think I'm rambling and Jonathan Ross is safe on his film reviews! I digress. No, Vertigo refers to the amazingly high league position that we find ourselves in. We went into this game third (yes, third) on goal difference and must now be at least third or even second! Having NEVER risen above midway in our table we are in serious danger of vertigo! And we love it!!

An eclectic, loud bunch, we have thoroughly gelled as a team. We work hard for each other, are unfailingly supportive and have a really good laugh along the way. Even when those cheeky thirds (thank you Fay) pinch our key players, they loyally roll out to support us, as do other injured (and pregnant) team members. Such is the spirit of the 4's.

So, what of the game? Well, we won! I could ramble on about particularly fine crosses and intelligent one-twos but that's not really our style and I can't remember anyway. What I do recall is that our forwards made repeated runs, storming the goal time after time after (some?) time. Our halves battled away relentlessly and our defence soaked up everything thrown at them and helped push forward, so much so that poor old Rowie, in goal, only touched the ball once.

A good luck wish to Nicky who took a ball in the mouth. Luckily her teeth are fine she just (just?) has a split lip. Rough old game but then we all know that.

Big thanks again to Tim for umpiring - he and Paul keep us going and we appreciate it!

Bicester next... bring it on!

Team : Rowie, Ann, Sue B, Mel, Andrea, Alice, Jacqui S, Nicky, Gabriella, Laura S, Claire K and Jackie H.

SATURDAY 11TH DECEMBER - CHRISTMAS PARTY

Being untraditional and wanting an alternative to mulled wine and mince pies, this years theme is Cocktails and Tapas. More details will follow.

Thank you to the following that umpired for us last weekend:

1ST BIRTHDAY PARTY - THIS SATURDAY

We are having a black tie ball to celebrate our first birthday. Tickets are £30 and all profits raised are going towards our chosen charity, the Williams Fund.

Ticket price includes champagne on arrival, buffet dinner and a vodka martini later on in the evening. Entertainment will include casino tables, cabaret, magician and a dj till late. We'll be open until 2am.

If you would like to come along then please contact Rach or Fred on 01753 887596 for a ticket.

EASTER TOUR

Right, it is that time of year again when we start thinking about where we are going to go at Easter. This year we have 2 options, Folkestone and Dublin. We now want to get some feedback so we can make an informed desicion on where people want to go.

If we have enough people on each tour then there is the possibilty of running 2 tours but we need to see how many people we get first!!!! Please email your preference to Geobrown@ge.cokecce.com and Fayrider@hotmail.com (Please copy both of us in on your email) and any questions that you may have.

Thanks, Geoff and Fay

LOST FIRST AID KIT

Monday night saw two more games in the B League at Wycombe High School, and proved to be the toughest two matches in this league so far. The first game against Wycombe High School B saw A&C under tremendous pressure from a very well coached and skilful young side (containing the twin younger sisters of Emma Thomas whose flick has caused Catherine so much pain).

After Helen Marsden took a heavy blow on the knee saving a corner, A&C responded with an excellent corner conversion by Caroline Coates to take the lead mid way through the first half. The rest of the half saw near misses at both ends as an excellent game developed, but the second half saw A&C pinned back and defending half a dozen penalty corners. In the last couple of minutes Wycombe High finally managed to break down the well organised corner defence for a deserved equaliser, although we might have nicked it with a couple of counter attacks that saw shots shave posts or well saved by the school keeper.

The second game against South Bucks saw A&C concede an early lead, but then come back to take control with two sharply taken goals by Al Spicer and a corner from Caroline. The second half was an even contest with Lynda playing particularly well in her first spell at right back this season, and Louise, Lynda and Caroline developing a good mix of options to get the ball out to the forwards. Towards the end South Bucks managed a second goal, but A&C held on fairly comfortably for another win.

Which leaves the league table with Wycombe High B and A&C clearly battling it out for the title.

Lastly, we discovered that before the A league games last week, A&C were bottom of the table - and after two wins, we were top!!! It is a very tight competitive league and means that there is all to play for in both Leagues, and demonstrates we are continuing to prepare well for the South Tournament in January.

Following strong performances the previous two weeks A&C Mens 1st XI travelled away to Bicester for what pre-match pundits considered a possible banana skin fixture. Despite fielding a weakened squad (the mens 1st's still continuing to be the most prominent contributor to the 'Mummy's Little Soldiers' list) the team started purposefully with the now common, assured passing/movement under the direction of new coach Steve Jack.

Following constant pressure on the Bicester 'D', Chiles slotted home from close range following a well worked short corner routine. The lead being doubled a few minutes later with another well drilled short corner which found Crossman who netted again from close range.

Bicester responded with a couple of attacks of their own but found the A&C defence difficult to break down and when finding a shooting opportunity saw Lovelace in fine form to deny. A&C then continued to totally dominate the remainder of the half scoring twice more. The first following a strong challenge and run by Keenan on the left, who's pass found Martin who powered into the 'D' and fired ferociously into the bottom right. The second following fine stick work saw Martin fire a precise pass across the face of the Bicester goal allowing Cartledge an easy tap in, followed by a dive. Earlier Scott had hit the post after a fine individual run and reverse stick shot.

A&C started the second half brightly, seeking to improve on their goal difference with chances falling to Crossman, Chiles, Scott and Martin. It was however debutant Andy Carruthers who extended A&C's lead further. Following a fine movement down the right, a pass inside from Scott found Carruthers in space in front of goal. After a moment to compose himself he caressed the ball into the open net to cap a fine individual performance. Further A&C attacks followed but a combination of some interesting umpiring decisions, Van Duyvenbode running out of pitch and a lack of composure meant that the lead could not be improved further.

With the end of the game nearing, A&C backed off the pace and allowed Bicester to score two well taken consolation goals.

A&C welcome league leaders Mill Hill to Newlands Park next week for what should be a keenly contested game.

Team: Lovelace, Van Duyvenbode, Chiles, Van Eestren, Keenan, Turner, Jack, Martin, Crossman, Carruthers, Scott, Cartledge

Man of Match: Richard Martin
Donkey of Match: Shambles (again?!)