27 March 2017
This week the Hockey Club entered it’s last ISHL fixture of the season. With three Abingdon teams who could potentially win the league, and two teams looking to remain unbeaten, it was going to be an exciting fixture against Marlborough.
Up first at the fortress Tilsley Park, on a sunny day were the 2s and 3s. After a tough lead up of results, it was going to be a difficult game against two strong Marlborough sides. With the crowd ready to cheer on a victory both sides unfortunately went down in two close matches.
The 1st team followed. After remaining unbeaten so far in the season, it was going to be a nervous and exciting match to finish. With a big crowd, the sun shining and music blaring the boys were ready for the biggest match of their school career. The match started off nervously, with both teams having chances at each end. Some good saves by both keepers kept the game at 0-0 at half time. The next bit didn’t go to plan, a good solo effort allowed Marlborough to go 1-0 just after half time. The Abingdon boys responded fantastically well, getting one back and then the flood gates opened. Abingdon played some fantastic free flowing hockey, opening up Marlborough in the final 20 minutes. With some great play down the left and the right, the boys ran in 3 goals in 12 minutes. That was that, a 4-1 victory to Abingdon, and an unbeaten season and winning the ISHL league. A fantastic achievement to all those involved.
At the same time the U15 As were looking to stay unbeaten in their ISHL league, and after a fantastic and clinical performance, they ran out 3-0 winners against a very strong Marlborough team. One of the stories of the days has to go to the U15 Bs. Needing to win by 5 or more goals to win the league they went into a top of the table clash with Marlborough. With a spring in their step and a brilliant warm up, the boys ran out 7-1 victors! Some fantastic performances all round and another Abingdon team winning an ISHL league.
The U16 As went away to Marlborough, with a depleted team due to illness. It was great to see them pull together and win 2-0 with a very solid performance indeed. After some newfound form, the U16 Bs went into the match full of confidence. Unfortunately, with two quick goals Marlborough put the game to bed, running out convincing winners in the end.
The U14 As were the other Abingdon team looking to go unbeaten this season, with a full squad they went to a good Marlborough side looking for a result. With some great team play, the U14s went 2-0 up. Marlborough claimed one back, but Abingdon defended stoically keeping them out and remaining unbeaten for the season, and winning the ISHL league. A huge achievement which all that have been involved should be proud of. The U14Bs and Cs unfortunately couldn’t make it the clean sweep of victories and had to settle for two losses.
Lower School
The Lower School had a great mid-week fixture against Thorngrove with four teams playing, it was good to get as many out as possible for their last fixture. The U12 As played some great hockey, with a slightly weakened team they managed to perform fantastically beating the U13 A side 2-1. The U13 Bs had a great game, with end to end play, a 1-1 draw. Both the U12 Bs and U12 Cs played brilliantly against their U13 Cs and Ds, winning 4-2 and 3-2 respectively.
So to conclude, what a great season: the 1st XI, U14 As and U15 Bs all won their leagues, with the 1st XI and U14 As remaining unbeaten. The U16 As, U15 As both came 2nd in their leagues. Overall another brilliant season, thank you to everyone who has been involved, catering, coaches, staff members, parents and most importantly the players themselves. Well done.
