3 February 2022
Last Saturday saw the Hockey Club take on Marlborough College at U13 to U18 level. See the individual match reports below:
1st XI
In what was a thrilling game, the 1st XI will be disappointed in the result. The game ended 5-5 with Marlborough scoring after the final whistle with a short corner routine. The game itself started well for Abingdon, taking an early goal lead through some excellent team play. Marlborough replied quickly to level the scores half way through the first half. Abingdon stepped up their play winning multiple short corners which Caspar Mannix found the net twice to give Abingdon a 3-1 lead. After a counter attack goal for Abingdon we found ourselves 4-1 up going into the last few minutes of the first half, only for Marlborough to get their own counter attack goal to bring the half time score to 4-2. Marlborough started the second half the better team and found an early goal to bring the game to within one at 4-3. After a fantastic bit of skill Luke Hooper scored to bring our lead back out to 2. However Marlborough didn’t give up the fight and managed to score twice in the last 8 minutes to finish the game 5-5.
2nd XI
Abingdon’s 2nd XI produced their best display of the season so far, eventually losing 2-1 to a strong Marlborough side, the scoreline and performance showed good character and improvement in skill levels and team play. We’re getting closer to that first win of the season! The first half saw us dominate the play for long periods, with Ollie Sutton (our man of the match) pulling the strings in midfield. Jamie Firth showed quick thinking and great skill to capitalise in a busy penalty area to put us in front. Marlborough made it 1-1 before the break and they came out fighting in the second half, showing impressive fitness and physicality leading to relentless pressure on our back line, eventually scoring the decisive winning goal.
3rd XI
In a better performance the 3rd XI were unlucky to lose 3-0 in a close game which could have seen goals at both ends.
U16 A
The U16 As continued their winning ways with a fantastic 8-1 win. In a game where they conceded first, they came back strong and found their class to score 8 well worked goals.
U15 A
The U15 As had an unusually slow start to the match meaning that they were unable to get their rhythm going. Both sides lost possession frequently, causing a really scrappy yet intense first half that finished 0-0. Having regrouped at half time, Abingdon started the second half with better intent. The passing and movement of players improved, leading to more chances and short corners. Sam Siriwardene put Abingdon 1-0 up and Xavi McGuire scored to make it 2-0 off a very well worked short corner. Despite Marlborough getting one goal back, the Abingdon defence worked hard to ensure the win after a really hard-fought match.
U15 B
A frustrating game for the U15 Bs on Saturday. We conceded two early goals in the first half against a physically strong Marlborough outfit, who dominated proceedings up until half time. Despite coming out fighting in the second half and playing the better hockey, Marlborough caught us on the break and made it 3-0 which unfortunately took the wind out of our sails. We will look to bounce back next weekend against Teddies.
U15 C
The U15 C team performed admirably against Marlborough last weekend. With some superb performances across the pitch it was excellent to see a team developing in both skill and confidence. Despite falling behind to an early second half goal, the team remained composed and ambitious. A great performance of which they should be very proud.
U14 A
The U14 As recorded a good 1-0 after a loss last week. The team was back working together and moving the ball better to try and open up the defence.
U14 B
The U14 B squad adopted a strong focus in a tough match against Marlborough College. Abingdon dominated the first quarter, with an excellent goal by Matthew Robson giving the team an early lead. Marlborough’s forwards came back strong, but struggled to break through Abingdon’s defence and, with man of the match Jamie Ross making some fantastic saves, the U14 Bs secured an Abingdon win and retained their streak of having not conceded a goal all season.
U14 C
The U14 Cs were dominant in the first half, with several short corners awarded and some near-misses from Ru and Iestyn. Some strong clearances from goalie Ned kept the scoresheet at 0-0 until the last few minutes of the game, where Marlborough snuck past our defensive line and scored a last minute goal to finish 1-0 to the opposition.
U13 A
The U13 As produced a strong performance against Marlborough’s U14 Cs, dominating possession but getting a bit bogged down in the middle. When they did manage to move the ball quickly and get it into the attacking third, they looked dangerous and scored 4 well taken goals through Casper Whitfield (3) and Zack Gold (1).
