11 February 2020
Week 5 proved to be another busy week for the Hockey Club.
The U13s and U12s started proceedings with well contested matches against Shiplake on Tuesday. It was goals galore in all matches with the U13As winning 8-3, the U13 Bs winning 5-2 and the U12Cs losing a close encounter 3-5. Shiplake travelled to us again on Wednesday; where their 1st XI played our 2nd XI. The 2nd XI was ruthless, playing great patterns and winning 5-0.
On Saturday we welcomed Cheltenham to the fortress, Tilsley Park. The U14As and Bs produced some hard fought displays winning 2-1 and 1-0. The U14Cs were unfortunate, playing some wonderful flowing hockey, they lost 1-2, but were denied many times by last ditch tackles and some good goalkeeping!
The U15 As produced a great performance, they really came together as a team and ground out a 1-0 win. The U15 Bs are playing some amazing hockey but unfortunately couldn’t quite squeeze out a win against a competent Cheltenham side. The U15Cs’ match report is below, thank you to Mark for writing it:
We arrived at this match having not yet won a game and eager to do so. We were missing multiple key players because they were ill or unavailable, but we still thought we were able to win. Cheltenham won the toss and elected to start, however, despite them having an early advantage, we were able to dominate possession and territory. Towards the end of the half, Thomas Harding scored, and we were in the lead. The second half got off to a very strong start, with Tom scoring his second goal in the first play of the match, however, we began to get tired and they took advantage and scored. We had a chance to get further in the lead with two short corners but we were unlucky in both. With very little time to spare, Tom Sherwood scored our third goal and we won the match. Abingdon 3, Cheltenham 1
The U16As played brilliant hockey, having altered their tactics over the past week, they were heroic in defence and clinical in attack, winning 2-0. The 4th XI was hard at work, continuing their winning streak and winning 3-1. The 3rd XI remain unbeaten winning the match 2-1, however there could have been many more goals if the boys were more clinical in-front of goal. The 2s were hit by illness, fielding 11, they knew it was going to be a tough match. With some brilliant play they won 4-1 in a convincing performance. The 1st XI march on, winning 4-0. They played some excellent hockey, counter attacking quickly and defending superbly 1 on 1.
Overall an awesome week, 12 out of 15 fixtures won!
We look forward to the U13s and U12s playing New College on Wednesday this week and the 1st XI facing Sir William Borlase’s in the National Cup.
Thank you to all and have a great half term.
