27 February 2018
Week 6 saw the pupils back from half term and raring to go, with the U6th in mocks all week it was going to be a test when they faced Cheltenham at the weekend.
The Lower School began the week with games against New College and Thorngrove.
The U13As and Bs, are starting to improve their performances, with a bit more work rate and grit they could have got something against two very strong New College sides.
The U12 As continued their rich run of form, winning 5-2, a seriously good performance from a very talented bunch of boys. The U12 Bs also showed their class with a convincing 5-1 win over Thorngrove, some lovely flowing hockey saw them convert their chances well.
The main block fixture was against Cheltenham this weekend, with the 1st XI, U15As and U16Bs all looking to retain their titles from last years ISHL, it was set to be a great block.
The U14s and U15s were at the fortress Tilsley Park, with some beautiful weather (cold but sunny), the boys were prepped and ready to go. The U15s started well, with the U15As winning 6-2, with one exceptional piece of skill from Freddie Smith who threw an aerial which George Siriwardene hit first time to score a peach of a goal. The U15Bs had a tough day in the office, after a fantastic pre-half term performance where they won 2-1 against a very good Bloxham side, they struggled to gel as well as they had in the past and lost 4-1. The U15Cs were epic, they worked so hard for each other, creating overloads and defending like trojans, this led to a 2-1 win.
The U14As continued their rapid improvement, playing some nice hockey down the right hand side, with a little more luck they would have come away with a draw. The U14Bs, continue to impress, a 0-0 draw showed superb defence, with a little bit more directness in the oppositions D they would have won the game. The U14Cs were on the wrong end of a tightly fought game, with the game flowing from one end to the other they unfortunately lost 1-0.
Away at Cheltenham the 3rd XI were involved in a wonderful match, neck and neck to the final second, up steps Edward Cope to convert a penalty flick, after his drag flick was stopped by the Cheltenham players body on the line. Cooly, he converted it, leading the team to a 4-3 win, a spectacular game to watch. The 1st XI remain unbeaten, drawing 0-0 in an uneventful game. There were chances for Abingdon to win the game, however a little bit of rustiness and not being sharp enough in the D meant the boys drew. The 2nds struggled a little, with so many boys being in exams the week before, the dust took a while to wear off and they unfortunately found themselves 2-0 down before they knew what had hit them. A special mention to Dan Cooney, who is having a wonderful season at the heart of the team. The U16s produced two wonderful displays of hockey, the Bs seemed to have secured the ship and are putting together some very good displays as of late. The U16As continue to impress, with Nathan Hudson bagging a brace in a 3-1 win over the opposition.
Overall a fantastic week of hockey. Depending on weather we look forward to hosting Shiplake, Radley and Chandlings this week.
Please see the ISHL Hockey table.
We also have our hockey dinner fast approaching on 24 March, the event sells out quickly so please purchase your tickets from here.