24 March 2017
Saturday 18 March saw Abingdon host Cheltenham at Tilsley Park. With some brilliant fixtures over the past few years, it was going to be a close and intriguing contest for Abingdon Hockey Club.
The seniors played at home, off the back of some great wins over the past few weeks, the 1st XI put in an accomplished performance, against a very good Cheltenham side. The boys, dug in deep in the last 10 minutes to hold onto a 2-1 victory. The 2s and 3s played some great hockey, and unfortunately, although having lots of chances, both went down to strong Cheltenham sides.
The U16s were up next and were the pick of the results, the As played some fantastic flowing moves, opening up a good Cheltenham side. With some great interplay and strong defence the boys won 5-1. The turn around of the season so far has been the U16Bs, since half term they have been on a roll, and this match was no exception. Conor Chippendale scored a hatrick, leading the team to a 6-0 win.
Away from home the U14 As sought to continue their run of recent strong results. Up against a physical Cheltenham side, they showed real nerve and strength. 2-0 down at half time, they fought back and drew 2-2. The U14 Bs had a tough game against some tough opposition and unfortunately came away with a close loss. The U14 Cs battled hard but unfortunately were on the receiving end of a 3-0 loss.
The U15 As continued their good run of games, having still not lost in the ISHL league, they were unfortunate to concede in the last minute of the game and draw 2-2. It was a brilliant performance, and the boys showed real character to battle out against a physical Cheltenham team. The U15 Bs recorded an excellent result, with some free flowing hockey they managed to score 4 excellent goals, resulting in a 4-2 win. The U15Cs, have improved no end this season, and although a great effort, they unfortunately lost to a strong Cheltenham side.
Lower School
The Lower school had fantastic mid week block fixtures against St Andrew’s and Shiplake. The U12 B and Cs, played against a good Shiplake outfit. With some good structure and passing moves, they both came out victors 5-1 and 3-1 respectively. The U13s played two very competitive matches against St Andrew's. The B team, played some expansive and scintillating hockey, winning 9-2. The A team – once again played some great hockey, creating chances and taking them. In a hard and close fought match they managed to win 4-3.
Overall another fantastic week for the Hockey Club, this leads us into the final week next week with 3 teams able to win their ISHL league against Marlborough.