1 February 2017
Abingdon Hockey Club had another busy week.
Midweek the pupils had block fixtures against Stowe and New College and the U13 squad had the County Championships.
U13 County Championships
The U13 County Championships were held at Oxford Hawks, with four other schools to play against the boys played back to back fixtures. With a strong team out, Abingdon showed some brilliant, fast flowing, attacking hockey, playing good patterns down the right hand side. The only thing missing was the finishing, with two tight games against New College and Bloxham, the boys played out of their skins, but failed to convert their chances, leading to two draws. Next up was Lord Williams's School, with the boys playing well, the flood gates opened and Abingdon won a convincing 4-0. Still undefeated, the boys faced MCS. With blows exchanged at both ends, the match was very even, with good play by both sides. And then step up Caspar Mannix, with a bullet of a reverse stick shot, he brought Abingdon level with MCS. A frantic last five minutes saw some great hockey from both sides. The game ended 1-1. Leaving Abingdon undefeated in the tournament. Well done to all those involved.
Radley
Another fantastic weekend, with a block fixture against local rivals Radley.
With 11 teams competing, it was going to be an exciting set of matches.
The U14 As led by Mr Golding, were struck down by a bout of illness, however with the core of the team still available, and others able to step in the match was still on. The A team, have been playing some fantastic hockey, winning all their matches so far. With Radley looking strong, the boys played out of their skins, winning 5-1.
The 1st XI continued their good start to the season, with a fast and frantic game away. It was a good performance by the boys, playing most of the hockey throughout the game. They were unlucky not to take the 3 points, but a good learning curve and a solid 2-2 draw.
At the fortress Tilsley Park the wins kept coming in, the U15 As, Bs and Cs all recorded victories, with three very well fought fixtures.
Overall it was a fantastic block fixture, where the boys competed well across the board with some great wins and heroic draws. It was the best performance against Radley in the last three years. Well done to all involved.
We look forward to a busy next week, with fixtures vs Shiplake, U14 County Finals and a block fixture against Bloxham on Saturday.
