Abingdonian 2017

38 The Abingdonian Football A tough and busy pre-season training camp set the tone for what was to be another very enjoyable and successful season for the Football Club. With a handful of new fixtures on what is an ever more challenging fixture card, the energy, enthusiasm and commitment shown by all staff and players involved was terrific, and with the development of Tilsley Park at the foundation, the 2017 season had the potential to be a very promising one. There were a number of stand out performances, with the U16 As beating Bedford Modern and Radley, the 1st XI beating St John’s Leatherhead away from home, and the U14 As beating Bedford Modern. However more importantly, participation levels were again at their highest, and with the development of Old Abingdonian involvement, the 2017 season was another positive step in the right direction for the Football Club. After an enjoyable Champions League tournament throughout the Michaelmas Term, and off the back of pre-season, the U12 A and B teams scored 12 goals collectively in their respective wins against Reading Grammar before then going on to beat Caldicott and Dragon to name only two. The U13s performed admirably on what is an ever more demanding list of fixtures, and were justly rewarded with 4-2 and 2-0 wins over St Hugh’s for the U13 A and B teams respectively. There was great excitement and anticipation around the U14s, and the A’s got their season up and running with a 3-1 win over Aylesbury Grammar before going on to beat Bedford Modern and Reading. Oliver Deans showed that even a centre half can score goals for fun, whilst the Bs followed the philosophy of the As, moving the ball with style and opening teams up as they put nine past Bedford Modern as well as beating schools including Oratory and Cokethorpe. Despite a number of cancellations, the U14 Cs maintained their enthusiasm throughout the season, with highlights including a 1-1 draw against Radley and 3-2 win over Hampton School. After a stuttering start to the season the U15 As got their season up and running with a 7-2 victory over Wellingborough before getting the better of Cokethorpe, Oratory and putting nine past Bedford Modern. The U15 Bs will feel that on other occasions they could have got a lot more out of the 2017 season, however a 3-1 win over Wellingborough and 1-1 draw with Radley were thoroughly deserved. After a slow start to the season, the U15 Cs finished the season in style with a well earned 5-1 victory over Radley College as well as victories over Shiplake and Berkhamsted. The U16s could not be faulted for their efforts this year, and having based themselves on the 1st XI philosophy, the U16 As were justly rewarded for their hard work and efforts with three terrific wins over Bedford Modern, Radley College and Berkhamsted to finish the season. The U16 Bs were aided by Adewale Adebutu‘s goals as they overcame opposition including Oratory, Bedford Modern and Reading Grammar, Adewale scoring a hat-trick in all three fixtures. A 3-0 win over Berkhamsted was a fantastic way for the U16 Cs to finish their season. Despite their best efforts and tireless training on Upper Field, the 5th XI came off second best in all three fixtures played this year. However their effort cannot be questioned. A tough pre- season schedule and strong backroom staff for the 4th XI put them in a strong position ahead of the season and they didn’t disappoint going on to win seven