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Ladies' 4s Match Report

With a fantastic win the previous Saturday the 4’s were confident as they walked on to the pitch and our confidence was well placed as the score line was soon 1-0 to us thanks to a lovely goal from Stacey Couling. This was followed soon after by a goal off a short corner from Laurie Young, it seemed like we were on a roll and indeed we rolled on with a goal from Lotty Hiner slightly later in the first half. We didn’t have it all our own way though, an unmarked player from Phoenix & Ranelagh squeezed in a goal late in the second half.

We came out strong in the second half with another goal from Linda Phillips quickly added to the tally. The sound of the ball hitting the back board was heard again but sadly this time it wasn’t us, Phoenix had managed to score another scrappy goal. The opposition had multiple short corners in the second half but thanks to some great run outs by Emma Fitzsimons they were quickly cleared. Throughout the rest of the second half Hawk’s were very much in charge of the game and our sharp passing and great runs were rewarded by another two goals, one from Molly Warne and the other from Buffy Hiner. The score line finished a deserved 6-2 to Hawk’s and Laurie Young named Man of the Match.

Harriers Match Report

The Harriers continued their unbeaten record this season with a 2 -1 win over City of Oxford on a sandy pitch at St Gregs School. The young players in the side were ably supported by five adults (though only four on the pitch at any one time). However, in development leagues, only the u18s can score and it was Jess Oakhill who put Hawks ahead in the first half while City struggled to get into our D. City did score in the second half following up the rebound of an initially saved shot. However, Hawks continued to dominate possession and deserved the winner when Ella Markham scored from close range following a run of penalty corners. Jess Oakhill was voted 'Man of the match' for both her goal and creating many chances with some fine right wing play. Many thanks to Lisa Scragg for umpiring.

Squad: Purdy Stone, Ella Markham, Megan Wilds, Wendy Sobey, Laura Scragg, Jane Chilvers, Sally Clark, Sophie Bennett, Ann Powter, Jess Oakhill, Laura Osborne, Charis Knighton, Emily Black, Rebecca Black.

Falcons Match Report

Falcons 0 Poly Vets 0 MOM Dave Blomley

Falcons drew a blank in a competitive no score draw at home to Poly but remain the unbeaten this season. Poly have always been difficult opponents and even though outplayed for most of the second half deserved a draw through a resolute and hard working performance. The game started with Poly passing better and dictating the early stages of the game but not really looking like scoring. Dave Blomley, employed as a marking back, virtually reduced their dangerous centre forward to a handful of chances and deservedly won man of the match. As the half wore on the Falcons began to assert themselves and take control; there was a good chance for the skipper after Ian sobey squared well from the right but he hit the ball wide when he should have done better. Steve Griffiths nearly turned a short corner at the post but the ball went inches wide and the two sides went in level after a goal less first half.

The second half was a lot more one sided with the Falcons pushing forward throughout; the trio of Chris Billington, Steve Griffiths and John Kaluza causing all sorts of problems for an increasingly desperate Poly defence. The malaise of recent weeks of not scoring from short corners continued; Ian Sobey still not finding his range and not helped by the alternate striker, John Elliot, limping off with a pulled muscle at the beginning of the half. Despite having in excess of 10 short corners in the second half the elusive goal could not be found. Even when put through by John Kaluza, Dave Hughes only shot weakly when scoring looking easier. More chances fell to Steve Griffiths and Ian Sobey with the latter shooting only just wide when trying his open stance half volley with the loyal support expecting a goal.

As the half wore on Poly had a couple of breakaways and Richard Wilsdon, who had had a quiet day, saving smartly by diving at the forward’s stick to smother the shot. For once the Poly centre forward got away from the attentions of Dave Blomley and should have scored but shot wide of Wilsdon left post. It would have been an injustice with the amount of pressure and play from the Falcons but it must be remembered how the Falcons have stolen the points against Poly in the past seasons without being totally the better side. Poly are a good organised side and will take points of other of the top sides and have already drawn with Reading, the champions of last year. The game ended with a series of short corners with the whistle having gone but play continued until the corner finished; the penultimate shot hit wide by Ian Sobey fell to John Kaluza who could not quite deflect the ball in from a difficult angle. A goalless draw but not a dull game, Falcons remain in second place behind Epsom who won 5 – 2 again Haslemere.

A brief mention of the crowd; friends and ex-players turned up and especially nice to see Roland Cullam and Barry Jamieson. And thanks to PJ and Dave Robson for all their continued support and sage advice as always!

Ladies' 1s Match Report

Oxford Hawks ladies played away this week against Hampstead and Westminster. It was a good match, both teams really displaying a fighting spirit for the three points. Hampstead scored first but to be followed soon after by an open play goal from Fi Walton. Anna French threaded a great pass up the right hand side, picked up by Zoe Salter, crossed and slotted in the back of the net by Walton. 1-1 at the break left both sides eager to score early on in the second half. Unfortunately this was from H and W with a good short corner strike. Though Oxford Hawks had much play in the second half in their attacking quarter they were unlucky to not score, or even win any short corners. The final score was 2-1 and the ladies were disappointed with another loss, but certainly are returning to their earlier ways and looked much more defensively strong and with great up front leads. Clare Collis at the back had another strong game with her third consecutive MOM performance!