Falcons hit perfect 10 to start the New Year in style

The Falcons returned to league duty with a 10 goals to 3 romp against lowly Epsom Vagabonds at the Banbury Road North.

The Falcons soon took the lead when skipper Dave Hughes hit home after Steve Griffiths shot was blocked by a defender after a worked short corner. They soon doubled the lead when Peter Bennett was put though by a Neil Biggs aerial which allowed Peter to lift the ball cleverly over the onrushing keeper.

The Falcons were playing good hockey and Neil Biggs scored the third after getting on the end of a great team move to slide the ball into the empty net. The Falcons rang the changes for Dave Hughes and Paddy Roche to finish their afternoon work through injury and whilst the Falcons took their eye off the ball allowed Epsom to briefly get back into the game.

Firstly a stroke was awarded and Richard Wilsdon saved well with his stick low in the right corner. Defensive errors allowed Epsom to pull two goals back and briefly the game was close. The Falcons soon regained their initiative through two well take goals by Peter Bennett and Ian Sobey and the score was 5 goals to 2 at half time.

The second half was mostly one way traffic and Steve Griffiths soon added to the lead with a close range shot and Peter Bennett completed his hat trick after rounding the keeper to slot home. Peter set up Giles Roper to score before Steve Griffiths shot from a narrow angle to make the score 9 - 2. Epsom pulled a goal back before Peter Bennet made it 10 after a one two with Giles Roper.

A good start to the second half of the season and good hockey played throughout.

Thanks to Clive Jones for the photos.

Squad

Richard Wilsdon, Humphrey Battcock, Peter Bennett, Neil Biggs, Chris Billington, David Blomley, Angus Fletcher, Steve Griffiths, Tony Henman, Dave Hughes, John Kaluza, Mike Kentfield, Paddy Roche, Giles Roper, Ian Sobey

Player of the match: Neil Biggs

Scorers