U14 Boys finish 3rd in Regional Finals Cluster Competition

Three games of hockey in the Regional finals in Woking was the task facing the only 12 boys left able to play for Hawks this first weekend of the school holidays. Meeting in Woking the first task was to learn each other’s names. We are immensely grateful to George Markham for bringing his birthday party guests to play for us!

 Game 1: Woking 7 Oxford Hawks 0

 The Woking team was a tough first game. They appeared to have a full squad and attached hard. Woking scored 5 good goals despite some sound defending by Ben, Jon and Harry, good saves by Callum. Unfortunately Ben went down just before half time and needed a trip to the minor injuries unit with a broken nose, however he came back and asked if he could join the club in full next season, so obviously not put off by the experience. The team struggled on with a fixed 11, many of whom had to play in unfamiliar positions but in the second half only 2 goals conceded and a much better shape to the team.

 Game 2: Lichfield 5 Oxford Hawks 1

 The game against Lichfield began well with Hawks boys commanding the game and attacking positively. Unfortunately the final goal shots did not hit the target causing frustration to creep in and heads to drop. Lichfield seized their opportunity and before the half time had scored 3 times from counter attacks. In the second half George scored a great goal and for a moment heads came up but despite Lichfield playing with 10 men for much of the half again the goals eluded the Hawks team and before final whistle Lichfield had scored 2 more goals.

 Game 3: Worcester 1 Oxford Hawks 3

 Final game and another chance to show just what skills the team possessed. Worcester were playing with a depleted team but to their credit opted to play a Hawks full team. Hawks again created opportunities but did not appear able to covert them until Freddie finally bundled one in passed the keeper. As the game progressed passing began to improve and players created further opportunities resulting in another goal for George. Worcester played hard and fought well to get a goal back, again in counter attacking play. All the players were tiring in the heat at this point but there was one last attack and a great pass to Jack gave him his scoring chance, a well deserved goal for Jack who had worked hard consistently all day.

 All the players today worked hard but of particular note were Billy, Freddie, Harry, Nick and Jack who seemed maintain 100% commitment throughout the day so well done boys.

 Finally huge thanks again to Max, Freddie, Billy, and Ben for joining us today and I sincerely hope we see them all for a full season next year.

Squad

Ben Barrett, George Chambers, Callum Chapman, Jack Firoozan, Jonathan Flory, Billy Garrett, Nicholas Mahon, George Markham, Freddie Morrel, Robbie Scragg, Harry Thomas, Max Thompson