Oxford Hawks Mens 1's v Banbury

Hawks travelled the short distance up the M40 to Banbury, a truly wonderful, heart-warming town in North Oxfordshire. Despite the heart-felt warmth that arrival in Banbury gave the team, the outside temperature was not so cooperating. Along with the temperature, there was more disappointment on the face of DOD Dan Rhodes as he was informed he was supposed to have bought the away shirts with him, a feat that he did not complete… Alas, Will Murch’s cousin to the rescue! The incredibly kind, gorgeous Alice Murch turned up with 5 minutes to spare, equipped with said shirts - fantastic lady.

The game started at a high intensity, the action end-to-end. Hawks took the lead after a well-worked counter attack, Kit Cutter on the end of the move with a simple deflection. Despite 3 short corners, the lead remained at 1 with 30 minutes gone in the half. A run down Banbury short corner fell straight to an unmarked Banbury player, finishing high into the net. 1-1. Moments later, some sloppy outletting from (normally) trustworthy captain Dom Roche led to Banbury possession in the Hawks half.  A slick move followed, and a tap in at the back post left Hawks 2-1 down at the half.

Minutes into the second half, a scrappy affair took place within the Hawks 23, with the ball breaking to a Banbury player in the D, just yards from Phil Hargraves’ goal, leaving him with a simple finish.  3-1. Relentless Hawks pressure followed, but to no avail. it finished 3-1. 

Match report : Dan Rhodes    DOD  Dan Rhodes    MOM Rob Dunnil