High-flying Slough meet a determined Hawks 3s
28 January 2017, 15:00, Banbury Road North (Near)
Men's 3s 1 - 6 Slough Men's 1s
Although Slough had dropped points over the past few weeks Hawks knew that at full strength they were the strongest team in the league. Fielding a team combining youth, experience and Brookes' old boys, Hawks looked to carry on their excellent form over the previous few games.
Fired up by Nevard’s tactical master class, a slick pre match warm up and a rousing talk in the huddle, reminiscent of Branagh’s Henry V, Hawks started the game well. Both Jake Taylor and Cameron Saint started to cause problems in attack whilst the defensive wall created by Big Rob and Danish held firm.
A somewhat fortuitous short corner goal from Slough appeared to slightly deflate the Hawks confidence and only a desperate cry from coach Dunleavy of ‘come on Hawks’ galvanised the troops. Mistakes from Baldock were pounced upon as Slough ran into a 3 goal lead at half time.
Half time
Dunleavy, Monk and Baldock spoke with real passion at half time, although it was a relief when the cracked record stopped and the umpires signalled the restart.
Second Half
With the words of wisdom now polluting the beautiful North Oxford skyline, Hawks started to play with improved poise and penetration. A comeback seemed on the cards, but a 4th Slough goal was scored against the run of play. At this stage of proceedings, thoughts briefly turned towards High Street Jewellers and the current price of gold. The free running Monk appearing to be very interested in both and started up a lengthy conversation with Slough’s front man. I believe that both players agreed that existence of online shopping was causing problems for the jewellery trade.
Back to the match and following a barnstorming run by Danish, Hawks opened their account with Webster deadly from 29cms. Hawks believed, Coach Dunleavy believed, Monk believed that H Samuel still offered good value for money. Unfortunately two further goals from Slough in the last quarter of the game sealed their victory.
A 6-1 result somewhat flattered the league leaders although the excellent Tom Biggs picking up the man of the match award did suggest that the Slough could have scored plenty more. Did Dunners A or Dunners B say that he is turning out to be a good keeper? Perhaps we'll never know.
A mention also for Ollie Dunn who had a solid game in Hawks defence and competed strongly against a talented Slough forward line.
Final thoughts... Was he wearing 5 or 6 earrings and just how much would they be worth following Brexit?