Beware opponents who head off for warm-ups in summer league games

It had stopped raining when we arrived, but when we witnessed a youthful oxford side made up mostly of university students head off in unison for a group warm-up, Hawks Mens A  (with the " A" by no means a ranking order) the skippers words that we might be in for a tough late evening start to the summer league was ringing in our ears as we took to the pitch.

The game was much closer than we imagined with some good but initially cautious play and only occasional gifts of possession made to our skilful and energetic opponents.

The team quickly got to know each other and built some fluidity despite a mix of players from across the club from the top tiers to the ageing masters the opposition soon realised they were in for a fight and so it proved going in 2-2 at the break.

With renewed vigour and belief the game was there for the taking Hawks came out with belief and took the fight to Oxford, triumphing in the second half by adding a further 3 goals to only 1 more conceded to the opposition.

A great start to the campaign, but tougher test will lay ahead especially having watched family Laird tear Oxford B apart in the preceding game!

Final Score 5-3