Ladies' 1s lose 0 - 3 to Isca in friendly

Oxford Hawks journeyed down to Exeter to face National League Division One South side Isca in their final friendly before the league starts. Hawks started strong almost opening the scoring in the first couple of minutes, but Catherine Reaney’s strike went narrowly wide. Isca settled into the game and put some pressure on Lydia de Pedro’s goal, but the Hawks defence handled everything thrown at them. Isca took the lead after ten minutes after a strong drive and finish from close range by an Isca forward. Hawks responded well winning multiple penalty corners and came close to levelling, but it was Isca who struck next and doubled their lead with a well taken reverse stick strike from the top of the D. 

After half time Isca extended their lead with a right post deflection from a penalty corner, but Hawks came back strong with Becky Hibbert in fine form in midfield, using her skill and pace to comfortably handle the strong Isca press. Hawks played some outstanding passing hockey in the third quarter, and won many more corners but were unable to convert. There were some tired legs in the final quarter but neither side were able to score. Final score 3-0 to Isca but Hawks were happy with the performance against the higher league side and go into their league opener against Penarth on Saturday full of confidence.