4s acquit themselves well in 0-1 defeat

Buckingham Ladies 4s arrived at Bicester with a squad including several players completely new to senior hockey. The girls settled quickly and began to press Bicester hard. The defense was held rock solid by Daisy Daymond in goal and Man of the Match Rotimi Joseph, creating a secure foundation for several new young players to rotate in to the team. Great commitment in midfield, with Jemima Hughes and Georgie Pittwood outstanding, created a constant stream of attacks against the Bicester 23 and prevented the more mature Bicester players from capitalising on their greater experience. At half-time Buckingham had very creditably held Bicester to 0-0, having defended against several short corners effectively, with Joseph's contribution as first runner crucial.

Buckingham restarted a little shakily but they were determined to keep tussling and stopped Bicester from dominanting play. They won several short corners in the second half but have yet to find their touch in how to convert. The Bicester goal finally came 8 minutes from time when a Buckingham defensive free hit from just outside the D was smartly intercepted and put away before the Buckingham defense could react. Buckingham pushed hard for the rest of match to find an equaliser, but their failure to find their finishing touch ensured the score stayed at 1-0 to Bicester.

Overall it was a very promising performance from a young Buckingham side, many of whom had never played together before.