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Sat 16 Nov 2019 · Middx, Berks, Bucks & Oxon - Division 3
Oxford Hawks 5
Mens 1st XI
3
2
Oxford Hawks 3 Buckingham 2
Zak Jones19 Nov 2019 - 16:35
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Men Narrowly Defeated
Buckingham Mens’ tough run of away results continued last weekend with a narrow 3-2 loss to the in-form Oxford Hawks.
With several debutants in the matchday squad, Buckingham gelled well and played attractive hockey from the start. Hawks’ side included plenty of experienced players and proved to be tough opposition as they sped to a 2-0 lead within the opening 12 minutes, exploiting any gaps in Buckingham’s defence.
Buckingham stayed resilient and continued to play in the same fashion, coached on by Ben Scott from the sidelines, which eventually drew them back into the game. Charlie Maclure, who was heavily involved in both of Buckingham’s goals, played a neat one-two and broke into the D, forcing a double save from the home goalkeeper. As the ball was scrambled wide by the defence, Joe Jorritsma pulled the ball back into play to the perfect position for Keegan Gregory to sweep home to half the deficit. Moments later, Buckingham were level as fine build-up play from Maclure allowed a diving George Wood to finish from close range, somehow diverting the ball goalwards from between two defenders. Buckingham finished the half with the attacking momentum and a short corner routine went narrowly wide.
Hawks came back into the game early in the second half, with periods of sustained pressure. Buckingham’s MOTM Sam Riley was pivotal in breaking up several threatening attacks, playing across the midfield and defence as required. Eventually though, a messy scrap inside the Buckingham area allowed Oxford to restore their advantage. Buckingham tried to push forwards to get the equaliser, and in the final minutes, as their goalkeeper was pulled from the pitch in favour of an 11th outfield player, they did have chances to earn a point. Unfortunately they fell just short as the last strike of the game from distance narrowly missed the attackers’ sticks in the area resulting in a home set piece, and with it, a hard-earned 3 points.
Buckingham are next in action against Henley at Stowe on Saturday 23rd with a 12.20pm pushback.
With several debutants in the matchday squad, Buckingham gelled well and played attractive hockey from the start. Hawks’ side included plenty of experienced players and proved to be tough opposition as they sped to a 2-0 lead within the opening 12 minutes, exploiting any gaps in Buckingham’s defence.
Buckingham stayed resilient and continued to play in the same fashion, coached on by Ben Scott from the sidelines, which eventually drew them back into the game. Charlie Maclure, who was heavily involved in both of Buckingham’s goals, played a neat one-two and broke into the D, forcing a double save from the home goalkeeper. As the ball was scrambled wide by the defence, Joe Jorritsma pulled the ball back into play to the perfect position for Keegan Gregory to sweep home to half the deficit. Moments later, Buckingham were level as fine build-up play from Maclure allowed a diving George Wood to finish from close range, somehow diverting the ball goalwards from between two defenders. Buckingham finished the half with the attacking momentum and a short corner routine went narrowly wide.
Hawks came back into the game early in the second half, with periods of sustained pressure. Buckingham’s MOTM Sam Riley was pivotal in breaking up several threatening attacks, playing across the midfield and defence as required. Eventually though, a messy scrap inside the Buckingham area allowed Oxford to restore their advantage. Buckingham tried to push forwards to get the equaliser, and in the final minutes, as their goalkeeper was pulled from the pitch in favour of an 11th outfield player, they did have chances to earn a point. Unfortunately they fell just short as the last strike of the game from distance narrowly missed the attackers’ sticks in the area resulting in a home set piece, and with it, a hard-earned 3 points.
Buckingham are next in action against Henley at Stowe on Saturday 23rd with a 12.20pm pushback.
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