On a day where the weather might have caused disruption and delay to the County Hockey Tournament, some brilliant group hockey ended in a tight final and eventual victory for Bloxham’s U15 Hockey Team.
The following report is given by U15 Coach, Mr Ford:
“The competition started with Bloxham girls taking on a strong Oxford High side. The girls took a while to get going in the game, starting in a sluggish manner. Oxford High went one nil up in the first half with a break through the Bloxham defence. The second half saw the Bloxham girls come out with a different attitude and some positive play down the right side meant the girls levelled the score and came away with the draw.
Next up in the tournament for Bloxham was Tudor Hall. Captain Franck- Steier made a rousing speech before the game to remind the team of their capabilities, which seemed to do the trick. Simple passes lead to some brilliant attacking play, resulting in the girls scoring four goals. In our third game we played Rye St Antony. Solid defensive contributions meant we build from the back, attacking the right side of the pitch as much as we could. Two simple attacking goals meant that Bloxham headed the table after their three games.
Bloxham met Oxford High for a second game in the afternoon; Bloxham seemed up for the final and knew they hadn’t demonstrated their best ability in the first game. Bloxham scored two early goals through solid attacking play and simplicity in the D. Oxford High, who had some quality players through the spine of their team, rallied to score two late in the second half. The Coaches came to an agreement that the best way to divide the teams was to play extra time. After a calming speech by Miss White and Mr Ford, the Bloxham squad managed to calm their heart rates, block out the crowd of supporters and pass the ball with control and accuracy. Two attacks down the right-hand side of the Oxford High defence ended in simple tap-ins at the back post meaning Bloxham won the final 4-2 after extra time.
Overall, the team as a collective should feel proud of their achievements; the quality of hockey and sportsmanship on display was credit to their attitude, skills, and perseverance. Thanks must go to all the schools, players, supporters, coaches, and umpires for a brilliant afternoon of hockey enjoyed in some wonderful conditions.”
For more photos of the tournament, be sure to visit the Bloxham Flickr
