Abingdon Hockey Club

Ladies 1s beat top of the league

abingdonhockey — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:01:01 +0000

It was a cloudy day on Saturday 5the November and Abingdon1s took on table leaders Kidlington. They attacked from the beginning but our defence was strong, with some excellent tackles, about 15 minutes
into the first half a run was made by Shani down the left wing with help from Keziah. A short corner was won. Sarah pushed out to Gemma whoreceived it and passed to Jen who drew the keeper out who thought she was going to take a shot, instead she passed across goal to Keziah who put it in the net to make it 1-0. They can back quickly and got a goal back. The ball was moved quickly from end to end of the pitch, with some excellent passes and tackles throughout the team. At half time the score was 1-1. The second half was tough. The play was moving from end to end and we had our chances but their defence was strong. There were some good one-twos down the wings between Sarah, Kes and Kythe. Good tackles were made from Hannah, Sinead, Claire and Louisa in the defence, to help prevent the ball from going into our defensive D, and making their forwards work hard. Good runs were made by Jen and Gemma made some good, strong tackles and runs to get the ball in our attacking D. Charlotte made several amazing saves in one go when they were attacking hard. Kes, Kythe, Tash and Sarahworked hard to drive the ball into our attacking D. towards the end we realised that we could actually win this match and we became more determined. Two minutes towards the end we got a short corner. Tash hit it hard and was lifted, but the goal keeper saved it. Sarah was there with the rebound and it went in. A text book short corner! The final whistle went and the score was 2-0 to us. We enjoyed sausage and chips for match tea. Gemma was voted man of the match as she made some amazing tackles and runs down the middle.Everyone played really well and should be pleased with how we played. The end result was fantastic. Well Done Everyone!!

Abingdon mens 2s beat Milton Keynes

abingdonhockey — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:12:58 +0000

Abingdon 6, MK 4

Scorers- Jim (2), Lloyd (2), Fungai, Chris

After a ten goal epic Abingdon came out on top pleased with their first win of
the season, they will also be pleased with an excellent performance all round
to go with it.

From the first whistle both teams showed attacking intent but the best of the
chances were in Abingdon’s favour with Will hitting the post midway through
the half, but the breakthrough came 6 minutes before half time with Jim
and Lloyd scoring two goals in quick succession and Abingdon went in 2-0 up
deservedly at halftime.

The second half was to produce a massive eight goals. It begun 2 minutes
after the restart with Milton Keynes pulling one back but the initial comeback
lasted less than 5 minutes with the two goal lead restored after Jim grabbed
his second of the game, then almost straight away Milton Keynes got their
second and pulled it back to 3-2. Abingdon continued pile on the pressure in an
attempt to reduce the goal difference inflicted in previous matches and it was
again helped with Fungai and Lloyd scoring another quick double and made it
5-2, the lead was reduced after a lapse in concentration allowed Milton Keynes
to grab an undeserved 3rd. Abingdon carried on dictating play and attacking at
will and their scoring was capped off with Chris slotting home from the edge of
the ‘D’. Milton Keynes scored a forth from a short corner which was the last hit
of the match.

Abingdon will be elated with their first win of the season, with an impressive
attacking display; however they will feel they could have stopped some sloppy
goals against which gave Milton Keynes a generous 2 goal deficit.

Ladies 2s unlucky away

abingdonhockey — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:10:54 +0000

Ladies 1s tough battle against Milton Keynes

The ladies1s had a tough match this week against Milton Keynes 3s. Both sides came out raring to go,
promising the start of a close match. Milton Keynes began the assault, crossing the ball quickly from one side
of the pitch to another. Our defence responded with some crunching tackles from Kirsty and superb clears by
Sinead, which opened up the pitch allowing us to really attack their defence. Some excellent runs followed in
the midfield by Paula, Lou and I, which saw Abingdon race towards Milton Keynes D and with some quickly
taken free hits their defence were soon under enormous pressure. Sadly we failed to get the ball in the back of
the net and were soon defending again.

Despite Milton Keynes being awarded a generous amount of free hits, Abingdon’s defence remained strong
and kept them out of our D. However in the last few minutes of the first half Milton Keynes were awarded two
short corners in quick succession. Our defence rushed out of the goal with Louisa leading the charge, even those
behind the half way line were sprinting back to help and eventually we drove them out of our D, leaving the
score at 0-0 at half time.

The start of the second half saw the intensity of the match heighten with amazing tackles being made by Louisa
in midfield causing loads of turnover balls. Still Milton Keynes wouldn’t back down and continued to put
pressure on us. The drama continued when a high ball hit Jen in the knee leaving us a player down momentarily
and before we knew where we were a brief lack of concentration resulted in Milton Keynes scoring 2 goals.
Nevertheless we fought back and with a few fast breaks their backs were quickly under increasing pressure and
finally we were awarded a long deserved short corner. Unfortunately we missed and the final whistle blew, the
score was 2-0 but we were rewarded by a really nice match tea of sausages and chips

Everyone should be really proud of how we played this weekend as we all tried our best and kept fighting
right up until the final whistle went. I would like to give a special mention to Hannah R who did some lovely
moves down the right wing in her first time playing for the 1s and to Shani for sticking with their number 4 and
denying her any ball time in the second half.

Man of the MAtch - Claire Fabes

Abingdon 3s show promise against Thame

abingdonhockey — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 18:23:47 +0000

ABINGDON 3s TAME THAME ( in the second half )

THAME 3

A lot of players were unavailable today so it was a case of finding eleven players with two legs and a
pulse, two of whom had never played hockey before so a big thank you to Roger and Aubrey.

ABINGDON 1

The first half was pretty even really with both sides stringing passes together and showing good pace
and skill. The difference was that Roger, our keeper was a novice albeit a novice with enormous
potential ( see you next week Roger old pal !!! ) and with a little more experience he might well have
saved a couple of their goals.

The second half saw Abingdon attacking a lot more and midway through, John Newman scored. We
were unable to add to this score, however and are hoping that once we get a settled side we will
start moving up the table

Richard Smart

Ladies 1s make it 2 wins in a row

abingdonhockey — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 18:22:48 +0000

Ladies 1’s make it 2 wins in a row…

Following on from last week’s hard fought win, the ladies 1’s had a late pushback in Bracknell, which gave Sally and Kirsty plenty of time to check out the trampolining centre before bravely pulling on the goalie pads for a half each.

The two teams were pretty well matched throughout the first half, with both sides having some chances. Lou and Keziah started to create some chances with plenty of support coming from the midfield, theories of a telepathic connection between the Steadman sisters are currently being investigated… Despite having forced the Bracknell goalie into a few saves it remained 0-0 at half-time.

At the start of the second half Abingdon managed to move the ball round with more confidence and Keziah managed to get into the right place at the right time to grab a couple of goals. Bracknell tried to come back but solid play throughout the team limited them to just a couple of short corner chances.

So it ended up Bracknell 0 – Abingdon 2, with Keziah voted girl of the game, closely followed by Lou with an honourable mention for debutant Leanne who played on through the pain of a pulled muscle.

Ladies 2s in 8-0 Win over Newly Formed Super Club

abingdonhockey — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 18:21:04 +0000

The Ladies 2s were nervous as to what Saturday would bring in their match against the newly formed Oxford Hockey Club, formed after Rover and City merged this summer. We knew that they would have picked up some good players and so Kirby prepared her team for the challenge.

But from the off it was clear that Abingdon was going to be the team to dominate. Kate and Georgia in the middle were so strong and worked together so well distributing the ball well to Kirbs and Sally up front – and supported by Suzie and Lisa also in midfield Abingdon spent most of the first half on the attack. If any breaks occurred Tash, Mary, Kirsty and Jen swept them up and the back and helped keep the pressure on.

At half time the score was 3-0.

In the second half Oxford Ladies started much much better and really pressed hard in the first ten minutes of the half but in doing so left open big spaces in the middle for Abingdon to create chances. The team played brilliantly together , as real team effort and the final score was 8-0. Oxford Hockey Club battled hard all game and never gave up and were a lovely club to play against.

Special mention should go to new girls Suzie and Mary, both had absolutely brilliant games! Thanks for joining us ladies!

Goals from: Kirby (2), Sally (2), Lisa (1), Suzie (1), Kate (1), Clare (1)

Ladies 2s in 6-1 win

abingdonhockey — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 09:04:50 +0000

Saturday October 1st, 30 degree heat, 12.30pm pushback on a pitch with no shade. It was going to be a tough one.

Captain Kirbs was out of the mix this week, but Sally stepped into the breach and did an amazing job of captaining the team. As it is the start of the season it took a while for the team to settle into their stride – but they soon settled down against a good Newbury and Thatcham side. N & T played really well, were fit and caused some problems initially for the Abingdon team. But with Kirsty Hodder sweeping, ably supported by George, Mary and Trish, with Charlotte in goal, there was no real cause for concern. Once the Ladies in blue got into their stride it was clear they were the stronger team – it was just a case of getting the first goal in!

The break came after a fantastic pass from Sally to Clare, putting her clean through, Clare kept her head and made it 1-0. With spirits raised the ladies continued to press and just before half time Lou Fong made it 2-0 by putting one into the roof of the net.

Ater a good half time talk the ladies came back out and worked hard in the heat to get some more goals in. having found their stride the Abingdon players put the Newbury defences under increasing pressure. Suzie got into some brilliant positions and made some great attacking runs really troubling the defence and Laura C made some fantastic runs and tackles and never gave up in the heat, having a stormer of a game. All supported well in the middle by Laura M and Lousie and Jen.

It was not long before the next goal came, after a great attacking move the GK saved a goal but kicked it straight to Louise at the top of the D who fired it home to make it 3-0. Not long after Sally got another to make it 4-0. The Newbury defences then started to try to mark Sally and Lou out of the game. But having done this this freed up the middle of the field and the right. Abingdon took advantage of this with a quickly taken self -pass by Jen outside the D, she drove the ball in and passed to Clare on the post who made it 5-0.

Determined to get another Sally subbed herself off for a few mins, to mix things up. Just when N & T had got used to her not being on the pitch, she quickly subbed herself on for Clare – Lou spotted the change ( Newbury did not), and made a cracking pass to put Sally clean through. The Gk came out and we thought she was going to take Sally out, but Sal just dribbled it round her and made it 6-0.

In the dying minutes Newbury took advantage of a short corner, with Abingdon mids too zapped in the heat to sprint back in time – and made it 6-1.

Great result ladies, bring on next week!

Ladies 1s Get First Win Under Belt

abingdonhockey — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:39:50 +0000

Saturday was il scorchio – and if the Ladies 1s thought they would have a slightly easier time of time as they were playing at 10.30am, they were mistaken as by 10am it was already hot, hot, hot!

However, not to be put off by the heat the ladies came out determined to win. The Ladies in blue got off to a shaky start, with a couple of regulars missing, and people in new positions it took a while for us to find our groove, but find it we did once Georgia N came on to steady the ship in the middle! Georgia and Sinead played brilliantly through the middle, distributing the ball well and Jo and Keziah ran the A & C backs ragged! Keziah made some amazing tackles and runs up front, pressing hard with Jo and really putting the defenders off their stride.

About 15 mins in and it was all going Abingdon’s way, except we just did not seem to be able to get that ball in the goal. But then – SUPER SUB Sally (who had come along to bench for the 1s) made a quick appearance and managed to see the ball safely into the back of the net.

Half time 1-0. Sinead relived Tash of GK duties… and the game began again. It was hot but all the ladies worked hard… and as the time went on Abingdon just grew and grew in confidence. Abingdon kept pushing forwards, with Hannah S having a cracking game at LB, really pushing forwards… but Sarah W, CLaire S and Emma all steadying the ship at the back and mopping up and break aways – Sinead also making a few amazing saves… But the backs were really pushing forwards to support the midfield and Lisa Perrin and Tash displayed their amazing skills working well together with Georgia and Kythe to really put the defence under pressure.

There were lots of chances, but in the end the final score was 1-0.

Bring on next week!

Men’s 2s make solid start to the season

abingdonhockey — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:23:29 +0000

Wallingford 3’s 2-2 Abingdon 2’s (Will, Fungai)

GK- Tim, DEF- Pete, Hugo, Frank, Richard, Mid- Ollie, Gareth, Chris , Iain, Att- Will, Fungai subbed off for
Andy

A battling performance from Abingdon 2’s ensured that they started the season
with a well earned point.

Wallingford begun with very clear attacking intent and pinned Abingdon in their
own half for the first 15 minutes, but everything they were offering the defence
could match. The breakthrough came on 20 minutes after Abingdon had forced
their way back into the game and started the passing game, the goal came with
a great through ball from Fungai reached Will at the top of the D and played a
fortunate flick which lobbed the stranded keeper and went in the bottom corner.

Abingdon’s second came just a few minutes later though good work in the
midfield, then Fungai was fed through one on one at a tight finish but Fungai kept
his cool and smartly finished inside the near post.

After the second goal the flow of play was level full of end to end action but 3
minutes before halftime Wallingford won a short corner and it was executed
perfectly into the goal.

The second half started with play still end to end but Chris and Iain we controlling
the midfield in the early stages and their link up with Gareth and Ollie on the
wings was superb, then as the temperature soared so did Wallingford’s belief as
they kept coming forward, and they scored a fortunate equaliser when a mishit
shot deflected off a defender and trickled over the line.

Wallingford with their tails up went for the winner and pilled on the pressure
but to no avail until they were awarded a penalty flick which was fluffed and
just rolled wide of the post, then in a moment of madness Hugo slide tackled an
opponent feet first and was promptly yellow carded. Abingdon had to reshuffle
the team almost completely but still fought on with smart defending just keeping
them out the D effectively. Then the captain returned and Abingdon went for
a winner of their own with Wallingford now tiring but were unable to take
advantage. Both teams will be pleased with a hard fought draw and it was the fair
result.

Ladies 1s make solid start in new division

abingdonhockey — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 07:26:32 +0000

Ladies 1s vs Wycombe 4s.

We started off excellently with the first pushback by Claire F, who from then on battled hard up front, with Lousia in centre-mid playing brilliantly and working together amazingly with the other mids Sarah S and Shani. We kept pushing forward using the wings, Keziah and Tash, with some great attacking by Claire F in the D. Followed by a great goal from Sarah S, who was continously working hard!! But within a few minutes Wycombe were attacking hard and gained a goal. Sarah W, Claire S, Paula and Zoe all played brilliantly together, working hard to keep the ball out of the D. Sarah W did some excellent sweeping and Lousia was always running back to help defend. Sinead, in goal, did some excellent saves, diving on the ground to save goals!!! We ended the match 1 all.

Keziah Steadman