Final Score - Oxford 8 : 0 Bracknell

7th October 2007

The u16s defended their unbeaten start to the season against Bracknell Swarm at Oxpens on Saturday. At home and fielding almost a full bench, Oxford made the early pace with the first line putting in a lot of shifts and working extremely hard to break down a resilient Bracknell defence. Their hard work was eventually rewarded after 8mins as Ben opened the scoring. Perhaps this goal rattled Bracknell as they soon conceded a further 2 goals in quick succession (Josh O and Ryan). Oxfords momentum was stalled by a charging penalty but they weathered the storm and once back to full strength added another double assisted effort before the break (Ben).

Bracknell regained their composure after the break and 2 unassisted efforts from Josh F midway through the period was the difference between the two teams. Perhaps Bracknell may have folded again at this point but not long after Josh’s second goal Ben saw some red mist and stuck an opponent leading to a match penalty. Looking like being short handed for the rest of the period Oxford were forced to rely on breakouts. Bracknell, for their part, must have been highly frustrated not to finally break through during this period and more so when they picked up a minor to ruin their advantage.

At the beginning of the third period with their advantage restored Bracknell may have been looking forward to piling on the pressure. Perhaps a little over eager they allowed Oxford 2 short handed goals as Josh F completed a fine hatrick and Josh F added the other.

All in all, a good all round performance. Bracknell have a number of very good players who were shut down early and hardly got a sniff of the goal, when they did Peter demonstrated great positioning and awareness to complete another shut-out.

So, we move on to Solent and Gosport next week who should not be underestimated on their own pad. To start the season unbeaten is a fantastic effort but it is a long season (20 games) and forgive the cliché, the next game is the most important game!

Scorers:

Ben Chandler 2, Josh Oliver 2, Josh Florey 3+4, Ryan Bollweg 1, Rob Angeleri-Rand 0+1, Jake Florey 0+1.

Penailties:

Josh Florey 2mins, Ryan Bollweg, 2, Ben Chandler 25 (inc match).

Netminding:

Peter Endicott 14 saves and Sam Jordan 3 saves.

Also Played:

Lara Wood, Matt Spacksman, Hal Davison, Warren Jones, Paige Simmonds, Nevy Baze, Michael Wakelin, Chris Gill, Sam Arnold.