Final Score - Oxford 6 : Streatham 0

December 22nd 2007

The u16s faced Streatham on Saturday. With several influential players missing through holidays, suspension and illness, this game was a potential banana skin in the u16s quest to finish the year unbeaten.

An even contest for the opening minutes until Streatham picked a penalty and were duly punished by Ben scoring on the powerplay assisted by JoshO. Josh then broke out to add another terrific solo effort even handed. Oxford then ran into a bit of penalty trouble stalling their progress somewhat until Josh once again scored short handed (I missed this goal but I’m assured it was another cracker).

The second period saw Oxford continually finding the displeasure of the ref and everybody working their socks off to penalty kill, successfully, with stand in minder Sam Jordan beating out several good efforts. The only goal of the period came in a rare even handed moment with Josh completing a fine hatrick assisted by Ben.

With Jake sitting out a misc, the remaining “D”s had to dig deep at the start of the third, more so when Rob was called for tripping after a collision with a Streatham player. Once restored to an even contest Nevy broke out and fired in speculative shot which the Streatham minder will no doubt be disappointed to have missed. Tradition was broken as JoshO did not score the final goal of the game. Instead this went to Warren scoring high after a rebounded effort from Ben.

Congratulations to back up minder SamJ on completing a shut out and bagging both Spirit and MoM awards, you did yourself, coaches and most importantly your team mates proud. Also congratulations to Warren, stepping into the breach, in playing his first competitive game as a “D”.

It only remains for me to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and to congratulate the players and coaches on reaching the end of the year unbeaten, especially as the majority of the team are 1st year u16s.

Thankyou to all the parents who help out at the home games. Also, a personal thankyou to Bob, Paula, Nick, Colin, Trish, Gary and Darryl for their help, support and encouragement during my stint as manager.

For those of you playing in the challenge at Solihull on the 29th, not too much Christmas pud!

Scorers:

Ben Chandler 1+2, Josh Oliver 3+1, Nevy Baze 1+0, Warren Jones 1+0.

Penalties:

Jake Florey 20mins (inc misc), Ben Chandler 2, Paige Simmonds 2, Michael Wakelin 4, Warren Jones 2, Rob Rand 2.

Netminding:

Sam Jordan 17 shots 0 goals.

Also played:

Lara Wood, Matt Spacksman, Joe Eldridge, Chris Gill, Liam McLaughlin, Charlie Hanley (NM did not ice).