Final Score - Chelmsford 1 : 2 Oxford

30 September 2007

Oxford u16s travelled to Chelmsford today for a lunchtime face off with an even more depleted squad than last week.

I for one was not sure what to expect from Chelmsford as they didn’t ice a second team in either the u14s or u16s last year. We soon discovered a well drilled team full of good skaters who were more than happy to have a physical (but fair) game.

From the off, Chelmsford sought to impose themselves physically on Oxford. Oxford did have most of the attacking play, with Chelmsford relying on some incisive break outs. The teams effectively cancelled each other out with very few shots on goal as both defences broke up any attacking play. Chelmsford broke through first after Oxford failed to shut down the point man who duly wound up a thunderbolt which Peter did well to stop, unfortunately the rebound fell to a Chelmsford attacker who slotted the puck home.

Being behind was new territory for the u16s this year and it was going to be a test of character to see how they reacted. To their credit they stuck to their guns and did not panic, continuing to play the hockey which had brought them 3 wins from 3 this season.

After 5mins of the second period Chelmsford picked up an interference penalty and Oxford eventually took advantage with Hal finishing a fine unassisted effort. A few minutes later saw the physical nature of the game spill over into frayed tempers as Hal reacted to some rough (illegal) treatment which saw both players make their way to the box. No sooner had they returned to the ice when Josh O (MoM) scored, again unassisted, to settle the nerves a little.

I’m afraid the last period was a bit of a blur for me as I watched the clock count down for most of it! I do remember feeling a great sense of relief as Chelmsford picked up 2 minor penalties in the last few minutes to leave the period scoreless and Oxford with the points.

Congratulations to all the players, you have demonstrated that you can face up to adversity, which can only bode well for future challenges ahead, starting with a “top of the table” clash with Bracknell next week.

Scorers :

Josh Oliver, Hal Davison

Penalties :

Ben Chandler 2, Josh Oliver 2, Hal Davison 4, Michael Wakelin 2, Jake Florey 2+10

Netminding :

Peter Endicott 18 shots 1 goal

Also played:

Lara Wood, Sam Jordan (N/M did not ice), Matt Spacksman, Warren Jones, Paige Simmonds (Spirit), Chris Gill, Ryan Bollweg, Sam Arnold.