Final Score - Oxford 3 : 3 Basingstoke

2nd December 2007

Oxford u16s successfully defended their unbeaten record against Basingstoke yesterday afternoon at Oxpens. In a great game of hockey Basingstoke demonstrated their A league credentials proving to be easily the best team the u16s have faced so far this season.

1st period was frenetic from the drop and Basingstoke immediately sought to impose their physical advantage. Very tight play with both teams playing at pace continued through the period and Oxford had opportunities as Basingstoke picked up a couple of minors. It was towards the end of the second of these powerplays that Oxford, desperately trying to make a breakthrough, probably over committed themselves allowing Basingstoke through to open the scoring. Basingstoke soon picked up a 2+10 (check to the head) and much to Oxfords frustration their Pen Kill team once again held out to go into the break with the advantage.

Oxford seemed to come out for the 2nd period with a greater determination to stand their ground physically. Magic in particular showed great courage as he crunched into lads almost twice his size. Basingstoke again ran into regular penalty during this period and at last Oxford took advantage through Ben assisted by Magic 2mins into the period and again 10mins or so later JoshO scoring a double assisted effort. Basingstoke netted late on to bring the scores level.

Understandably tired and with Hal sitting out the remainder of a minor Oxford conceded seconds into the 3rd. Oxford began to run into penalty trouble of there own but bench and supporters alike nearly took the roof off as JoshO slotted home following some persistent work by Ben short handed. Exuberance soon turned to anxiety as JoshO picked up a tripping call shortly after the restart. We were now deep into nail-biting territory with both teams creating decent chances. When, with 2 minutes to go, Jake was called for hooking and with lots of tired legs on the ice you did start to fear the worst. But they held out at it was quite a relief when Basingstoke picked up their own minor with 23 seconds remaining to see the game finish in a draw.

A number of players benched for this game but either did not ice or got very little ice time. I hope that they understand why, if not, they should speak to the coaches. This, in comparison to most other games this season, was a highly physical game played at great pace. All the players should have seen in Basingstoke the work rate and skating that is required if this group of players is to realise their aspirations. So, if you really want it, turn up early for skills training, 100% in every drill at training, get down to powerskate, ask the coaches which areas you need to improve most in. With around 22 players able to bench, if you don’t play for any other teams or you don’t play roller, just turning up and putting in minimum effort for one hour a week at training is unlikely to be enough to give you the ice time you want.

Scorers:

Oxford: Josh Oliver 2+0, Ben Chandler 1+2, Michael Wakelin 0+2.

Basingstoke: Alex Clarke 2+0, Michael Gorman 1+1, Kyle Mason 0+2.

Penalties:

Oxford: Ryan Bollweg 14 mins (inc misc), Hal Davison 4, Jake Florey 4, Josh Oliver 2.

Basingstoke: Sean Loane 18 mins (inc misc), Ross Hawken 12 (inc misc), Jay Ingoldsby 2, Paul Brooks 2, Stuart Mogg 2.

Netminding:

Oxford: Peter Endicott - 21 saves, 3 goals, total 24.

Basingstoke: Danny Milton - 25 saves, 3 goals, total 28.

Also Played:

Oxford: Lara Wood, Sam Jordan, Mark Third, Matthew Spacksman, Joe Eldridge, Warren Jones, Paige Simmonds, Nevy Baze, Christopher Gill, Roberto Angeleri_Rand, Liam McLaughlin.

Basingstoke: Sam Pering, JamesJones, Ali Miller, Cameron Wynn, Patrick Levy.

Period Scores:

0-1, 2-1, 1-1