England Hockey League – Men’s Division 1 South: Oxford Hawks 0 Sevenoaks 2
On a day where train strikes and travel delays made for a difficult journey for Sevenoaks to Oxford, the away team arrived in good spirits looking for a second win of the season against a team they had performed well against in the past.
Sevenoaks started the game well with Kieran Walton feeding great passes through to the forward line who looked threatening around the Oxford circle. It was a fairly even affair throughout the first quarter however Oxford came back strongly towards the end. Seb Golding received a yellow card having been suspected of stopping a ball purposely with his foot but Sevenoaks defended well and soaked up the pressure.
In the last few minutes of the quarter, Oxford won a couple of short corners with some well worked 3D skills around the Sevenoaks circle. Paul Macleod charged them down well and in goal Richard Potton pulled off some good saves including one which rebounded to the Sevenoaks players running back from the halfway line who made a quick break only to be foiled by Oxford’s last line of defence.
The third quarter started with some controlled play from Sevenoaks finding gaps more easily as they worked the ball well through Oxford’s press. Charlie Brooks gained good ground in midfield and James Beck enjoyed marauding down the touchline. Sevenoaks won a Short corner midway through the third quarter which was defended well by Oxford. Oaks immediately managed to win a second as Oxford failed to clear their lines. James Beck slotted home a pacey drag flick into the bottom left corner of Oxford’s goal. Sevenoaks now 2-0 up.
Unfortunately not everything ran as smoothly as intended for Sevenoaks as they looked to close the game out. Ian Haley received a green card for a clumsy challenge and Tim Warrington collapsed with a pulled hamstring and, remarkably, so did the Oxford player defending him. We wish them both a speedy recovery and Sevenoaks will certainly miss former captain Tim while injured.
The fourth quarter was a rather uneventful affair as Sevenoaks continued their dominance. Oaks were unable to increase their lead despite several good attacks. Richard Potton in the Sevenoaks goal had nothing to do all second-half and will be delighted to have kept another clean sheet this season.
All in all, a good performance from Sevenoaks to win 2-0 on the road. The three points leave Sevenoaks in third place in Division 1 South. Oaks welcome Bristol University this Sunday at Hollybush Lane.
England Hockey League – Women’s Division 1 South: Sevenoaks 1 Isca & University of Exeter 3
After a disappointing loss last week Sevenoaks welcomed Isca to Hollybush Lane.
The game started evenly matched with both sides attacking fast and defending strongly. Sevenoaks were rewarded with a penalty corner towards the end of the first quarter which Tilly Fox was able to covert into a goal. The second quarter played out in a similar way however this time Isca were able to capitalise on their attacking play and score the equaliser. At the break the score was 1-1 with both teams looking for the win in the second half.
The second half started with similar intensity from both teams. Sevenoaks GK, Meg James made an amazing save to keep the game at 1-1. However Isca later scored from a penalty corner taking the game to 1-2. Sevenoaks continued to apply pressure but had no success in scoring another goal to equalise. In the final quarter Sevenoaks held a good amount of possession however with Isca’s strong attack they were able to convert another penalty corner brining the final score to 1-3.
Despite the disappointing result Sevenoaks ladies 1’s are looking forward to their next match where they will travel to Surbiton for a 3pm push back this Saturday.
