GU14 v Oxford B

This was the first match of the season for the U14 girls and we were a little nervous to face Oxford first. Oxford had won the toss and got the first push back but within seconds the ball was intercepted and then taken down the pitch by Thame. Within 40 seconds of the match Thame players' attack ended with a brilliant goal by Amelia. Unfortunately Oxford woke up and Thame (possibly still rejoicing from their goal!) were caught napping. Oxford had come straight back up us levelling the score. This was the start of a tricky match, Oxford were working the ball well down the field and consistently challenging out defence. After some spectacular saves by Lucy (including an amazing dive across the goal) Oxford found their way through again, and unfortunately again. The girls didn't give up and were constantly fighting, finally getting the ball to Charley who expertly took it up the field from our defensive half dodging the Oxford players and taking it into the D where a straight shot on goal left their goalie wondering what had happened. So the short corners started. With over 20 short corners in the game Oxford were definitely a well drilled side forcing the errors and constantly attacking the goal. Thame were real fighters and found Charley again who slotted in another goal for Thame but it just wasn't our day. We can take lots of positives from this game and we have a really talented squad and I can't wait to see how they develop in the coming months. Well done everyone. MOM - Charley.

A special thanks to Julia and Lisi who stepped in to help umpire the match as Oxford had only provided one umpire and to the parents who braved the appalling weather and whose support was amazing.