GU14 v Bicester

Well last game before Christmas and we were a little nervous knowing Bicester were a strong side. Bicester started with the push back but immediately Thame had intercepted and within two minutes Charley put in a lovely cross in which was tapped in by a waiting Amelia 1-0. This settled a few sideline nerves and we only had to wait a few more minutes before we were awarded a short corner. A perfect injection from Erin straight to Charley who powered it past the keeper 2-0. Bicester picked up the pace but couldn’t seem to get out of their defensive half and the tenacity of Thame lead to another Short Corner. Once again Charley was on fire and in it went 3-0. Bicester started their attacks giving our defenders a bit of work but they wouldn’t let them through, but in the melee we conceded a short corner. This was taken and some more footwork saw a second short awarded. This time Bicester didn’t manage to bring the ball out of the D so the pressure was off and Thame took full advantage. Keeping the attacks coming the girls just couldn’t get the ball past the Bicester defenders but eventually were awarded another Short Corner. Unfortunately the defenders cleared the ball and Bicester were on the attack, streaking up the pitch. The Thame defenders were there but the ball was dangerously close, Bex went for the save sliding on to the floor and Bicester got the rebound firing it straight back at Bex (still on the floor) blocking the shot but they then managed to get it round her but Niamh had filed in behind Bex saving the shot on the line and clearing it away to a waiting Charley, phew! Half time was blown to our relief and the girls regrouped taking on their mandatory water and snowmen babies to recharge their batteries. A quick discussion on improving the game and they were back out.

Thame again started instantly on the attack and Charley took the ball down on the left ending with a great reverse stick strike at the goal taking a slight deflection from a defenders stick but goal 4-0. Thame were back in full swing now and it wasn’t long before Josie picked up the ball and fired it in taking the score line to 5-0. Bicester were coming back with attacks now but Thame were positioned perfectly to stop them in their tracks and start attacking once again. With some great hockey on show and some great movement of the ball between the Thame players they eventually were awarded another short corner. This was defended well by Bicester but Thame were then awarded a long corner. Erin took the ball, passing and then receiving the ball back in D for a great shot getting it over the keepers shoulders 6-0. Bicester never gave up keeping our defenders on their toes but with two more goals by Thame it was a great end to the 1st half of the season. A special mention to our back three of Bex, Lizzie and Zoe whose team work just got better and better throughout the game, constantly talking to each other and reading each other’s movements making it impossible to Bicester to score. All the girls have progressed so much since September, with every single player playing their part in this great victory today. Final Score 8-0. MoM went to Charley and Amelia jointly who both played so well up and down the field.

Thank you to everyone for their support today and braving the icy wind. Enjoy the break and see you back in January.

Merry Christmas ??