Thame U12s were at Bloxham County Festival

Today: Thame U12s were at Bloxham County Festival.

Spring has arrived and the usually cold fixture was blessed with sun. In2Hockey is 10’ 1 way so somewhat of a smash & land grab is required.

For the first time this season we had a greater number of YR7 to YR6, trained as a group the day before, so things looked good.

We started off with a 0-0 draw with Wallingford A (eventual finalists) and despite having to take two players off with knocks, IMO, we were unlucky not to sneak a win.

We then had a nice rest and played Banbury A. We were caught out quickly, going 1-0 but then Charlie fed Zac Harris a nice ball and he stepped up and smashed the ball past a hapless keeper. However, we made some minor errors as a team and despite passing and playing well ended up on the wrong side of a 3-1 defeat. Not much we could do and not a fair reflection of the game, but that can be hockey!

We then regrouped, chatted and went out to play a great game against Oxford. We lost a player (James) due a head injury from a very wild stick and despite playing excellent hockey, (of note Lucas, Xander and Barney) and Oxford only having 2 shots we lost 2-0.

We then faced a rampant Hawks who had beaten everyone and we held out with a balanced 1-0 game until we lost Xander to a second nasty knee knock and despite the valiant efforts of Charlie and Ben we ran out 2-0 losers to the eventual winners.

So 1 point from 4 x 10’ games. Enough said.

Special mention to both keepers (Zack and Barney) who definitely played their part but we were just unlucky today.

So in summary - were learnt a lot, we were well prepared, we played well, worked as a team, kept our heads up.......but each player was left nursing serious knocks/bruises, we ran out of first aid kit, and we were undone by the luck of the game today. Cup is half full.

Thanks to all the parents who supported us, kept the kids fed, acted as A&E, provided me oranges to keep me going and also to Robert “£5” Broadhurst who umpired all day for both U10 and U12.