Oxford Hawks Men’s 5’s vs Witney’s 2s – 21.09.24

Hawks opened their 2024 season campaign with a tough fixture against local rivals Witney, having been relegated following a number of seasons escaping the relegation clutches. This season sees a rebirth of the team, building from first principles with a new captaincy, and renewed vigour.

Unfortunately, the season started a week early, and availability did not live up to the hype! - coupled with a couple of illness dropouts - which left the side a bare 11 on paper, and 10 in reality.

Whilst this left what was (always going to be) a tough fixture, there was a clear vigour and determination from all who played.

Once positionally settled, and the threat of rain passing, the team settled in to grind out whatever they could from the fixture. Steely saves from keeper Leo were in abundance (and rightly deserving many of the man of the match votes), as the side were under constant bombardment across the back.

It was great to see calm and composure across the side despite the adverse conditions in the afternoon heat. The back trio of Kelly, Sumser, and Raynor held steadfast in open play, whilst the midfield and forward line fought for every sniff of a ball.

Whilst the scoreline would suggest a rout, the resulting game was far from it - with a very evenly matched game; the difference being the ability to create and convert set piece action - the final result 6-0.

Man of the match went to George R, who demonstrated that there were still opportunities to turn defence into solid attack options - with honourable mentions to Leo in goal, and Jamie.

This weekend sees Hawks at home, wearing the new Grays kit for the first time in vain - in the first of two double home spells to open the season - against Sonning 3 at 14.30 on the top pitch. Sonning have been an old foe of the side, and have historically been a close and frenetic encounter, which is always a great spectacle to watch with a beverage or paying from the kiosk in the sunshine (we can always hope!)