Oxford Hawks Boys U18 Vs Bluehearts – 20.10.24

Following on from the emphatic win against local rivals Oxford, the U18 Boys arrived at a damp BRN for their cup fixture against Blueharts this Sunday.  With a strong lineup (as ever given the depth of talent in this group!), the pre-match inspiration was very simple: “Have fun, pass when you see one, and then you’ve got permission to be as creative as you want”.  Now they’re listening!!

After a cagey first 5, with both teams taking time to get the measure of their opponents, the Hawks boys started to stretch their legs and went 1-0 up through a great ‘shoot on sight’ strike from Felix.  Not long after, Trystan added a second with a darting run in the D, a shot and a ricochet off a defender’s foot.  2-0 Hawks at half time!

The pattern continued after half time –with Leo, Trystan, Finn and Fraser owning the middle of the park, providing the creative engine for the inter-changing forward line of Felix, Ed, Ollie C and Sam to build on.  Great strength, shape, organisation and structure from the back, from Ben C, Xavier, Freddie W and Freddie YS, Willo and Lawrence provided the platform for Hawks to show their creative flair.  Fabian reined supreme between the posts.

Hawks added two more, a bullet from Fraser and a PC drag from Ben C, with two goals from Blueharts in reply.  Final score 4-2 to the boys in maroon.  MoM Fabian for a string of reaction saves.  As ever in a competitive U18 Boys game, there was a few umpire-enforced rests, but nothing that needs mentioning here!  Fabulous to see both teams having teas in the spruced-up clubhouse afterwards.