New look Terriers start pre-season with a win

A good first outing for a new look Terriers for the 18/19 season - with four youngsters moving up to 1s/2s hockey, it was an opportunity for three boys from the U14 and U16 team to debut at adult level hockey. Alongside four other U16 players with experience from last season, this was a great first performance from a young team, showing composure and confidence against an team used to playing two leagues higher.

The only goal of the game came early, with the ball worked down the right hand side, before a drilled cross was angled in with a deft finish by Austin Jennings, his first goal for the Terriers. Despite losing our goalkeeper prior to the game, the Terriers controlled the game well, offering few opportunities for Abingdon to attack the D, and giving Ian Wilson a clean sheet on his debut as Terrier's kicking back keeper!

Congratulations to all the youngsters - Alexander and Gregor O'Keeffe grew in confidence as the game progressed, resolute in defence and increasingly willing to take on their opponents when in control of the ball. Ben Partridge defied his status as the youngest player on the pitch with some direct running, and Dominic Harvey and Josh Chapman were assured in defence. Ben Lambourne also showed in the first half what a key player he could be for the Terriers this season, combining solid skills with the pace and energy to help fill the games left by some of the departing players from last year's team.

Overall, a really pleasing performance against a robust team who took no prisoners. All the team demonstrated they are ready for this level of hockey - bring on the league season, and more team performances like this.