Oxford Hawks Fall Prey To Persistent Terriers

South Berkshire Terriers put in a battling display to take their first home win of the season against Oxford Hawks at Cantley Park on a rain drenched day in Berkshire. In a tight game, both sides had their chances but it was a gutsy display from the Terriers which was enough to take a 1-0 victory in the end.

The Terriers were already feeling the impact of early season injuries before the game, and Ian Wilson only managed 15mins before a serious shoulder injury saw him depart the game, and most likely take him out of the games for the rest of this year. Both sides had their chances, although it was the Terriers who probably edged the half overall. Dominic Harvey and Monty Neave both dazzled with the stick skills, whilst Tony Heaver and David Murray brought composure and some effectively tackling to win the battle of the midfield. The half almost finished with a goal for the Terriers, as Austin Jennings drove in on the right, only to see his bullet like strike rattle off the cross bar.

The second half saw the Hawks start quickly, but after a five minute spell defending the Terriers settled and began to pose threats for the Hawks defence. Robbie Campion saw the Hawks keeper quickly off his line to close down a 1 on 1, and Dominic Harvey wasn't able to connect with a tomahawk when he worked his way into the D after a great move down the right started by Alexander O'Keeffe.

At the other end, Hawks were posing threats too. Neil Badley was a rock in the heart of the defence, whilst Byron Neave brought a physical edge to his defensive play to help nullify the threat down the Hawks right. Paul Harvey turned one ball around the post from a penalty corner, whilst Jake Rouse made an outstanding save with his pads as Hawks got behind the Terriers defence and threatened to take the lead.

With 6 minutes to go, the Terriers won another penalty corner, and the routine fired into life for the first time in the game, as a pin point injection from Austin Jennings saw Tony Heaver strike a rapier like shot that was deflected off a Hawks defenders foot to wrong foot the keeper and give the Terriers the lead.

By this stage, both sides were tiring, but with Tony Heaver and David Murray holding in midfield the Terriers looked to have comfortably soaked up the pressure of the final few minutes. However, the drama wasn't over, as the final touch of the game saw a ball strike a Terriers foot in the D, but the Terriers were not letting this result slip and a combination of captain Neil Badley and keeper Jake Rouse saw the ball cleared for the final whistle.

A great effort from every player on the pitch for the Terriers today. An ice bath awaits a few players to ensure a fit squad for the long trip to Bicester next weekend.