Winchester 1st XI 2 - Oxford Hawks 3rd XI 0
An encouraging start as Winchester began league action in the 2024/25 season.
It was the Hawks who had the better start with early attacks that looked threatening but were well subdued by James Pauley and Adam Major in defence. Despite the initial onslaught, Winchester won an early penalty corner and the ensuing drag flick from Ben Hibberd was parried by the Hawks keeper only to be swept in by Rob Craddock for Winchester's first goal. Many of Winchester's attacking thrusts were cut out by the Hawks' defence in the middle of the half but a piercing run by Rory Jack led to a late first-half penalty corner, only Winchester's second but was unconverted.
At the start of the second half, Hawks found more space to play but failed to capitalise under pressure from the resolute Winchester defence. Finding their way back into the game, Rob Craddock had an excellent shot equally well saved by the Hawks keeper. Not dulled by captain Nick Clark having a brief rest (two-minute green card for a clumsy tackle), Winchester did not sit back and a penetrating ball from the halfway line found Charlie Harrigan unmarked in the Hawks circle. Receiving on the penalty spot, he proceeded to play the ball with his back to the goal and pivot around the keeper to slot home into an open goal for Winchester's second.
Youngsters Bertie Lander, Will Leyland and Rory Jack combined with some excellent passing to continue the dominance that Winchester had now established. This grew further towards the final whistle but Hawks marshalled an excellent defence to stifle any further score.
Next week Winchester travels to Eastcote to continue their campaign against a team that finished mid-table in this league last season.
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