We were adamant that Storm Dennis was not going to disrupt proceedings and with our opposition prepared to take to the road, it remained for both teams to brave the elements. The subs bench for both sides were full and after the first 10 minutes it was evident that we were fairly evenly matched. When on the offensive Oxford were well drilled to draw a foul in the D and before we knew it Oaks had conceded so many short corners we lost count! Kat Pastron and our defensive line had their work cut out but Oaks managed to defend the multiple short corners faced. It took another 15 minutes before the deadlock was broken. Oaks was awarded their first short corner, Maisie Hinds injected to the top of the D, Julianna Nowaczek slipped it right to Lauryn Thomas for it to be passed back to Julianna to slot it home. Oaks were 1:0 up, decided to lift the intensity and it only took another 4 minutes before Ryana Macdonald-Gay found herself in the D and slapped the ball to be followed by the sweet sound of the ball striking the back board. The girls dripping from top to toe went into their half-time huddle 2:0 up. Oaks knew Oxford were going to hit hard in the second half and true enough it was yet another corner which they finally managed to convert. With the score at 2:1 it was getting too close for comfort and the weather conditions were contributing to tired legs. It was 10 minutes before the final whistle and Oxford Hawks managed to improve their short corner conversion rate and with the game finishing 2:2 we were facing a Penalty Shoot Out. The first round of 5 players stepped up to the P spot and the Goal Keepers reflexes were put to the test. After the first round of P flicks it was still a draw and the process had to be repeated. It was truly nail biting stuff and Kat Pastron kept her composure. Oaks walked away triumphant 4:2 and through to the quarter finals of the competition.

Thanks Jason for capturing the moment.

The quarter finals will take place on Sunday 8th March and we will be informed of our next opponents and the venue following the draw. Please put this date in your diaries and let me know of your availability asap.

Well done to the girls who got absolutely drenched; you deserved the win. A big thank you to the U16 girls for playing up an age group and you should be very proud of your performances. Thanks to Maddie for coaching the girls to victory and for Carmen for giving Kat a lift to/from the match.

With kind regards

Cathy