Men's 5s finish the season on a high

Henley Hockey Club Men's 5th XI close the season with a convincing win (5-1) against Abingdon 3s.
Playing at their home ground at Tilsley Park, Abingdon 3s were quick off the mark in assuming possession of the ball, culminating in a goal against Henley in the opening minutes of the match.

Henley then worked hard to win possession of the ball and to take the fight up in to Abingdon’s half. Henley’s first big break in the match came from forward Jamie Furness, taking the strike but sending the ball inches wide to the left. Moments later, Furness had the ball again and took his second strike, this time, ricocheting the ball off the post and out of play. Third time lucky however for Furness as again, he receives the ball and taking a shot, tucks it just inside the home teams goal, bringing Henley even at half time.

Henley maintained their strong game into the second half, earning an short corner against Abingdon. Midfielder, Ian Rechner took the first shot on goal but it was the deflection off Jamie Furness’s stick sending the ball in to the top of the net that gave Henley their second goal, taking them in to the lead. Eager to maintain their 2-1 lead over Abingdon, Henley piled the pressure up on Abingdon. This time it was junior player, Elliot Fielder, who within the space of ten minutes, managed to put two balls past the Abingdon goalkeeper, taking the score up to 4-1.

Approaching the closing minutes of the game, Henley won a short corner and advancing all players up in to the opposition’s 25 yard area, piled the pressure on to Abingdon’s defence. Receiving the ball in the short corner, it was Ewan Watkins who took a clean strike at the ball, sending it crashing against the top of Abingdon’s back-board taking the score to 5-1, just moments before the final whistle.