On a warm and bright October day, Henley 5ths welcomed Newbury & Thatcham 6ths to Jubilee Park. The visitors had already started the season positively with a win and a draw from the previous weeks - whilst Henley were fresh from an away win and as Henley’s youth development team, the 5ths were bringing forward four talented colts into men’s hockey.

Henley started well with positive runs from the midfield ‘Dazzling Duo Dans’ with ‘Lord High Commander’ Dan Bradbury and Danny Austin steadying amidships. Flanked by youth and energy George Austin, Lucas Johnston, Thomas Wigfield and Evan Cuthbert-Brown provided the infantry support.

The visitors began pressing and testing the Henley midfield and defence. But the resilient back three held the line and repelled the advance on multiple occasions. Stalwart centre-back Nick Shuttleworth led a calm and composed defensive unit, setting a solid platform for the midfielders to build from. As the game progressed, Henley gained more confidence and composure linking together a number of impressive passes unlocking George Austin and Lucas Johnston up the right-hand-side. Johnston released Neill Emmett who drove in on the byline passing to awaiting George Austin top D for a positive attempt on goal.

Not to be outdone Evan Cuthbert-Brown showed some excellent 3D skills to open up the visiting team’s defence. The visitors’ understanding of the modern game became apparent as Evan swept past the Newbury right back keeping the ball aloft and in control. Cuthbert-Brown found Wigfield for an excellent Saturday night move late in the game, the air was hot as the team enjoyed the last of the autumnal sun.

Continued pressure from the visiting side started to weigh on the young Henley side as they released a number of flicks at ‘The Dr’ in goal, Ed Newbold. Experience and continued pressure saw Newbury step ahead with a well worked move - and after a goalmouth scramble the ball trickled over the line for the only goal of the game.

Henley can be very pleased with a solid showing against a very strong and experienced visiting side. We wish Newbury & Thatcham well after a tough match played in good spirits by both teams - and look forward to visiting them for the return match.

MVP - George Austin
Dazzling move - Evan Cuthbert-Brown