Saturday 14th November 2009

There were mixed fortunes for Aylesbury hockey teams on a very wet and windy Saturday.

Mens 1sts

The Men’s 1st XI travelled to Bracknell for a midday start and began the game well with their pace and movement unsettling Bracknell. But then the rains came down and the pace of the game slowed considerably and Bracknell gradually got on top to take 1-0 half time lead before extending their lead in the second half to run out 4-1 winners.

Mens 2nds

The Men's 2nd XI hosted third placed Newbury for another top of the table clash and it was a very tight match throughout. Aylesbury scored first when a quick breakaway goal saw skipper Kevin Bond pass the ball into an empty net. Newbury equalised with 10 minutes to go before half time when some slack Aylesbury defending let in their centre forward. However, straight from the centre Aylesbury attacked and JP Stevens scrambled the ball home to put the home team 2-1 ahead. The second half was as tight as the first but Aylesbury always looked more likely to score and it was no surprise when Geoff Pritchard scored the third with a fierce shot from a penalty corner. Newbury managed a late consolation goal but Aylesbury's defence never looked like conceding again. This was the 2nd XI’s sixth successive win to stay joint top of the table.

Mens 3rds

The Men's 3rd XI visited top of the table Witney 2nds, missing a number of the experienced players. A lack of adequate navigation equipment meant the team barely turned up in time for the start of the game and were almost immediately 2 goals down. Thereafter it was largely an even game, but despite 2 goals from the club's top scorer Jake Hodgins, the 3rds finally succumbed 6-2.

Mens 4ths

The 4th XI hosted Windsor 2nds and a very even first half ended with Windsor one goal up despite some good chances for the Aylesbury forwards. However, Windsor converted two opportunities early in the second half and after that there was no coming back despite a late consolation goal from Johnni MacLaughlin.

Mens 5ths

The 5th XI had a confidence boosting 5-1 victory against Amersham & Chalfont after some tough recent games. The windy conditions meant the game's initial inter-play was rather disjointed with neither team able to dominate. However as the match progressed Aylesbury were able to get Amersham on the back foot. It was much against the run of play therefore when Amersham took the lead from a short corner. Despite renewing their earlier pressure Aylesbury were unable to find the net until 20 minutes into the second period and it was then that the host's defence crumbled and with Sam Bennett providing dynamic running down the right flank more goals followed. As the game drew to a close Giles Scobie completed a much deserved hat trick with a succession of sharp finishes.