History was made at Wallingford Sports Park on Saturday when the mens section put out a 5^th XI for the first time. Aged between 16 and 43? Your generation has yet to make its debut in the starting line up for the 5ths! A skilled blend of seasoned experience and the promise of youth gave Abingdon a real run for their money and was most unlucky to lose.
With Jay Axton, Guy Windsor Lewis and Chris Hamer (on debut) providing solidity and calm at the back and Chris Carter Keall anchoring the midfield our younger players were given a structure within which to enjoy themselves. When older legs tired we were pleased to borrow Matt Armitage and Nick Phillips (sequentially but not together) from the 1sts to maintain our structure. It speaks volumes for the effort and quality of our performance that both Matt and Nick really enjoyed themselves.
Alex Mitchell turned in a terrific second half performance at right back, Hamish Wooding, Luke Casey and Michael Sladden worked hard up to make space front and Louis Williams and Travis Green were most effective driving the ball forward from midfield. Travis particularly caught the eye on his debut and at the tender age of just 13 was rightfully adjudicated man of the match. George Griffiths had a good game in goal and made some important saves and brother Henry came on for his first taste of competitive hockey and made a couple of great tackles.
Our equaliser was a splendid flowing move culminating in a good pass inside the circle from Travis to Louis who swept home his second goal in two weeks. All in all we played the better hockey and in another day we might have won by a 2 goal margin. Thanks to Jerry for umpiring. The proof that the 5^th XI is a great concept? A rejuvenated performance from young Billy Allen – one particularly skilful take and turn lodging long in the memory!

Well done to all on a most encouraging performance.

Goalscorer: Louis Williams

Man of the Match: Travis Green.

No cards or misdemeanours.