1st XI by a whisker!

In a splendid game of hockey, the 1st XI came out on top against a talented Winchester House side.  Both teams looked to attack from the outset but neither could find a way through; the Bilton defence of Sam Bennett, Edmund Krarup and Luca Illien standing firm.  If they were beaten, Will Richards swept everything up.

The 2 sides exchanged short-corners but neither was able to find a way through, Callum Grier in the BG goal being in excellent form.  The forwards, Tom Winterton, Ben Barwell and James Walker were keenly marked which put pressure on the mid-field trio of Charles Hurley, Roddy Giles and captain, Henry Bletsoe, to find that telling through pass.

With seconds left on the clock at the end of the first half, a WH goal-bound attempt hit Bennett’s foot on the line and a penalty stroke was awarded.  Grier, however, was not to be defeated and made a comfortable save to his right.

Oliver Robinson came on in the second half and immediately got involved in the Bilton attacks.  Robbie Astin also made his debut late on and further half-chances fell to both sides as they fought for the winner.  With 50 seconds left on the clock, Robinson found himself bearing down on the WH keeper and it looked for all the world that any attempt at goal would simply rebound off the keeper’s pads and the game would be drawn.  With great presence of mind, however, Robinson cooly slipped the ball under his arm to the supporting Barwell who then scrambled the ball over the line.  There was no time for our hosts to respond and a splendid contest ended in our favour.

PJN


Tags: Hockey, Prep, Sport