Men's 3's Match Reports

12th December 2009

Bicester III 1 vs 5 Windsor II

Fielding a team with players that would comfortably play at a higher level it was surprising that this Windsor team is only placed above Bicester. Windsor took an early lead when a an initial shot was illegally stopped on the line by Steve Birtles and the resulting stroke was converted; although Fiona Boyer gallantly standing in as goalkeeper as only two men’s regular keeper’s were available felt she should have saved the stroke. Windsor where then two up converting a controversial penalty corner and only 5 minutes of the game had passed. Tempers began to flare on both sides even at this early stage but actions by the umpires restored discipline and Windsor continued to dominate. Boyer got into her stride denying Windsor what should have been the easiest of opportunities to extend their lead but sheer persistence paid off and before the break Windsor had doubled their lead and Bicester was yet to test Windsor’s stand in goalkeeper.

In the second half Bicester started much more positively and captain James Palmer lead by example harrying the opposition ably assisted by Pete Winspear. Bicester entered the D on a number of occasions but good defence work and some poor finishing meant the Windsor goal was not unduly threatened. Windsor scored their final goal of the game with a simple far post tap in. Bicester however denied their opponents a clean sheet, catching Windsor on the break and Danny Johnson’s inch perfect pull back from the byline found Sathya Vadivale unmarked who made no mistake firing the ball across the keeper’s chest and high into the net.

19/9/09 Bicester III 0 vs  0 Swindon II

Jez Taylor showed magnificent form in goal to keep Bicester in this game against much stronger opposition. Swindon laid siege to the Bicester goal throughout most of the match but desperate defensive work was rewarded wit the III’s first clean sheet of the season.