KNYSNA NEWS - Old Oaks men's hockey team were victorious last Saturday at the Oakhill Sports Campus when they took on a rampant York side, beating them comprehensively by four goals to one.
This was a must-win match for York, for them to advance to the Eden Hockey League semi-finals, with Oaks having already secured their semi-final spot against NMU (Nelson Mandela University) this weekend.
Oaks started like a house on fire, dominating possession within the first five minutes of the first quarter, which led to their first goal.
York responded within 30 seconds with a field goal of their own, to square things.
At times York seemed dangerous on attack, but were let down by critical passes going astray.
The ball richochets off Jonathan Norval from Oaks. Photos:Wyndham Ewerts
Another factor in the game was Oaks' brilliant last line of defence, that seemed like a brick wall, despite York consistently going through the midfield, placing themselves in wonderful positions to shoot for goal.
Through synchronised interplay, Oaks managed to find the back of the net once more.
Another goal via a deflection in the second quarter killed off the game for all practical purposes.
York's goalkeeper tries in vain to keep out a thunderous drive from Zak Omar.
However, York refused to accept their standing in the game, and came back with a vengeance in the third quarter, nearly breaching the defence of Oaks from a short corner - only to be kept out of the goal box through desperate defence by Oaks.
Kyle Groome for Oaks (red) was stoic in defence.
Oaks themselves tried to pounce immediately afterwards, missing the left goal post by millimeters in broken play.
In the last quarter it was evident that the high pace Oaks played at during the entire match, was taking its toll on York, with the team not cutting off diagonal passes as effectively as before, resulting in Oaks burying the final nail in the coffin with a beautiful goal.
Malcolm Quirk was a thorn in York's side with his calculated, lofted shots.
Oaks' goals were scored by Essy Agiels, Malcolm Quirk, Jonathan Norval and Zak Omar.
After the match, Oaks coach Nigel Leverton had high praise for York, labelling them an energetic outfit with youth on their side.
"It was a tight game and they really play a good game of hockey, but I think the experience of our boys shone through today. Nevertheless, well done to York."
Both Old Oaks men's and women's teams will play home semi-finals this coming weekend at the Oakhill Sports Campus. The women's game will be against York, starting at 15:00, followed by the men's game, starting at 16:15.
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