Henley M1 travelled to a historically strong Oxford University this past weekend.

The game started very evenly with both teams finding patterns on the ball that led to a free-flowing opening exchange. Henley competed well in the contact zones and turned the ball over with their patient press. Oxford's energy was constant, and the Henley old boys had to maintain full concentration to snuff out the early attacks. The first half was an even encounter with chances at both end, Chris “the Goat” Green still finding a way to out muscle, out skill and out run the young opponents, created the first big opening for Henley which produced a superb save from the OU goalkeeper, keeping the scores 0-0!

The Henley back line, which included youngster Adam H, moved the ball well and with confidence. All the Henley players spent a good proportion of the first half doing their jobs well, however in the depths of first half added time the umpires awarded a penalty corner to the home side which was flicked low into the goal. 1-0 Oxford Uni. It was an undeserved lead at the half-time break of what had been a fast paced and even first period.

The half time team talk was positive and upbeat and a reinforcement of the principles and plans that had been laid and had worked well in the first half.

The second half was a much more open game with the ball flowing from end to end. New Henley import Lee Rowe-Elliot stood firm in goal making a number of quality saves to keep the game at 1-0 but alas the net was bulging again from a fine flick from another penalty corner making the score 2-0 Oxford Uni. Henley’s patterns of play and efforts were still evident, the intensity of the game continued to be high.

However, right on cue Chris Green stepped up in his big moment to score what is likely to be the first of many goals this season. Smartly deflecting the ball past a stranded goalkeeper - this man has a bright future in the sport. The cheers came from the traveling crowd and excitement was palpable but clearly distracting as seconds later Henley conceded their 3rd. 3-1 Oxford Uni. No clear errors involved but just a scrappy bit of play led to a short-range finish. Maybe a slight mental relaxation from Henley cost them.

Henley battled through the next 10 minutes with legs tiring Oxford took full advantage and capitalised with what only can be described as a shot the net was scared of!

However, Henley were not done yet. The game started to even out as the Oxford Uni legs tired and the effectiveness of the Henley preseason started to hit home. A trademark Ed Foster drag flick made the game 4-2. 5 minutes left and spaces started to open up. Smart play down the right led to Geoff Joseph finding said man Ed Foster deep down the right channel. Foster looked up found Kevin Jones, who duly brushed off the cobwebs of a season out with a Hernia injury to tidily finish at the near post

A couple of cards made the last 4 minutes open BUT Henley couldn’t quite find the passes and the extra energy to find that one final moment to complete the comeback.

Final score 4-3 win for the young men from Oxford.