THE season ended with defeat for Oxford Hawks 1st, but there were plenty of reasons for encouragement in their 2-0 defeat at home to high-flying Chichester in South League Premier Division 1.

With several players unavailable the home side took the chance to field a youthful line-up, with nine of their players aged under 19.

Several were on debut, while Sam Chilvers and Joe Brownill made their last appearances before leaving for university.

Third-placed Chichester broke the deadlock on 15 minutes, when a short corner was drilled into the bottom corner.

Skipper Nick Lamb led from the front as Hawks looked to restrict clear-cut chances, but the visitors struck from another short corner.

The second half was much more even and the hosts did well to stay in the game.

Unfortunately, the young side were unable to make the most of eight short corners, but the display showed the squad’s strength in depth.

OTHER SCORERS

MBB&O Div 3: Oxford 4th 3, West Hampstead 4th 4; Oxford 5th 4 (B Matthews 2, D Albon, B Hudson), Eastcote 4th 4.

MBB&O Open Div 6: Oxford 6th 0, Wycombe 5th 5 (game conceded); Oxford 7th 0, Harrow 3.

Other match: Oxford Hawks Senators 7 (S Dawson 3, C MacFarlane, M Crowley, E Baldock, D Heinrich), Richmond Vets 1.