Rover Oxford looked a little sleepy after their long drive up to the north-east the night before as they were beaten 4-1 at Whitley Bay & Tynemouth in the National North Division of the Slazenger England Women's League.
Rover had some moments of champagne hockey in the first half but were unable to finish their chances.
Whitley Bay looked more determined in their D and took the lead from a penalty stroke in the 13th minute. Goalkeeper Caroline McCulloch was unlucky not to save the shot.
Bad communication between the defence allowed a Whitley Bay forward to stroll into the D and score a second before half-time.
Rover had a spritely start to the second half and Jess Rickman pulled a goal back.
However, Whitley Bay piled on the pressure and Rover's squad of 12 ran out of energy as the home team scored twice more.
Banbury overwhelmed Abingdon 13-2 in the second round of the EH Mixed Cup to march into the last 32, with Dave Clark grabbing five goals and Simon Boardman three.
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