Relegated Rover Oxford lost 4-2 to Havant in their final match of what has been a very difficult season in Division 1 of the South Clubs’ League.
Havant struck first, and when Rover won their first short corner, Becca Demczak’s strike was deflected into the top right hand corner by a defender.
The Hampshire side re-gained the lead, but Rover remained determined, and Hayley Sawyer fed Sam Sandham, who crossed for Bex Strange to slot past the keeper and level it up at 2-2 at half-time.
A composed Lucy Eddowes continually prevented one of the dangerous Havant forwards from penetrating the D.
However, they managed to fire in two more goals to clinch victory.
Rover have struggled all season. Despite that, some superb hockey has been played, Rover will now drop down to Division 2 – a disappointment not only for the club, but also for Oxfordshire hockey.
Oxford Hawks also played their final game of the season, and lost 4-0 to league winners Surbiton.
Hetti Murray was strong and consistent in midfield, but Surbiton were clinical in taking their chances.
Hawks came out with passion and vigour, demonstarating their fitness.
But Surbiton, one up at the break, rotated their forwards well and ran away with it in the second half.
Nevertheless, the final scoreline did not reflect how competitive the contest had been.
City of Oxford saw off Bracknell 1-0 in Division 3A.
It was a midfield battle throughout, with Bracknell packing the middle of the park and playing just one up front.
Mel Banton hit the post before Christine Fraser got the winner when her short corner strike was deflected in.
Summer Merrie and Helen Robey were on target in Hawks 2nd’s 4-2 defeat to Sonning.
OTHER SCORES TRYSPORTS 3 COUNTIES LEAGUE Prem 1: Oxford Univ 2nd 2, Wallingford 1; Rover Oxford 2nd 4, Reading 2A 2. Prem 2: Abingdon 0, Wokingham 4; City 2nd 1 (A Cooper), Sonning 3rd 3; Maidenhead 3rd 5, Hawks 3rd 2; Amersham 2nd 3, Banbury 2nd 3. Div 2: City 3rd 3 (J Arthur, J Muddle, E Graves), Banbury 3rd 0. Div 4: Henley 4th 0, Hawks 4th 5 (K Davies, L Phillips, B Hiner, S Ackland, P Fitzgerald); Hawks 5th 3 (L Phillips 3), Bicester 3rd 2.
Mixed match: Aylesbury 4, Adastral 0.
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