Oxford Uni away, Prem - 28 Oct 2006

Oxford started brightly, taking the game to Purley with some sharp dodging and quick shots, and initially this payed dividends, as they went up 1-0, but Purley swiftly replied through Jesse O'Hanley. Learning their lesson from last week's face-off problems Purley were again using two long sticks from the wings. Luke Smith was dominating the face-off, unerringly pulling the ball out to Ian Nesbitt on the wing time after time, which must have gained Purley the ball 90% or more of the time. It was this combination which led to Purley's next goal, as Nez gained possession from the face-off and fired in a rocket. Oxford pulled back to 2-2, and the score was still close with Purley leading 4-2 at quarter time.

In the second quarter Purley had the majority of possession, and started to dominate. Oxford weren't helped by their keeper going off injured (though he returned during the second half). Nez decided to give the stand-in keeper an appropriate welcome, as on the fast break he launched a shot from the restraining line which hit the keeper right in the face mask, rocking his head back, and the ball ended up in the back of the net. Purley continued to increase their lead, ending the half 8-2 up.

In the third quarter Oxford again started brightly, and managed to pull the score back to 8-4. At that point it looked like Oxford might make this a tight game, but after that is was all Purley, as they made their superior possession count to take the three quarter score to 11-4, and completely dominated the last quarter with a clinical display resulting in 7 goals, including another for Nez, and one for the other long stick midfielder Denham Pope. Final score to 18-4.

Thanks to Jon Harrop for his usual consummate performance in the stripes.

Goals: Jesse O'Hanley 6, Jamie Tasko 4, Ian Nesbitt 3, Graeme Holland 2, Luke Smith 1, Matt Payne 1, Denham Pope 1

Photos by Steve Cluney.