Hatful of chances go begging

After a great first two games of the season Sonning 5s were sat top of the league full of enthusiasm and gusto raring to take the game to Oxford 7s who looked a somewhat different unit to the team we faced and drew against in preseason.

Sonning burst out of the traps quickly and were definitely the dominant side for the opening 20 minutes with some good chances made playing the match once again at a high pace, but would we be able to keep it going for the full duration of the game?

Sonning's high temp and solid passing was too much for Oxford at the 15 minute marker when Neil Pipe scored the first goal of the game from the second short of the day with a simple stop and flick that found its way through the charging defenders, past the on form keeper's stick, inside the post and far enough away from his striking partner's (Grant) stick who would have been certain to 'make sure of it' if required.

Up to this point Rhys had not been hugely challenged but then he pulled off a couple of very strong diving stick saves to ensure he kept Sonning in front.

It was clear that the fitness in the Sonning ranks was starting to waver as Oxford started to find more space and passing routes up the pitch. At 10 mins before half time Oxford seemed to have a lucky break in which they sliced through the centre of the 5s, in a similar fashion to the All Blacks through the French, delivering them their equaliser.

The half time whistle came with the sides level at one a piece.

The 2nd half began well but Sonning could not capitalise on multiple chances in the D from both open play and well won short corners. In the final quarter of the game Oxford scored yet another breakaway goal after which Sonning responded well but we're still unable to hit the target.

The final whistle gifted Oxford their first win of the season at 2-1.

By Neil Pipe