In front of several hundred supporters at Southgate Hockey Club, Cranleigh School overcame Abingdon School 2-1 in the pre-Varsity hockey match.  It was a thrilling contest, enjoyed by the players and supporters alike.  Abingdon took the lead in the first half, transferring the ball quickly from the back through the midfield and a goalmouth scuffle led to an easy finish. 

 

Cranleigh looked nervous, but gradually got into their stride and a super strike from Goddard from their first short-corner levelled the scores.  The match was closely fought, with both teams having chances, but then a Cranleigh breakaway led to a Abingdon defender stopping a shot from going in with his foot and a penalty stroke was awarded.  Up stepped Batchelor, but nerves got the better of this talented forward, he flicked the ball wide and the game finished level at half-time.

 

Cranleigh started the second half strongly and Abingdon repelled several waves of attack, before mounting several counter-attacks of their own – the supporters of both teams were left with their hearts in their mouths!  Cranleigh missed several more good chances and the Abingdon goalkeeper made some smart saves before finally, with about 10 minutes remaining, Cranleigh took the lead.  It was an unfortunate Abingdon mistake that led to the goal – a defender played a loose pass which Batchelor picked up just outside the 25.  He drove in to the circle, didn’t quite get the shot away but picked up the rebound from the Abingdon goalkeeper and scored.  The Cranleigh supporters went wild, but the game was far from over. 

 

Both teams had scoring chances as the legs grew more and more tired, but there were no more goals and Cranleigh were victorious.  Goddard received the man of the match award, but each and every one of the players played their part in a truly satisfying and hard-fought victory against a side that had so far lost only one game this season.

 

DRB