Report by: Joe Rowson

This week Finchfield faced local rivals Old Wulfrunians with the principal intention of continuing the winning streak and positivity accumulated over recent games.

Finchfield began the game driving forwards and applying pressure, after a brief 10 minutes a scramble in Old Wulfrunians’ goal mouth saw Chris Jones open the scoring. However, Old Wulfunians quickly returned the favour to bring the game back to even footing and followed with a second goal shortly afterwards to put them ahead.

Fortunately, Jack Gibson soon rectified the score by slotting a reverse stick shot from top D into the bottom right-hand corner. The first half was then finished by another goal from Chris Jones’ top D shot, putting Finchfield back in front.

Old Wulfrunians began the second half with a clear hunger for a goal to even the scoreline and their efforts were rewarded only a minute into the half, bringing the score to 3-3. Play continued with promising attacks from both sides, though neither team managed to produce an outcome until George Carson placed the ball on a defender’s foot after a strong attacking run to the baseline resulting in a penalty corner to Finchfield. This penalty corner saw Chris Jones finding the corner of the goal again via a low drag-flick.

Shortly afterwards Old Wulfrunians were awarded a green card for dissent regarding a short corner given to Finchfield, continuing the arising short corner pattern Chris Jones added another goal to the scoreline as a result of said short corner. Finchfield further increased the lead through fast, controlled link-up play that culminated in Jack Gibson scoring another reverse through the keeper’s stick bringing to score to 6-3.

Old Wulfrunians reacted and following multiple penetrating attacks they were rewarded with an impressive goal from a near-post shot.

As the game wore on both teams started to show signs of fatigue in the hot sun, however, a sudden skilful burst from Rich Saunders broke through the Old Wulfrunians’ defensive line and resulted in another goal for Finchfield. Almost immediately after play restarted Finchfield regained possession, leading to Dave Griffiths recognising an opportunity and playing the ball into Ian Bradley for a deflection onto the Old Wulfrunians’ backboard. Nonetheless, despite the score and the little time remaining Old Wulfrunians continued to strive for another goal and following multiple attacks they managed to overload Finchfield’s defence and conclude the game by slotting the ball into Finchfield’s goal.

Overall, a strong performance from Finchfield this week against local rivals Old Wulfrunians.

Fulltime score: 8-5