The Girls U16A’s progressed to the last 16 of the National Cup after finishing joint on points with Repton in the T1 North league.
The girls were drawn away to Surbiton High School in the last 16 of the competition. With a place in the quarter finals at stake, the girls travelled southwest London early on Wednesday 31 January. The team had good preparation for the game, alongside their netball term the girls had games against Oakham’s 1st XI and Beeston’s U18’s.
The game started at a very quick pace with GK Izzy keeping Oakham in the game with some outstanding saves. A quick counter up the pitch resulted in an Oakham short corner leading to Alexa slotting it home from the left side of the D to make it 1-0 in the 10th minute.
The game continued at a high pace with both goalkeepers keeping the strikers at bay. Oakham’s disciplined and organised press continued to break down Surbiton’s play. This bought Oakham their 2nd goal on the brink of half time as Sammy riffled the ball into the bottom left corner from the top of the D to make it 2-0.
Oakham were pinned back for the first 15 minutes of the 2nd half with Surbiton playing some great hockey. The Oakham girls really dug in and defended like warriors.
As the game came to a close, the quarter finals were in sight. With 2 minutes to go, forward, Millie got on the end of a bobbly ball to seal the game at 3-0.
Hats off to all of the Oakham squad who worked tirelessly for 70 minutes, just like they have all season.
They remain unbeaten for the season and will face Clifton College on Thursday 22nd of February at 4:30pm on the Cullen Astro as they strive for a spot in the semi-finals.
