Oban men’s hockey team win at Helensburgh

The Oban men’s hockey team travelled to Hermitage Academy last weekend to take on Helensburgh men’s third team.

Helensburgh were expected to be determined opponents after last weekend’s result and did not disappoint.

Oban started strong with text book passing and concerted pressure in the Helensburgh ‘D’ leading to several penalty corners.

The breakthrough came swiftly for Oban with Theo Andrews scoring with an excellent strike from the top of the ‘D’.

Oban kept up the pressure with Andrews scoring a further two goals from penalty corners. Stuart Head scored his first of the game.

Ryan Jones added to the tally with a tidy bottom corner finish.

Helensburgh pulled one back before half time with the Oban goal keeper stumbling over a simple strike at goal.

Oban refused to relax and give Helensburgh any chances of scoring in the second half. The solid Oban defence – Jensen and Lorne Binnie and high work rate of the midfield – Gavin Yates, Grant Matheson, Ash and Zeph Petit – meant most of the half was played in the Helensburgh end of the pitch. Head scored again twice, Andy Hodge once and Andrews gained his fourth.

Helensburgh were unrelenting, but the final score was 9-1 to Oban.

Man of the match was Theo Andrews for his sustained high work rate and four superb goals.

Thanks to David Love for umpiring.

Next weekend the Oban men head to Lomond School to take on Uddingston Men’s fifth team in a vital match for West Division 3 rankings.