Frustration for Men's 3s

Despite some less than perfect preparation the Men's 3s started the away fixture against bottom of the table Oxford University much the better team. The 3s, fielding another three season debutants were able to build from the back, work the ball through the midfield and get the forwards on the ball with some ease against an average opposition.
Some progressive wing back play from Ollie Sandell and Nic Barton stretched the pitch and with Tino back pulling the strings in midfield Reading took the lead after ten minutes when Oli Clark scrambled a ball into the goal for the opener. However rather than continuing to dominate Reading found themselves bogged down and opting for the harder option more often than was necessary with some clumsy breakdown play from the opposition doing nothing for the game as a spectacle. With Reading unable to extend the lead and Oxford University failing to offer much attacking threat it was still 1-0 at halftime.

The second half started with Reading again making the better chances until a rare foray from the University resulted in an unlikely but well-taken equaliser from a Penalty Corner and as the clock was running down Reading conceded another Penalty Corner and despite two top drawer saves from Henry Saxby in goal the University scored at the third attempt to take the lead.
Finally waking up Reading showed good determination to equalise when Archie Sweeting, who had missed two easier chances, scored with a great reverse stick strike in to the far corner.
With two minutes remaining Reading found the time to concede a final Penalty Corner which was well-saved by Saxby to ensure there was at least a point to the excursion.