Bradfield always present a very stern test and today was no different. Clearly, judging by their results, they have had a very successful season, so this presented us with the perfect opportunity to test ourselves, too.

The focus for the week had been on how to track back defensively and, on the opposite side of the coin, how to make the most of possession in the top third of the pitch, in and around the D. Captain Bremner returned to the squad, albeit in a limited capacity; it is genuinely super to have his reassuring presence back amongst the group.

The game started with both sides playing some excellent hockey; long sets of accurate passes were strung together and both sides demonstrated good shape in both attack and defence. Bremner was back (in short 4 minute spells) to add quality up front and Rainsford was clinical in everything he did in midfield, ably assisted as always by the brilliantly consistent, Wickens. Cordle continued to make wonder saves at the back as the game ebbed and flowed in between quality D entries from both sides. Radley came closest to scoring on 18 minutes when a brilliant Newbury run down the right wing , coupled with an excellent pass left our strike team with little to do.......ah, the shop slips narrowly wide!

The second half was a little scrappier as both sides defended avidly, waiting for their chance to catch each other on the counter attack. Radley again missed a golden opportunity and then minutes later somehow kept Bradfield scoreless after a 30 second goal line scramble, Bayly, saving us on the goal line after more good saves from Cordle. It was the class of Bremner who broke the deadlock after more good work from Newbury, although the finish was scuffed, it was too accurately placed for the athletic Bradfield keeper to reach it.

It was a super game of schoolboy hockey that Radley won 1-0. This will be a tight contest going forwards.

Thank you so much to the excellent Bradfield XI, and of course to the brilliantly supportive set of parents who have followed this team around the country all term. Next stop Nottingham on Monday for Nationals finals day.