We had both our U16 Conference and Regional National League teams in action this weekend and the Girls played a knockout cup game, while our men's game was postponed.

In 'game played' order, here's our weekend roundup.

Coach John took our U16 Regional team to play in the new Oxford Development League at Brookes University. This is what happened:

"First taste of this competition for our new U16s team and unfortunately two close losses. We were at our best being very active on the boards either end of the court and cutting from the wings, attacking the basket. Regrettably in stages of the game we could not stop giving away the ball cheaply, without taking a shot, added to some poor fouls inside the paint giving both Thame and Hoops points without having to go to the line. Over far too soon but a very positive start for a team who have just come together as a group." Well done boys, we're expecting a win soon.

Meanwhile on Saturday afternoon the U16s Conference team took on West Herts Warriors, familiar opposition to the Eagles over the years. Coach Steve praises rookie players, as we suffered a couple of injuries that may have repercussions for the next few week. He reports:

"The U16 Conference team took on a beatable West Herts Warriors II on Saturday. The Eagles got out to a slow start and were down 10 in the first quarter and then 20 by the half. The Warriors out-sized and out-muscled the Eagles. We are still learning how to compete against the strongest teams but the Eagles showed in the second half that they can do this. There are many positives from the second half including a fantastic performance by Tom Murray and the all-round play of Hugo. Both boys had stand-out games and are continually improving. Vinay and Oli both shot well and Lorenzo, guesting for the U16s, hit a 3-pointer!
As is the nature of sport there are some lows as well as French hurt his wrist early in the game which hindered him throughout and Alex rolled his ankle in the second half. Both players will be out for a few weeks and we wish them both a quick recovery. Despite being down 20 at the half, we only lost 87-59 and showed great team spirit in the second half. Despite the loss the Eagles are showing improvements every week which will stand them in good stead for the rest of the season."

The Girls are the only team to be involved in Cup competition this year and on Sunday they travelled to Northampton with Coach Hayley who tells us how they got on.

"The U18 Girls travelled to Northamptonshire to meet the Titans in their first ever cup game. It truly was a game of two halves! The first half saw the Eagles struggling to keep their composure against the Titan’s vigorous defence, turning the ball over and passing into trouble, the Eagles just couldn’t get their offence going. They were down by 21 points at half-time but, showing true Eagles spirit, they came out in the second with determination and positivity. They stopped letting the Titan’s dictate the play and took the game to them, making them work for every single basket. Learning from their mistakes, the Eagles looked after the ball, were patient on offence and took advantage of fast break opportunities. Although not able to claw back a win, the Eagles showed that they are true competitors. It really was a team effort, with solid performances from Jeanne and Aibh and an outstanding performance from Sobiah. Well done girls! Final score Titans 64 Eagles 46"

Our men's game vs Witney was, sadly, postponed but is being rescheduled. Next week we see the U18NL back in action and there's a welcome Glozball return - this time with our U16 Regional team travelling to the Gloucester Quays venue and the U16 Conference team take on Reading Rockets at home. All supporters welcome!