Leah Kennedy’s table-toppers retained their unbeaten tag after being held to a 49-49 draw at Windsor Royals.
It means Oaksway sit proudly at the summit on 23 points, two ahead of North London outfit AP Saints and YMCA Magic, from Leeds, ahead of Sunday’s visit of fifth-placed Norfolk United tp Brierton Community Sports Centre (start 12.30pm).
“There was a little disappointment about Sunday, more about the performance than the result,” Kennedy told Life.
“Yes, we are still unbeaten and we didn’t get beaten, but we never really got into our flow.
“There were a few tired legs after playing five on the spin at a high intensity, but I think we were just a little bit gutted we didn’t perform as use know we can.
“We’ve got five games before the festive break and four at home, so we’ve got to keep building.”
Oaksway must not be too hard on themselves – no-one played badly but, conversely, no player excelled.
The trip to Berkshire was never going to be an easy one.
Royals possessed the fourth best defensive record and you could see why given the physical prowess of their players.
With Oaksway short of their best form they lost the opening quarter 16-13 – only the second session this season which has gone against them.
But the Hartlepool girls responded brilliantly in the second quarter, dominating to take it 14-7 to lead 27-23 at the mid-point of the contest.
It should have been the cue to kick on but the Royals dug in to win the third session 12-10 to cut Oaksway’s advantage to just two goals going into the final quarter.
Kennedy’s side still led by two going into the last minute, but the Windsor club struck at the death to take the last instalment 14-12 and snatch a 49-49 draw.
Goal attack Orlaith Rogers was player of the match. .
Entry is free this Sunday at Brierton Community Sports Centre.
Author: Roy
Author of Sports Life and all sports articles.