Ryan Bresnahan Memorial Hockey Match 2023

Last Friday night saw the eagerly anticipated return of the OC’s XI to Beggar’s Bush for the Ryan Bresnahan memorial game against the College 1st XI and the game certainly didn’t disappoint! It was the first time in 4 years this fixture has been held and an excellent crowd turned up to see whether the OC’s could retain the Ryan Bresnahan cup.

In a cagey opening first 10 minutes with few chances, there was little to choose between the two sides. The 1st XI took a lead through year 10 debutant Adam with an excellent flick into the top corner from a short corner, leaving the OC’s stunned and concerned over whether they would be able to retain the cup. There was some excellent hockey on display for the rest of the half with the OC’s showing their experience and nous. The OC’s levelled the game midway through the first half with an inventive upright reverse in a crowded circle which wrong footed the 1st XI keeper to creep into the bottom corner.

The second half was much more lively than the first, with chances left, right and centre for both teams. The game flowed and was definitely an end to end encounter, both keepers made some excellent saves and although many corners were awarded the half remained goalless, to the delight of the travelling fans meaning the game would be taken to a shootout.

The shootout displayed an excellent show of goalkeeping and a slightly lacking ability from the forward to put the ball in the back of the net! The score finished 2-1 to the OC’s and they retained the trophy.

A huge thank you must go to Michelle for hosting the evening so excellently and providing some truly lovely words about Ryan’s memories of his school hockey and how much the occasion meant.

We are already looking forward to hosting the 2024 Ryan Bresnahan Cup where the 1st XI look to regain the trophy!

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