Oxford Hawks put in a superb battling performance as they lost 5-2 at home to National Premier League side Hampstead & Westminster in the second round of the NOW: Pensions Cup on Sunday.

Following their 5-1 victory against fellow South Division 1 opposition Milton Keynes on Saturday, Hawks faced several steps up in class as Hampstead’s starting line-up boasted seven internationals including Kiwi short-corner expert Andy Hayward, Richard Alexander and Iain Mackay.

This did not faze Hawks, who held out until two minutes before half-time, when Hayward netted from a short corner.

Hampstead doubled their lead early in the second half, but Hawks immediately responded with a well-executed move that saw Ethan Chapman strike the ball hard into the bottom corner of the goal from the top of the D.

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As the game progressed tired legs begun to show on the home side, who conceded three more goals despite sterling work from the evergreen Phil Hargraves in the Hawks goal.

However, they were determined to have the last say.

And in the dying minutes, Kit Cutter in the D calmly slid it past the keeper to complete the scoring.

This performance bodes well for Hawks’ new league season which starts on Saturday.

Witney lost 4-2 at home to Newbury & Thatcham in their final pre-season friendly on Saturday.

Justin Peel and captain Andy Gosnell netted for the hosts. Witney 2nd were crushed 5-0 by Newbury & Thatcham 2nd.

Other men’s results: Oxford Hawks 2nd 5, Northampton Saints 1; Oxford Hawks 4th 5 (R Scragg, C Larner, R Oldershaw, G Mahon, D Cooke), Northampton Saints 4th 2; Oxford Hawks Falcons 5 (S Smith 5), Southampton Cockburns 3; Witney 2nd 0, Newbury & Thacham 2nd 5; Witney 3rd 1 (R Moore), Newbury & Thatcham 5th 2.

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