Oxford take the 2022 league title with emphatic win
Éire Óg Oxford produced an emphatic performance in the final of the Hertfordshire Senior Football League to retain their title and take their winning streak to four-in-a-row. While St Josephs of Waltham Cross held the Oxford side to a draw in the round robin stage of the competition – separated only on difference in points scored and conceded – they were unable to match that form on the day. Having won the toss, Oxford captain Eanna Connaughton opted to start the game playing with a blustering wind behind them – proving a wise decision as by half time Éire Óg had opened up a handsome lead of 2-11 to 0-06. The match could not have started better with Oxford notching a goal within the first minute and they did not relinquish the lead for the following fifty nine. The wind was not so much working in Oxford’s favour as against Joes, with several Waltham Cross efforts pulled wide in the blow. For a time, St Josephs were able to stay in touch through some well worked points from play, as well as frees from Hugo Harding and Ryan Barker. However, with a Piers McGlynn attempted point crashing off the post late in the half, the ball was again in the Joes net and difference was commanding. St Josephs had their chances and if not for a fully-outstretched, highlight-roll save from keeper Ryan Davies, the Waltham Cross side could well have had a goal and have been in closer contention.
Following the break, it was clear Joes were not ready to roll over and – almost as quickly as Oxford had score in the first half – they had a well taken maximum within the opening minute. It seemed momentum might have been building in the ensuing moments, with St Josephs and Hertfordshire midfielder Barker slotting over a free from a substantial distance, following a yellow card for Oxford midfielder Colin Forde for a wayward shoulder. However, Oxford stayed patient and began to reassert their dominance through sustained pressure on the St Josephs kick out and putting together a series of scores that extended their lead again. An injury to Joes half back Matiss Polis – who had been provided a degree of aerial dominance in the Joes back line early on – put any prospective comeback in doubt. Joes notched one more score but could not convert a penalty late on amid further scores from Oxford – the best among them from an excellently fielded mark from Forde – that put the game beyond doubt. By the time referee Mick McCarey – who had ably kept the game flowing and avoided any major incident – blew his whistle the difference was 14.
Missing several key players, including Johnny McGee and forward Shane Tubridy, St Josephs will be disappointed with the result but will no doubt draw on the experience later in the summer when these two sides will likely meet again. As Connaughton reflected upon in accepting the trophy, Noel Griffin’s men will continue to provide stiff competition, especially with so many impressive homegrown players occupying starting places for the club. Oxford’s home advantage was largely cancelled out by an impressive travelling contingent who may well have outnumbered their hosts and will be looking forward to better results to come. As for Éire Óg, a strong performance will offer some short-term joy but Tommy Griffin’s side will quickly be setting their sights on more silverware this season – notably in the hope of retaking the championship title that St Josephs seized in 2021.
Final Score
Éire Óg Oxford 2-19
St Josephs Waltham Cross 1-08
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