|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
|
|
|
Gt. Horwood v Mortonville. U7s Friendly - Match Report. 28th April 2012 It’s a simple headline The Galacticos of Gt Horwood – Back to Winning Ways. It’s almost summer and as we bask in the rain and the wind and the hail I thought it would be nice to start with a…. Thought of the Day:
“The dictionary is the only place success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must all pay for success.” -Vince Lombardi
And hard work is what the boys need to put in to get back to winning ways. The defeat last week, the first this year, really showed that we can improve our game. The unbeatables became beatable and we need to ensure we bounce back this week with a strong performance.
But before that some interesting Facts about Saturday the 26th April.
Did you know:-
With the news of flash floods, avalanches, and mud slides, parents were waiting by their blackberrys, iPhones and laptops to hear the 'ding' of the inbox message saying all is cancelled. (Did I say waiting, or was that hoping!!)
They waited and waited, the rain continued to fall, the wind continued to howl but the 'ding' was never to be heard!
So, up we get and downstairs we go for porridge and cornflakes.
When we arrive at the pitch the two of the three keenest coaches in town are already there, (But where’s Trevor? All will be revealed soon!!!). Pitch marked, flags and goals out. Just the cones to lay out for the drills and we’re all set. It is to be hoped the gale force winds don't blow them away although there's little chance of that as the driving rain is knocking them deep into the ground and the icy cold wind is freezing the ground around them! I was always led to believe that summer actually followed spring? With a wind chill of -1 it was more like December than 'almost' May.
It’s so cold Charlie’s granddad decides to get in on the ‘warm ups’ and struts his stuff up and down the touchline!
So. Five quarters again this week. Only fifty minutes (plus intervals) to stand in this pouring rain driving into our faces. We find out ‘Lucky’ Trevor is in the warmth of his grand bed in a beautiful hotel in Harrogate. I can picture him now looking out of the window, visualising his son on that cold, wet, muddy pitch and wondering.....
"Will I have two sausages with my bacon, egg, tomatoes, and black pudding, or one?”
But back to the game in hand. Full squad today so we are looking to get back to winning ways. The defeat of last week is long behind us and the coaches focus the boys on the job in hand.
The whistle blows, or is that the chatter of Dan’s teeth! Gt Horwood kick off and are straight into attack mode. Oscar H pounces on a free ball. He shoots ooooooooph so close. The Horwood boys get off to a great start and none greater than young Mr Whincup. George W is on fire. He tackles and wins the ball over and over. He makes some great runs and some super passes. First to Luc, then to Oscar B, then Oscar H. We have chance after chance and are really putting pressure on he Mortonville players. Freddie hasn’t seen the ball in the last 7 minutes!!
But with everyone really pushing hard for goal there was always the chance of a counter attack. And counter attack they did. Mortonville break, they shoot the ball travels fast and low towards the Horwood goal. But a goal is thwarted by the boot of Freddie. The ball goes out, throw in to Mortonville.
The ball comes in again but a big kick from Freddie relieves the pressure. This little flurry of Mortonville activity was short-lived as the Galacticos once again, began to dominate. And it was George W that was leading he attack time and time again. Surely we must get something from this relentless attacking play.
All Gt. Horwood, just a matter of time before a goal. The play was certainly keeping us all warm as we excitedly cheered the boys on. But then 1 minute before the end of the first session the dreaded breakaway from Mortonville Oscar B tackles and kicks the ball up field. It fires of Luc for a throw in. Quick as a flash the red and black of Mortonville throw the ball strong and true down the line. A super run from their attacker and before you know it. In the back of the net.
0-1 Mortonville.
The wind continues to blow hard and an unruly umbrella is quickly escorted from the pitch.
We are all over them but continue to be a little vulnerable at the back as we push forward.
George W continues to have a blinding first session. Luc is mixing it as is Oscar H and Oscar B. George L is also driving the ball forward. There is certainly no feeling of cold in the Oscar H camp as he chases all over the pitch, linking up with George L.
The whistle blows for the end of a great first session. Although we are 1 behind it surely would only be a matter of time before we pull one back and then go ahead. It’s at this point I have to make a confession…I am writing this from the inside of my car!! (iPad doesn't work in the rain!! Well that's my excuse), the rest of the parents are showing great fanatical support as they stand, soaked through to their skin. (Obviously all except big ‘T’. who was now probably enjoying a beautiful cup of Yorkshire tea!!)
So Simon makes a few changes, allows some of the boys on the sidelines to warm up and everyone is ready for session 2. The Ref signals for the start of the second session but wait. Simon has made a few too many changes as more umbrellas enter the playing field. On wanting to play up front, one in goal and one in defence!!
So, with Charlie on. Joseph on, Ollie on. And……. Jamie on. Hurrah! Our very own ‘power packed pocket rocket’ makes his debut.
Mortonville to kick off and Jamie’s straight in like a bolt of lightning. Meanwhile Luc's biggest battle so far is with the red and black of a Mortonville attacker but the red and black of an enormous umbrella, which has decided to attack him!
Gt Horwood settle into their game and the pressure continues. Ollie drives some lovely runs, Joseph and Charlie link well but the desperation to get even means that the boys are trying to win the game individually. Then, a Charlie, Ollie link up results in a great pass through to Joseph who shoots……. and scores.
2-1 Joseph (2) Gt Horwood.
The excitement spills over as umbrellas storm the pitch again!! There's no controlling them they are overwhelmed with the quality of play.
It’s now all the Galacticos. Ollie brings out the ball from defence single handedly dribbles all the way up the pitch, leaving 3 Mortonville players in his wake. The ball goes out and a big throw from Joseph straight to Charlie. The speed of the ball just catches Charlie by surprise and he loses touch for a certain goal. Ball goes out for a Gt Horwood corner. A great ball in from Joseph to Charlie. He shoots and it deflects wide for another corner. Ball comes out to Ollie he shoots…. Another corner. This time Charlie to take. He floats in a beauty straight to Joseph. He powers up and lets fly a Joseph special. The ball blasts through the air skimming the cross bar for a goal kick.
Immediately the ball is won back and Jamie shoots. Out it goes for another corner. Same tactic, Charlie to Joseph - He shoots, just off the mark. Whilst everyone on the sidelines shiver, the action on field is at fever pitch with the boys and girls feeling no effect of the wind, rain and hail and snow!
It continues to be all Gt Horwood, however, Mortonville continue to have some good break away chances in this session.
The whistle blows for the end of the session and after a towel down are ready for the next. The Ref reads the situation and makes the breaks super fast.
Quick turnaround. More changes. Freddie outfield and George W in goal. Oscar B on George L on.
Straight from the off Ollie shoots. Just wide. But what’s this. Mortonville are attacking. They’ve really picked up the pace and have started this session with such vim and vigor. A free kick to Mortonville requires a brilliant save from the legendary George W. He’s like superman today. There’s nothing he can’t put his hand to! The ball is brought out and once again, Ollie shoots, just wide. Surely he will be rewarded for his efforts today.
The game establishes a steady ebb and flow as each team has its moments of opportunity. But it takes a goalmouth scramble and a fabulous effort from Gt Horwood to secure the next goal.
I don’t really know ho he did it but Charlie dug the ball out from a metre behind him to put the ball in the back of the net.
3-1 Charlie (1) Gt Horwood
From the kick off Mortonville work hard to get back in the game and their efforts are duly awarded just before he end of the session.
The ball breaks free and Mortonville pounce.
3-2 Mortonville
With that, the final kick of the game, Dan blows for the end of the session.
Another quick change over and Simon looks to the team to see who is blue and who is pink!! All the blue skinned boys head to the pavilion to warm up the rest go out there and battle on. Charlie takes a turn in goal. I think it so that he can put another op on over his shirt. I think wind chill is standing at -3 now! Oscar H, Jamie and Luc make a great start to the session. A great tackle from Oscar H releases the ball to Freddie who goes on a great run. Great run from Freddie and a great shot.
4-2 Freddie (1) Gt Horwood.
From the off, Jamie, once again wins the ball and goes on a great run.
Oscar H is beginning to feel cold. His whizzing and fizzing around the pitch has become a little slower, well I say a little I mean a lot, well I say a lot I mean I think he has frozen solid! A goalmouth scramble in the Mortonville end results in Freddie shooting, ooooooh, just wide.
With only 10 minutes to go only the bravest are still out there Mort9onville are now playing for pride and the resilience and pure determination, if anything, deserves them a goal. And a goal they get.
4-3. Mortonville
With a few minutes remaining it is crucial that the boys stay composed (and warm), well warm enough to move at least!!
The boys dig deep. They continue to drive the ball forward. Freddie takes a brilliant throw to Joseph. Super shot over the top. Another great run from Joseph. He’s tackled and it’s out for a another throw in. Another great throw from Freddie, Charlie shoots and it is turned out for Gt Horwood corner. A curling ball floats in and Freddie connects.
5-3. Freddie (2) Gt Horwood
With Freddie’s goal being the last kick of the game. The wet but victorious Gt Horwood Galacticos have returned to winning ways. The defeat of last week, it it was a distant memory before kick-off it was now banished from the memory bank altogether.
A superb Game played in great spirit and fantastic enthusiasm. It was a game to be truly proud of. The boys of Gt Horwood and the boys and girls of Mortonville gave it their all today. And it was inspiring.
So well done to every single player. It was a day for heroes and heroes we got every last one of them. But one hero stood out. He was inspiring – from the kick off to the final whistle. Outfield and in goal. Yes, he played every position and was a menace throughout the entire game. That hero of Heroes… George Whincup. A star. Well-done George. Well done everyone.
"The first taste of defeat is bitter in the mouths of the Gt. Horwood Glacticos" Match Report – 21st April 2012 Harold v Gt. Horwood U7s Team News Ollie Howarth, Oscar Hemphill, Joseph Taylor (Capt), George Whincup, Freddie Goss, Charlie Slade, Oscar Burke, George Landymore Well, Is everyone prepared for the Harrold away match? 4.30am alarm call gave us plenty of time to make the necessary checks for the journey ahead. · Sleeping mats/bags - check · Portable stove - check · Sandwiches - check · Kendal mint cake - check · Spare change of clothing - check · Plenty of fluids - check · Torch - check · Small first aid pack - check Now is there anything else? Ah yes. Full tank of petrol - check It was a beautiful morning, a little 'fresh' but the sun was shining and the sky blue, birds singing and the boys looking forward to another great morning's football. Was it to be yet another victory for the boys in blue and black? Only time will tell. A 4 hundred mile round trip, passing through two time zones and we eventually arrive at Harrold Playing Fields. Harking back to he Neolithic or Early Bronze Age the Harrold Ancestors were some of the earliest settlers in Bedfordshire. It was a more established ancient market town from pre Saxon times. Named Harewelle in the 11th Century, Harewode in the 13th Century settling for Harrold in the 16th Century. Its most famous inhabitant was one Dr Richard Mead a 17th Century physician who specialised in poisons and was one of the early founders of a nationwide health policy. Would Harrold prove to be ‘toxic’ for our young footballers this morning or would we be immune to the power of the Harrold Boys?
Anyways, enough of the history lesson, as we arrived at Harrold playing fields it was noticeable that his was a well-supported village activity. There was a hive of activity as parents and volunteers were out in force marking pitches, picking up litter, and setting up nets, with tea, coffee & bacon sandwiches (obviously not as good as the Gt Horwood Bacon & Sausage specials!!), available throughout the morning. Harrold was a small hamlet with a very small facility this didn’t stop the 4 games from taking place without hitch. With double yellows throughout the village I managed to get a little space to park..... In Emberton! Only a 5-mile walk. I heard that some had to walk from Bedford!!! Get on with reporting on the football I hear you say… Ok the football. The boys were ready and with 5 on the pitch today it was going to require some tactical changes by Simon and Sean as space was going to be important today and playing against a little known team the boys were obviously a little unsettled. Match news: No Luc but Oscar B, Oscar H, George W, George L. Ollie, Charlie, Freddie, and Joseph all available. As they lined up to check photos a vigorous interrogation took place to ensure there were no ringers in the squads. 20 minutes later the bells of the 13th Century Church toll for 30 minutes past the hour only to be drowned out by the sound of the pea in the whistle of the ref. Lined up are Freddie in goal, Oscar B, Ollie, Charlie and Joseph. Gt Horwood to kick off. Harrold pounce from the off, they mean to unsettle the Horwood Galacticos and that’s exactly what they did. They've obviously been fully briefed on the unbeaten boys in blue and black. They take the ball and use the space created by 4 outfield players well. Their No 10 is big, strong and athletic and if that wasn't enough he had a football brain! Immediately he shoots, a strong and true shot. It flies low but Freddie is there for us. A great kick out from Freddie through to Oscar B who feeds the ball through to Charlie. A Great shot from Charlie but the Harrold goalkeeper, as quick as a flash, comes forward and makes a great save. Throughout the first session It's end to end football. Fabulous stuff from Harrold and real pressure put on Charlie and Oscar B. in fact Joseph became the third defender as we had to deal with wave after wave of Harrold pressure. If we didn't know we were in for a tough battle this morning, we certainly did now. Another fab shot from Harrold was beaten away by Freddie. Corner to Harrold, Great save Freddie. This seemed to be the order of the first session. Our only real chance of getting the ball into the Harrold half was when Freddie kicked from his hands. But we were creating chances from these balls. Charlie lets fly with a huge shot only to be thwarted by the Harrold goalkeeper. Another shot from Joseph, again a super save from the goalkeeper. The Harrold goalkeeper is having a great start to the game. Quick off his line, he constantly puts the attacker off his. Another super shot from Joseph deflects off the heal of Charlie...... Where's it going? Oooooh, just wide. Goal kick Harrold. A quick throw in to Harrold finds their No. 10 and a beautifully weighted ball up the field catches Gt. Horwood by surprise. Fortunately Freddie is awake and saves the day. This is going to be a tough game, in fact it turns out to be the toughest challenge this season. It is all a bit frantic. Has the long journey to Harrold distracted the boys? They are really taking their time to settle and have begun chasing the ball. This is leaving lots of space for the Harrold boys to make the most of. But there is always hope. A break away to Gt. Horwood gives Joseph the chance to shoot, but again, a great save and it is straight out and Horwood are back under pressure. Oscar B makes a great tackle and thwarts a certain goal. The whistle blows for the end of the session and both Management and players sigh in relief as they gather together to talk tactics. Parents head for refreshments hoping that there is a something a little 'stronger' they can add to their tea and coffee. This really was nerve racking. It was a tough first session but the score is still nil nil. The boys return to the pitch with George L, George W and Oscar H Harrold kick off as they carry on from where they finished. They continue to have the better of the play at the moment. Simon and Sean continue to offer encouragement from the sidelines and make a few tactical changes through this second half. Oscar H makes some important challenges as does George L. George W is doing his best to work it through the middle but we are not passing enough. We are too close together which means the player with the ball has no one to pass to. Freddie comes outfield Ollie, George L. George W and Joseph back on. Can they soak up this pressure and fight hard to get the ball into the Harrold half? The first five minutes of the second session were all Harrold. The difficulty is they are pinning us back which means all of our players are having to play very defensively. We are not accustomed to this, players, management and parents alike! The plus point is that the boys have great resolve. They are not giving up. They are digging deep and supporting each other with every kick, every tackle and every pass. We manage to get the ball out and Freddie and Joseph have some good exchanges, however, the Harrold goalkeeper continues to frustrate as he meets attack with attack and is off his line time and time again. It was one such attack that caught the Gt. Horwood boys off guard. A great save from Harrold. they release the ball quickly and a rangy run from their No. 10 and a fantastic shot makes it 1-0 to Harrold. It was coming and in reality was just deserved. But heads don't go down. In fact, quite the opposite. They throw everything at it; their hearts, their souls, their heads, their everythings!. Ollie hurts his back in a valiant attempt to win the ball, Joseph and Charlie rub their shins as they pick themselves up from yet more crunching tackles. George W wins the ball and he rinks, he dinks and then he shoots. Out it goes for a corner. The whistle blows for half time. Without doubt our most challenging half of football this season. In part due to the quality of Harrold but also we, at times, seem to be in a bit of dreamworld. No talking to each other, no positioning, a little panicky at times. The third session sees Charlie, Oscar B, Oscar H and Ollie outfield whilst Freddie goes back in goal. One can see their desire to get back into this game, the challenge is that each of them as individuals want to get us back in the game, which results in a lot of solo efforts. Great shots from Charlie and Ollie but their goalkeeper is having the game of his season. We are throwing everything at it. Oscar B misses a tackle, number 10 is straight on it - great save Freddie. Is it too many Easter eggs? Too many late nights during the Easter break? There is something not right about the Galacticos of Gt. Horwood, there's no swagger, no confidence. The inevitable happens as another break away from Harrold and a superb shot from their No 10. I could be describing one of our goals as the ball flies true and straight into the top right hand corner. Freddie is distraught at having to pick the ball from his own net. But there was nothing he could do to stop that shot. Mr Harte, Mr Given or Even Mr Van de Sar couldn't have saved that shot. A truly magnificent strike. So, as the whistle blows for the end of the 3rd qtr we go into the break knowing we will be coming into the final session in a place that we have yet to experience, behind. Yes. The season is almost over and this is the first time we have entered the final session of a game behind. This will be the true test of our mettle. The first test of the boys ability to dig deep and work as a team. If they want to get something out of this game then they must work as a unit, communicate, work hard for each other, encourage, battle, never give up. George W takes a stint in goal as Freddie comes outfield again. Ollie has a determined look on his face as does Charlie. Joseph needs to push forward. It may leave us vulnerable at the back, but this is not a time for caution. It is a time to push forward and give Harrold a shock. And that's exactly what we did. From the moment the whistle blew our boys in blue battled like warriors. They won every tackle, every free ball. It was never 50/50 it was always 99/1 for Gt. Horwood. We are back. Back playing super gritty football. It was unbelievable the transformation. Where Harrold were dominant in the previous 3 sessions, Gt. Horwood was piling on the pressure in the fourth and truly fighting back. Great tackle Ollie, great pass Oscar B to Charlie, great shot and out for a throw in. Long throw Joseph great header from Charlie, more great goalkeeping skills required from Harrold. More shots rained in from Gt. Horwood. Shots from Charlie from Ollie, from Joseph? Another great shot from Charlie and then another shot from Oscar H. Everyone wanted to have ago, but there was no getting the ball past this fabulous goalkeeper. We should have had 5 goals in the last 3 minutes but he wasn't letting anything past him. He is quick off the mark giving the attacker no time to think, he is agile, diving constantly across the face of his goal and he is brave, the ball bounces off every part of his body as he throws himself at attacker and ball. Can we score 3 in the last few minutes? Will this be our first defeat of the season? Well if the boys have anything to do with it. Q1. Yes. Q2. No!! Attack, Attack, Attack and attack they did. Obviously with everyone up front it left us incredibly vulnerable at the back and every breakaway left the fans holding their breath! Great shot from Harrold met with a great save from George W. He was doing a sterling job in goal. The noise from the fans was deafening as we all cheered the boys on. More great attacking football continued. Ollie shoots, Joseph shoots, Charlie shoots, Freddie shoots just wide or saved by Harrold. We truly deserve something and sure enough some strong battling paid off as the ball came out to Charlie. Great pass through to Joseph, he shoots. This time there was nothing the Harrold goalkeeper could do other than pick the ball out of the back of the net. Great shot. Joseph goal. 2-1 With a few minutes to go Harrold are all over the place. Attack after attack is defended well. A corner to Horwood, deflected just wide. Another, goalkeeper catch. We are alive. Brilliant shot from the left foot of Joseph it fizzes through the air, we all hold our breath is this going to be 2-2? What seems like an eternity of silence is brought to a crashing halt as the ball smacks hard against the cross bar. Time is running out for the boys in blue and no sooner does the game resume than the whistle blows for the end of the game. It was tense and nail biting stuff. The final ten minutes were ten minutes of football that we have all become accustomed to watching and celebrating. A kind of football that is rare at this age. We have a very special team and we must always remember that. Whilst the defeat is disappointing we must make sure the boys do not feel down. They have given us a season of such highs in fact if you break this game up into its quarters we lost 2, drew 1 and won 1. This was a great team we played against day. Definitely the best we have come up against so far and it is with pride that we can look at our boys and how they behaved. No tantrums, no sticky out bottom lips, no tears. (Can't say that about the fans!!). We now know what defeat tastes like and I know we won't be getting used to that flavour. It was a lesson to all the boys that we must start strong, work as a team, hold our positions and talk to each other. We seemed to lose our way for a short while in that game. We've done it before and we will do it again, however, it's knowing that if we stay organised, play to our strengths work as a team. We will prevail. I started writing this report somewhat deflated as I too didn't like the taste of the loss. However, speaking with Oscar B and George L on the way home it was so refreshing to see their spin on the game, picking out only the positive elements of the game. Oscar B, like an old sage, remarked, "Well we can't change the score dad, but we can do our best to win the next game". I nearly came off the road!! Such wisdom from these young men! A lesson to us all, me thinks - so it may be our first defeat, it most likely won't be our last. One thing is for sure, it won't be affecting the minds, bodies and souls of the Gt. Horwood Galcticos when they don the blue and black strip next game. Until then………
Paul Burke _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Gt Horwood Ravens U7s
The Sun Shines on the Ravens as they spring into action rustling up yet another Victory for the might Galacticos
Gt. Horwood U7s v Newport Pagnell Pumas
Saturday 24/03/12
Spring is here! Spring is here! Winter is gone and two flowers appear. Three little robins their song we can hear Four Great Horwood goals give us something to cheer. Five children come out and skip the rope. Spring is here now! We hope, we hope!
So the team is assembled.
Charlie, Ollie, Joseph, Luc, Freddie, Oscar B and Oscar H, Georges W & L make up the Gt. Horwood Galacticos for March 24th 2012.
Will this be another epic victory or will the mighty Newport Pagnell Pumas exact the Ravens first defeat of the season? Only time will tell. One thing is for certain, the Pumas mean business as we all look on to witness some strong and disciplined drills before embarking on a warm up run around the entire field.
The boys are ready. Starting line up selected, team talk conducted. But wait. There's something missing. No Simon! I look but no he's nowhere to be seen. Then as I say hi to other parents I spot Sir Goss. All dressed down in sweatshirt and jeans. Non-coaching duty today as he acts like a parent supporter. (I can feel his tension)!!
But all is set; Trevor has taken the role of manager very responsibly. Very conservative sporting attire today as he looks dashing in navy. The only splash of colour coming from the tangerine of Sean's socks!!
Anyways to the game. The hoops of the Pumas face uphill and it is great to see so many away parents supporting their team. They cheer their team on from the outset. The whistle blows and with a spirited start the Gt. Horwood Galacticos kick off. Quick as a flash the Pumas steal the ball and are on the attack and Oscar B had to be quick off the mark to put in a good tackle. He releases to Charlie who streaks forward, passes to Ollie. He shoots, deflects just wide for a corner. Ball swings in from the left and through for a goal kick.
The game settles and each side takes it in turn to attack and counter attack.
Brilliant passing from Oscar B in the centre though to Charlie. A super shot from Charlie rebounds out. Oscar B passes through to Ollie another shot, just wide goes out for a second corner, then corner 3. This time a great corner from Joseph it flies almost in slow motion across the face of the Pumas goal. The ball comes out and Charlie lets the shoulder drop and wham..... Shoots wide and as the ball flies high in the air, bounces off dad’s car!
Goal kick comes straight out to Charlie, ball bounces high and a Puma raises his foot a little too high. Free kick to the Ravens just outside the Pumas box. A 4-man wall is set up but it's not enough for the wonderful curling ball from Ollie. He shoots and the ball curls beautifully into the top right hand corner. Goalllllllll
1-0 Gt. Horwood - Ollie (1)
The Pumas begin to fight back and push hard. But against this pressure the ball comes out Straight to the boot of hot shot Charlie. He shoots, a super shot, goalkeeper saves and the ball is pushed away. Oscar B gently guides the ball out to Ollie who races forward and shoots. Goalllllllll
2-0 Gt. Horwood - Ollie (2)
Pre restart Gt. Horwood make a few changes before we get on with the game. A throw in for the Pumas but Oscar H makes a great challenge and passes through to Ollie. He's off again and is certainly focused on a hat trick.
But wait, there's a breakaway. The Pumas counter attack; Freddie saves and releases the ball with a big kick. Freddie's 1st touch. Gt Horwood instigates their 28th sub!!! Not sure who's on anymore. Each time you blink there's a different line up!
Free kick to the Pumas. Great shot is met by a great save from Freddie. Who's in defence? Who's in attack? I'm confused. I know. Another substitution that should do it!
The whistle blows for the end of first qtr. 2-0 to the Galacticos. A well deserved lead as they have dominated the majority of play.
So only 35 substitutions in the first 10 minutes, match this with the keenness of the ref and his 36 free-kicks in the first 10 minutes and one can see why the first session was a little ‘stop-start’.
Hungry for goals Gt. Horwood begin the second session with 6 attackers on the pitch. And that includes our goalie Freddie. This left us a little vulnerable at the back as a few Pumas counter attacks rattled us.
Another free kick to the Pumas giving the ref his 14th opportunity to tie one of the Pumas laces, (this was his second favourite pastime - second only to blowing for free kicks).
The game pace drops a little as the heat of the sun, yes the sun, in March!! takes its toll. It's good to see roses in the cheeks of the boys. Moving from the 5 attacking outfield players I obviously blinked because the switches meant we'd turned into 5 defensive outfield players!! The two Georges, Whincup and Landymore, battled well, alongside Oscar H and Luc. The warmth of the sun obviously had a positive impact on Luc, focused and travelling all over the pitch he really was being a real pest in midfield. Some really strong tackling and getting stuck into everything. Dad over in Malaysia is missing a real treat this weekend. (Well there's got to be one winner in Luc’s household! Come on Lewis!!!). One thing's for certain, he can be really proud of the effort he's putting in today. It's been a tough second session and as the whistle blows, (what another free kick!!), no for the end of the session and it's half-time.
The boys return. Red faced and blowing hard as the Pumas gave them a real test during the second Qtr.
Subs 46 and 47 and we are ready to start the second half. Now facing up hill and the sun shining, this is going to be a real test. The Pumas fans are becoming their '7th' man as they encourage their team to push forward.
As they attack it takes a strong tackle from George W and then a great tackle from Luc to thwart another Pumas attack. They had started the second half strong and were fighting hard to get right back into this game.
George W puts the ball out for a corner - Good shot just wide. Another great shot from the Pumas saved by Ollie and out by Oscar H. More pressure from the Pumas. They can smell a goal.
Another series of substitutions to try and move the ball out of the Ravens half. I think Sean's pencil has run out of lead!!!
The changes make an immediate impact. The ball comes out of midfield to Charlie. After what seemed like an age of constant Pumas pressure, Charlie gets the ball and lets fly a loopy lob from nowhere. The ball soared through the sky over the head of the Pumas bemused goalkeeper..... Goal
3-0. Gt. Horwood - Charlie (1).
The Pumas are shell-shocked. Again the Pumas fans rally round to pick the spirits of the boys up. It didn't take much as they got straight into it. Some crunching tackles from Charlie and Freddie, (did I say he'd been subbed and moved outfield?), giving the ref the opportunity to blow his whistle!
Free kick to Pumas 5m from the Gt. Horwood goal. 4-man wall - Shot comes in with lots of fizz - whack! Charlie makes a great save.... With his face! And that's the last action of the 3rd quarter as the whistle blows to mark the end of a tough session for Gt. Horwood. The Pumas must be wondering what they've got to do to score a goal.
The boys come in and a few changes soon follow. It’s time for a Goalkeeper change, (Only the 8th goalkeeper change so far today). This time it's Charlie's turn between the posts.
Final session. Can we wake the game up? Some inspiring words from Sean & Trevor see the boys step on the pitch for the final time this morning with a real determination to their stride and a sparkle in their eye. Another victory is so close with only another 10 minutes of football left to play, surely they can do it?
But the Pumas want a different outcome and they are straight into attack mode. The Ravens soak up the early pressure and begin to take control. Free-kick to the Ravens just outside the box. Who's taking? Charlie or Joseph? Charlie forgets he's in goal but Joseph quickly takes. The ball comes out but deflects to a Pumas attacker. Charlie is caught out of position and scrambles to get back to goal. Great save and another from Charlie as he pushes the ball out for a corner.
Well it's been 3 minutes into the final session and no substitution? Sorry. Spoke too soon. A quick change and a big throw in from Freddie. However, point to note, many of the Gt Horwood throw ins have sent the ball across the face of the pitch. Whether from defence or attack we need to throw the ball up the field rather than backwards or across. It put us under undue pressure every time. A throw in from the Ravens has resulted in a goalmouth scramble requiring a great save and brave action from Charlie.
Another throw in, again across the pitch. Again under pressure.
But the boys in blue and black turn things round and begin to play strong fluid football. Pushing the ball through midfield and out to Joseph who releases a beautiful pass to Ollie in attack. Another tackle results in yet another free kick. Great shot from Ollie, out for a corner.
But before the corner can be taken... Another substitution for Gt. Horwood. However, it doesn't stop there. Now Newport Pagnell are getting in on the substitution act. A number of swaps ensue. The game has to be stopped. No one knows if they are coming on or going off. Ref has to have a count of players.
All these change means a short corner is knocked out for a goal kick. A strong ball up towards the Horwood goal requires a strong challenge from Joseph........ Yes you've guessed it.... Free kick.
Just outside the box Charlie screams for a wall. A three-man wall is set up. They've all obviously been watching MOTD as they assume the standard wall stance, that is, one hand protecting their boyhoods and the other stretched across their body. But I wasn't only the wall that assumed the position. Both players not in the wall automatically assumed the 'wall protection' stance as well (and one was near the centre circle!
They shoot - wide for a goal kick. With a few seconds to go Charlie releases the ball out wide to Ollie who is determined to get his third. He takes the ball forward, beats one, dinks it around player 2, a swerve around player 3 and just lays the ball up before player 4 attempts a challenge. The shoulder drops and a great shot - met by a spectacular save. But he couldn't keep hold if it. Quick as a flash, Freddie pounced for the rebound and hit the ball sweetly…. Goal.
4-0. Great Horwood - Freddie (1)
The whistle blows for the goal and the end of a tough game. Probably one of the best teams we have played this season. Strong, fast and a never give up attitude they certainly tested us today. But we were up for that test.
Again we demonstrated great resolve and an ability to soak up the pressure and counter attack. This was our saving grace today and it enabled us to maintain our winning ways.
Well done boys, well done Trevor and Sean. I'm not too sure who's been given the task of washing the goalie shirt (could be one of 12!!). I think I'm the only one who didn't get a chance to put it on!
So we all go off into the spring sunshine with a little warmth in our hearts and spring in our step. Another great result and great team effort. WELL DONE __________________________________________________________________________________ Gt Horwood Ravens U7s
99 shots, 36 corners, 19 subs – Only 1 winner
Great Horwood v City Colts. 03/03/12
It's a blustery day. The threat of rain looms overhead as the grey skies try to empty their contents over us poor spectators! Hopefully the wind will keep the clouds moving over the open plains of little Horwood and there will be no need to run for the pavilion.
Have I spoken too soon? Spots of rain on my windscreen as we approach the ground. Coats are being zipped up, collars are being turned up and umbrellas are being reached for, (and that's just the coaches and manager!!). And for the more fair weathered of us, yes I include myself, I can hear the jingle of car keys as parents head to take their pew in the front seats, behind their steering wheels!
And so to the game ahead. A little wet weather won't dampen the spirits of our Gt Horwood Galacticos. The excitement of another potential victory was on the lips of Oscar B over his shreddies this morning and you could see it in the eyes of all the team as the management began setting the drills for warm up.
Jamie, Oscar B, Oscar H, Luc, Joseph, Freddie, Charlie, George L, Ollie, George L. - All ready and waiting for the game to begin.
Was this to be yet another notch on our winning post? Another Gt. Horwood victory?
As predicted a few weeks ago the teams we would play post Christmas shake up would be a test to the boys. That was certainly the case last week when we had our closest victory to date. 2-1 was as close as it's been all season. What will today bring as word gets around that 3 or is it 4 of the opposition are already on the books of Leicester City? Fortunately our boys haven’t heard of Leicester City so it's up to us parents to cross our fingers, cross everything!
The whistle blows to start the game. It's new boy Dan B who is in charge of the implement with the pea today. We need to be gentle. It's his first time in charge, but with dad on hand to give good advice we know we are in safe hands.
And so to the football. An early attack by City Colts sets alarm bells ringing. This really is a good side we are up against today, probably the best to date. We know we have to be at our best if we are to defeat this strong team. Great play from the Colts give them a corner as we defend our goal. We deal with it well and Oscar B leads the charge as he passes through to Freddie. A great cross into the Colts box is cut out and knocked out for a corner. Joseph glides a super ball in that comes out perfect for Charlie's right foot. Great shot and some great movement from Oscar B and Freddie. As the first session settles down Gt Horwood seem to take control with much of the pressure being on the Colts goal. But no sooner had we begun to build a little confidence City Colts, as quick as a flash, broke out of their own defence and took us by surprise. We'd been caught napping and in our desire to attack we had forgotten about defence. Although the boys chased back hard it was no use.
A great strike and the first goal goes to the away team
0-1 City Colts. Dad had to remind Dan B to blow for goal, he did so and the game recommenced. Like a cat, Freddie took the ball from the centre circle and let rip a great shot. Only a superb block from the Colts goalkeeper kept them ahead. Out for a corner. Again a super flighted ball from Joseph but first to the ball was a City Colts defender. Out for a throw. Joseph straight onto it and a super throw to Freddie. Freddie loses the ball and George L makes a superb tackle to win the ball back and passes to Charlie. Charlie is tackled by his own player! In a desperate bid to get back on even terms Freddie has decided to do it single-handedly!
The wind drops and the rain begins to fall. Is this to be a bad omen for the boys in blue and black? In the dying minutes of the first session the boys make one more attempt score. It all gets a bit frantic as the boys throw everything at the City Colts goal. The ball comes out to Charlie, quick as a flash, rather than tee up nicely onto his right foot he takes a punt with his right big toe...... It moves at some pace towards the goal......... Yes. Charlie does it again. Was his Nan watching? I'm afraid not. Special visit by Nan and she misses Charlie's moment of glory! Will Charlie ever forgive her? I'm sure he will but will Trevor? This, I'm not do sure.
1-1 Charlie (1)
And not a moment too soon because as no sooner had the ball been kicked off the whistle blew for the end of the session. Phew, the parents sigh in relief. It was getting a little too much for us all! No way could we take another 40 minutes of this. Champions League, Europa Cup, Premiership. Nothing has excitement like Gt. Horwood U7s.
2nd sessions kicks off and a few changes from the Gt. Horwood team see Jamie, Luc and Oscar H on. And it doesn't take long before they come under heavy fire from City Colts. It takes a fantastic save from George W to keep the boys level. One thing to note, I know Jamie's mum was doing a fabulous job on the refreshments counter, but making Jamie wear his bright red bobbie hat so he would stand out and she could spot him from the pavilion was really taking things a little bit too far! However, it certainly wasn't slowing him down, it may have weighed as much as his entire body weight but he was flying all over the pitch.
I’m not sure what the City Colts manager said at the break but they were on fire. It was all Colts pressure at the moment. Freddie in goal, he has to make some big saves. Luc and Oscar H are working hard to keep the Colts attack at bay. It's probably the toughest session we have had all season. Surely City Colts will be rewarded? Not if Charlie has anything to do with it as he, and the rest of the Galacticos, weather the storm and begin to get their share of the ball.
The Weather is deteriorating and as rain falls the iPad begins to have a mind of its own. I'm hoping it can muster a story that brings with it another goal for Gt. Horwood! Using the excuse of the Ipad I retreat into the dryness of the pavilion. As I said recently to a certain Mr Garside, all sports journalists are soft!
It's real end-to-end stuff. Jamie is still flying and it's noticable that he has probably accelerated up to 70mph! As the Bobbie hat comes off, Jamie means business as he is on fire and with Ollie outfield they are a special partnership, Ollie playing some super passes.
I'm having difficulty keeping up as this is truly exciting stuff. Real 'Roy of the Rovers' play as the ball flies from one end of the pitch to the other. Poor Joseph is dead on his feet. He is drawing from every reserve of energy just to keep us in the game. Great dive from Freddie, great save. Brilliant point blank shot from Charlie, great block from the Colts goalkeeper. My heart can't take it anymore!
Corner Gt. Horwood. Another. And then another. Can we make this dominance pay?
No sooner had I typed this, a quick break away by the Colts. Oscar H all alone, they pass through and shoot. A fantastic save from Freddie thwarts a certain goal.
Corner Colts, then another. And another! Can they be rewarded for their efforts? Colts attacker shoots, just wide.
Freddie kicks up-field, anything to reduce the pressure of City Colts. Charlie chases and keeps the ball in. Charlie desperate to shoot but needs the ball on his right to get a shot away. (“Just like his dad”, I hear Mr. Bennett Snr. utter!).
The ball comes right back at the Gt. Horwood goal. Freddie is caught napping (a very rare occurrence). The ball drops to a City Colts attacker. He's quick to pounce and takes advantage of that momentary lapse in concentration. Goal.
1-2 City Colts.
Not a good feeling, as again, the goal is scored right on the brink of the whistle blowing for the end of the 2nd session.
I see the heads of Trevor and Simon get in close. One thing is certain, they were serious and a serious Trevor meant some very serious talking to do. I'm sure those words of encouragement would make a big difference.
The 3rd session meant a turn around for the teams, which meant uphill for Gt. Horwood!
More tactical changes, but with Ollie up on his own and nobody getting a hold of the ball, it becomes a little too kick and run for a while as the changes make Horwood lose their shape as the boys adapt. What doesn't change, however, is Jamie's determination to run at least a marathon during the course of this game.
But it was all a bit scruffy from both teams. More pressure from City Colts required another great tackle from Oscar B, then George L and then Luc meant that we were so close to potentially falling further behind. A shot from City Colts was deflected, hits the post and goes out for a corner. Then another corner, then another corner! There are more corners in this game than all the previous games put together.
As we get back into the groove we really begin to press forward.
Once again it's end-to-end stuff. Corner Gt Horwood, Corner City Colts, Corner Gt Horwood, Corner again Gt Horwood. Both teams are so evenly matched in this session and the whistle blows with Gt Horwood still trailing.
So, will this be the first defeat of the season? The boys of City Colts have really got their tails up. It's down to Charlie, Joseph, Freddie, Ollie, Oscar B and Freddie to turn things around.
The battle commences straight from the whistle. The ruck turns into a maul as they all fight for possession. A truly exciting period of play in this final 10 minutes. Can we do it? The boys on the sidelines encourage their team-mates on the pitch. Two successive City Colts corners tag the Gt. Horwood boys back a little. But not for long as they push forward once again. With tackles flying in from every angle, Dan 'the whistle man' is certainly put under pressure. "no body told me it would be like this with U7s" said rooky Dan.
Free kick to Gt. Horwood just outside the City Colts box. Charlie and Joseph discuss Trevor shouts "let Joseph take it Charlie". Charlie hands the ball to Joseph and wishes him good luck. It's like a Tarantino moment. Everything is playing in slow motion, the rain is falling, the wind is blowing, Joseph places the ball gently on the ground, looks menacingly at the Colts goal. He wipes a raindrop from his brow and takes his short run to the ball. The sound of silence is deafening! The sharp intake of breath from every Horwood fan is the only audible noise. Then the thwack of boot on ball. Again it takes an age but the ball floats in curling slightly. The silence is broken by the roar of the crowd. “GOAL”. A fantastic goal, the crowd goes wild, a little too wild me thinks as we dance and jig along the sideline. Is it euphoria or relief? I'm not too sure. But a goal it is and all things are now equal.
2-2 Joseph (1)
What's this, Simon's on the pitch! Changing players!
Once again the game reverts to end-to-end stuff. Nobody is giving up this game just yet and with minutes to go both teams had at least three chances each to take the win. The whistle blows and only one more session left.
Who will be victorious? Although a draw would be just I have a feeling there are more goals in both teams. Whoc an hold their nerve? The next 10 minutes will be decisive.
The whistle blows for the final session. Brilliant play. Charlie, Joseph and Freddie linking well. A super shot, a fabulous City Colts save.
If I miss anything I'm sorry. I'm too busy watching the game!! The pressure is all Gt. Horwood. Have we worn the super City Colts out? A great throw in from Freddie plays to the feet of Joseph. He drops his shoulder and lets fly another cracker…. Goal.
3-2 Gt Horwood. Joseph (2)
Pressure now all Gt. Horwood as it seems the heads of the City Colts boys drop a little. Gt. Horwood take advantage and Charlie makes a fabulous chance for himself. He shoots..... He scores
4-2 Gt Horwood. Charlie (2).
"Did you see it? Did you see it Nan?” I heard Trevor shout. "See what?” Replied Nan.... "Doh" grunted Mr T. No forgiveness now me thinks.
And that was it. The whistle blows for full time. Well done Dan, well done City Colts and well done Gt Horwood Galacticos. A heart stopping game. End to end stuff. Both sets of boys should consider themselves winners. It was the final session that separated the two.
The boys of Gt. Horwood dug that little deeper in the final minutes and with their never say die attitude, pulled it out of the bag.
Every boy did magnificently this week. They ran, they tackled, they supported each other, they all worked as a team. Moments of confusion and a little stint of kick and chase, but throughout the game they just got better and better. A performance to be proud of.
Well it was a close one, but once again, the nets are dismantled, the tea urn emptied and the muddied boys of Gt. Horward can sharpen their knife for yet another notch in the winning post. Well done boys, well done management, well done parents and well done Jamie's mum. And indeed to Jamie himself and his amazing energy. It got him man of the match. What better way to start a weekend.
Match Report = Paul Burke
__________________________________________________________________________________
18th February 2012 The Great Horwood Odyssey Continues with a 9-2 victory at Loughton A perfect day - Well one hopes, as the Horwood boys are back in town after the half-term break. It’s been a while since they had a full and proper game. So would they start where they finished off.... Winning? Who knows but with weather almost perfect for football, 8 degrees with a chilly blustery breeze. A little cold, but no rain. Can it hold out? The warm up commences and the boys seem very focused and keen right from the off. Team News: Oscar B. Charlie, Joseph, Jamie, Luc, Ollie, George W, George L. & Freddie are ready. This was to be a friendly with a difference. 5 quarters! (Don’t ask!) The whistle blows and the boys are straight into their football Quick start with 2 Gt. Horwood corners in succession. The second beautifully floated in by Joseph. Charlie steams in like a Lamborghini Diablo, shoots, flying just wide. A Loughton goal kick was short and Joseph was quick to pounce. A superb solo effort thwarted by a crunch tackle. Out for a Gt. Horwood throw. So far it's all Black and Blue as Horwood launch one attack after another. However, with Charlie so wanting to push further up the pitch, it left the Horwood defence a little weakened. Loughton noticed this and took the opportunity to counter. A break came from the Loughton boys and it took a great defensive tackle from Joseph to keep the scoreline at zero. But quicker than we could say, "WOOOO Trevor looks smart in his new hat"; Joseph composed himself and turned defence into attack. A super solo run, weaving all the way up the pitch. He shoots, we all cheer, but it wasn't to be as it just rebounds off the post. Joseph was on fire. His 2 day football focus over half-term has really got him hitting the ground running.. Some fast flowing football from both sets of boys. A Loughton shot deflects off George W for a corner. Great in-swinger from Loughton slicing through everyone for a throw in. The next few minutes see the boys settling down. George L and Oscar B tracking back well. But what's this, Oscar B driving forward and calling for the ball up front!! Oscar B attacking goal..... Shooting!! Jamie uses his pace to create some lovely nippy runs. Both George's continue to work hard with some solid tackles; Charlie continues to be incredibly strong; Freddie is solid in goal. Not a lot to do but what he does is pure quality and Joseph is simply magnificent. But then out of the blue the ball runs free just in front of the Gt. Horwood goalmouth. Freddie comes running out and 2 Loughton forwards attack. Charlie spots the danger and like a tiger, races towards the three other players. Hands over eyes, the fans prepare for the 4-man collision. 8 legs, 8 arms, 4 noses, 8 eyes, no bruises and no blood! but only one winner of the ball.. Yes Charlie swoops in and takes the ball in his stride sending it flying towards the Loughton goal!!!! The final few minutes of the 1st Qtr/Fifth and the pressure is all coming from Gt. Horwood, but will it pay off? Whistle blows. Great 1st period of football. All boys really playing well; passing, running, keeping to their positions and talking to each other. The whistle blows for the 2nd Qtr/Fifth and before I had chance to detail the changes. 14 seconds into the 2nd period, Joseph takes the ball forward and shoots............ 0-1. Gt. Horwood. A wonder goal from Joseph. (1) Loughton kick off. Joseph takes advantage of a 'sticky' pitch and as the ball falls a little short of the Loughton midfielder, Joseph picks up and lets fly a powerful 'Grass cutter' 0-2. Gt. Horwood. Another superb effort Joseph (2) Play stopped... Charlie lets fly with a great cross up towards the Gt Horwood attack but it’s blocked by the face of a Loughton player... Ouch! Charlie, demonstrating maturity beyond his years, shows great concern at the distress of the Loughton player and makes sure that he shakes hands with him as soon as the double vision subsided. Back to the game Ollie tackles well, shoots. Ooooooh, just wide. Luc makes a run and passes through to George W who lays it on to Joseph. He shoots.... Just wide. Stunning throw in from Joseph, down the line. Charlie takes it inside and shoots... 0-3. Gt Horwood. Charlie (1) Corner for Horwood. A beautifully floated ball in from Charlie but again, it glides through everyone for a throw in. Gt. Horwood keep the pressure on and it goes out again for a throw in. this time for the boys in blue and black. Joseph sends one soaring into the Loughton box. Ollie shoots.... OOOOOOOOH so close. The ball comes out and Joseph pounces. He shoots.... 0-4. Gt, Horwood - Joseph (3) Joseph's well-deserved Hat trick ends Qtr/Fifth 2. The 3rd Qtr/Fifth begins and Loughton come out fighting putting incredible pressure on Horwood in the opening minutes of the third period. Corner Loughton. Great in swinger and sooooo close. As the ball sticks on the line, Loughton celebrate. But it was a little premature as Freddie comes across and as they were celebrating he cleared for a corner. Jamie tries to turn things around and pushes hard to bring the ball from defence to attack. As he flys, he gets cut down. Free kick. Oscar W shoots. The ball heads towards the goal but is deflected out for a corner by Loughton. Loughton begin to pile on the pressure. Corner for Loughton, and then another, and then another! This pressure has to pay off for Loughton and it does as they are rewarded with a goal from a goalmouth scramble. 1-4 Gt Horwood But it doesn't stop there because whatever the Loughton Coach said at the break was certainly paying off. They were playing with such belief and it was rewarded again with another great goal. 2-4 Gt Horwood Will this be a great comeback for Loughton? End to end stuff as it all starts to get a bit frantic!! The boys of Horwood begin to lose composure, chasing the ball, forgetting to pass as everyone wants to win the game single handedly. We need the whistle to go, and soon. The whistle blows and Sean, Trevor and Simon gather the boys together. With the wind picking up, Charlie and Joseph move up front with Freddie out and Luc in goal. Brave decisions... Will they pay off? The whistle blows to start Qtr/Fifth 4 and immediately a sublime left foot from Charlie as he dances in through 3 players and pops it in with his left toe al la Ronaldhino. 2-5. Gt Horwood. Charlie. (2) The pressure continues. Brilliant pass from George L to Freddie. Freddie shoots. Great block from Loughton. Another great run from Ollie. He shoots.... Just wide. Corner Gt Horwood, then another, then another!! Charlie shoots..... 2-6. Gt. Horwood. Charlie. (3) As the whistle blows for the end of the penultimate qtr/fifth we can rejoice 2 great hat tricks from Joseph and Charlie. Simon calls the boys together but Luc is enjoying being in goal so much he stays put!! Eventually he runs across and huddles in for the final pep talk. It's the 5th Quarter, the Fifth Fifth.... Doh, The final period! Once again the Horwood boys start strong. Long, rangy runs from everyone. The challenge is now for the boys to use their skills and pass the ball!!!! It's becoming a little bit of a solo procession!! However, there is some great skill being shown just not being rewarded as time after time the boys try to take it past 1 too many Loughton players. Then out of the blue a pass !!!! Yes Ollie lays a beautiful cut through to Freddie. He winds up his right foot and Wham...... 2-7. Gt. Horwood. Freddie. (1) More attacking football from Horwood straight from the re-start. Great corner from Charlie, Freddie shoots. Great save. Charlie shoots - another corner. More pressure from Gt. Horwood. Freddie takes it short. Ollie super shot. Brilliant save. Loughton with a 'never say never' attitude pick up their game and try to turn things around. They put a little pressure on the Horwood defence but Charlie breaks. He passes, yes passes, (such a rarity in this period of play), to Freddie who takes the ball wide then drives inside, He shoots...... 2-8. Gt Horwood. Freddie. (2) With 3 minutes to go can Freddie score another to make it 3 for him and a hat trick of hat tricks for Gt. Horwood? With ferocious tackling and grit from Ollie he also wants to get on the score sheet. It's a great demonstration of not sitting back, even with such a lead. With one final chance for 3 hat tricks Horwood get a corner. Again beautifully flighted in, Ollie just misses but it goes in off a Loughton player. So unjust for Loughton as the score belies the effort the boys put in. 2-9. Gt Horwood. The whistle blows and another great victory by the boys in Blue and Black. This really is a super group of boys, the 'Galacticos' of Great Horwood. The rest of the season will be interesting as they face some tougher opposition. It will be a period that will really test their skills to the max. The key to success will be taking everything they learn on the training pitch. We have some fantastic individual skills. Combine this to teamwork and we will be unstoppable. Play as a team, support and create opportunity for each other and I can see medals and cups for many years to come. But for now Oscar B will settle for a hot chocolate and a twirl!! (Luxury hot chocolate of course!!) Well Done Horwood. Another magnificent victory continues this unbeaten U7s Odyssey. Match Report = Paul Burke
Gt Horwood Ravens U7s The Mighty Romans were no match for the Warriors of Great Horwood as they continue their unbeaten run into 2012
Ravens let off seven rockets in advance of the bonfire party tonight as they make it 4 out of 4 in the league. Match Report - Great Horwood Ravens U7s Home v Roman Rangers 05/11/11 k.o. 9.30 am. Team news Frederick Goss Well it’s a typical Guy Fawkes day with a mild, misty, damp feel to the air but can the Ravens raise the temperature enough to burn the mist away and make it 4 out of 4 in the league and continue their 2011 unbeaten run? Well the clock struck 4, (am that is), and the alarm sounded. In their eagerness to ensure the boys were well warmed up and totally focused. The battle cry was to be there for the crack of dawn. So along with the cock a doodle doing of the neighbours cockerels we set out to collect the soon to be man of the match and headed on down to he pitch. Everyone looking resplendent in their kits, even ‘the management’ had made an effort with their regulation hoodies, possibly in respect of the 25 wonderful years of service from the maestro Sir Alex. However, who’s that I see standing out from the crowd. 11 black hoodies and then……… Along comes Trevor in a very fetching ‘beige’ beanie, bright yellow and blue sweatshirt, very ‘figure hugging’ I may add, blue shorts and white socks. Where is Gok Wan when you need him! Anyways, to the football. Can the Ravens continue with this fantastic streak of winning results? Or will they be thwarted by the beguiling skills and strength of the in form Roman Rangers. Unbeaten in the league also and with some big wins under their belt I am sure they came to the Ravens brimming with confidence. It was obvious right from their arrival that they meant business. The coaches had them warming up immediately and with some good pre match training exercises you could tell they were not intending to give up their unbeaten run. But neither were the Ravens as they prepared with great ferocity. This really was to be the first, ‘Clash of the Titans’ this season. Warm up exercises continued – Freddie was on fire between the goalposts. Our pocket rocket George L, was defending like a lion and attacking like a leopard. The rest of the boys were just as focused. I coached the U12s, and this team show so much more maturity as they listen to their coaches and adjust their practice and effort accordingly. Joseph, Charlie and Ollie show great touch as they raced towards goal, George W, Oscar B and Dylan stood strong in defence. I think Luc had had 3 shredded w The fans were excited. AND WE HADN’T EVEN KICKED OFF!! But with this excitement was a hint of apprehension. I was being constantly reminded that this team was unbeaten in the league, the parents knew this, as did a number of our team. Would ‘mind games’ play a part in the outcome? Who knows? The boys are called in for their final team talk. A hush descends upon he hallowed turf of Gt Horwood as the coaches give their final instructions. The boys listen intently and when done, all move over to their goalmouth for what has become their customary ‘huddle’. The whistle blows and we’re off. The first few minutes a little manic as both sets of players chase the ball backwards and forwards. The coaches attempt to calm things down with words of ‘encouragement’ but every outfield player is intent on putting their stamp on the game and for a few minutes we have 8 defenders, 8 midfielders, 8 wingers and 8 attackers as all outfield players run backwards and forwards, left and right. But it didn’t last long as the boys began to settle and Ravens begin to dominate the early stages of this game. Charlie and George L both defend well and bring the ball forward with Joseph and Ollie beginning to apply pressure up front. But Roman Rangers were just as strong and with some great defending with solid tackling they made it difficult for the Ravens to penetrate ‘Fort Rangers’. It was going to take something special to break the deadlock and whilst Ravens were controlling the game, Rangers were always a threat and were able to break away and turn defence into attack very quickly. We needed the strength, the pace and the bravery of Freddie, clearing our lines on a couple of occasions to keep the score line level. But we continued to pressure. Oscar B came on and instantly made a couple a great tackles to keep the Rangers out. Charlie had probably run 10km in the first 5 minutes and his efforts paid off as we were awarded the first corner from a great Charlie shot. Charlie took a beautifully flighted cross and what was part header, part protect my face from the ball George W stepped forward and put the ball in the back of the net!! 1-0 Ravens and George W celebrates with his teammates. The pressure continues and whilst the Rangers continue to defend well I’m not sure they have been up against such strong opposition this season. You could see it in the faces of the coaches. This was going to be a battle and they would have to be on top form if they wanted to remain unbeaten. But the Boys in blue and black were equally determined, not only to keep their unbeaten run alive but also to end the Rangers. Charlie again picked up the ball and drove forward. He released the ball through to Joseph. Rocket number 1…… GOAL!!!!!!!!
2-0 To the Ravens and Joseph gets on the score sheet. The whistle went and the boys came in for a well-earned drink, deep breath and to listen to the management. Dylan on and is strong in defence. And he has to be because whatever the Rangers Coaches said it had an effect, an immediate effect. They fought and fought and put Charlie, Dylan and Freddie under tremendous pressure. You couldn't catch your breath and if I wasn’t so biased I would be saying the Rangers deserve something from this sustained and quality press towards the Ravens goal. Freddie makes yet another tremendous save and as he prepares himself to release the ball by hand. Charlie yells at the top of his voice… “BOOT IT”. He wanted the ball out of the Ravens half, I think more than anything, just to catch his breath!! But it was soon back and the pressure was on. Rangers corner, could they make this pressure pay? They certainly did deserve something. The ball comes in; a simple cross that takes Ravens unawares. The Rangers attack winds up and their No 10 pulls back the trigger of his right foot ready to let off a cannonball. Joseph just nips in and nicks the ball away. Phew, the Ravens fans were holding their breath and a deafening sigh was released. The pressure continues and no sooner as we get the ball out than it’s back again. The Ravens begin to loose their shape as they all push forward to drive the ball forward. The coaches scream “No Defence, No support”. Freddie is left n his own versus 2 Rangers attackers. A certain goal, Hands over our eyes we sneak a peak to see if it’s gone in. It hadn’t. Freddie saves the day. We need to release this pressure and who better to do this but our calm and collected Charlie!! Did I say Charlie, calm and collected? Surely not. Our most passionate and histrionic player was actually calm, and totally driven to calming the rest of the team and inspiring everyone to raise their game. Luc came on and was a revelation. He tackled, He ran, he tackled and he ran some more. He stayed on his feet and made a massive difference to the confidence in the team as Rangers struggled to come up with the final touch. Freddie continues to keep a clean sheet and shows his calmness by dribbling the ball from outside his box to inside and cheekily picks the ball up. He’s calming the nerves of the players whilst fans and coaches are down to their cuticles in this nail biting stretch. The whistle blows for half time (yes I know it’s a long report… Sorry). Coaches gather them in; the difference between the 2 groups was evident. The Rangers Coaches were jumping and excitable as they continue to fire up their team, whilst the Three wise men of Horwood calmly brought the boys in close and gave them words of encouragement. The boys needed to focus and continue to play how they played in the first qtr. The whistle blew to start the second half. Was the next 20 minutes to be an uphill battle not only metaphorically but also physically as they played right to left up the hill. Luc started the second half on fire. He pushes the boys on and all of a sudden there is a belief in the team again. A goal kick from the Rangers, a rare slip up from their goalkeeper and Joseph is there to pounce. Quick as a panther he rushes through the Rangers defense and wham, a cheeky goal. Like the league they are in, that truly was a goal of Lineker proportions. 3-0 And Joseph makes it 2 for himself and I am sure he will be looking for his second hat trick of the season now. The Ravens begin to quicken the pace and the scales are now tipped in their favour as they continue to put the pressure on the Rangers defense. I don’t know what the coaching team of the Ravens said at half time. There wee no tantrums and certainly no hairdryers flying around. But whatever was said it certainly has done the trick. Rangers continue to soak up the pressure, their defenders have been magnificent as they contain yet another Ravens attack. But they can’t hold the power, will and determination of the Ravens team. Joseph is tackled and the whistle goes for a free kick. 15 metres out Joseph rubs his ankle and places the ball. He steps back, lights the blue touch paper and we all wait. The ball speeds from his right foot and sails beautifully into the back of the net. GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We all cry. 4-0 For Ravens and 3 for Joseph. Well Don J. The whistle blows for the end of qtr 3 and you can see the shell-shocked faces of the Roman Rangers Coaches. This certainly has been their toughest test so far this season and they have another 10 minutes to get something out of it. What they don’t know is that 4 goals can be scored in 10 minutes and the Ravens have been known to switch off at times and when they do goals are scored against them. Can the curse of the Ravens ‘switch off’ return, we know it can and there is often no warning!! We need to ensure that we build on the success of the game so far, understand that we can dominate and be strong and use the next 10 minutes to reinforce this match winning performance so far. The Ravens kick off for the final quarter and no sooner has the ball rotated than the Rangers attack have pounced and retrieved the ball. They shoot, Freddie saves and they have a corner. The boys of Roman Rangers certainly haven’t given up and they have another effort saved by Freddie from the ensuing corner. Charlie, with one of his solo efforts jinks his way through the Rangers defense, shoots and the goalkeeper saves. It is at this point that Ollie comes alive and is like a boy possessed!! He wants everything. Tackling, dribbling, he is really determined to get on the score sheet and his efforts really do deserve that accolade. The ball goes out for a Ravens corner and Charlie steps up. A beautifully flighted ball in is touched ever so slightly by a Rangers player and its 5 for Ravens. 5-0 OG. So it should be all over now. With only 5 minutes to go you would think it’s all over……. But Rangers are still not giving up.. They push hard and continue to put Oscar B and Charlie under pressure but they are both up for the fight. Oscar B crosses the ball out to Ollie who charges forward. Surely this is to be his reward……. But alas, the Ravens Goalkeeper makes yet another great save. The score line may not make it look like this but the Roman Rangers goalkeeper has hardly put a foot, or a hand wrong this morning. But will there be a final twist in the dying minutes? A strong goal kick from the Ravens goalie and the ball is threaded through to their No. 10 and wham. A momentary lapse in concentration and it’s 5-1. The last 3 minutes are again going to be nail biting…. Or are they? Joseph takes the ball forward and a solo effort…… 6-1 and Joseph ensures normal order has been resumed. 2 minutes later Oscar B threads the ball up, Ollie shoots, the ball comes out to the foot of Joseph….. 7-1. Joseph the poacher makes it 5 for him today and superb performance. The ball is placed on the spot for the 10th time and it was to be its last as the whistle blows for full time. Job done. 4 out of 4 for the Ravens and I think we have a team to be reckoned with here in the Gt Horwood Ravens U7s. Is this the class of 2011? Did Sir Alex have this quality back in 1986? I don’t think so. Will team Sean, Simon & Trevor look back in 2036 or should I say Sir Sean, Sir Simon and the badly dressed Sir Trevor look back and say what a team we had!! Fantastic win today, particularly when you consider the opposition. Well done to all of the boys. I know the management had a real tough task in choosing the man of the match award. 5 goals for Joseph, 105 great saves from Freddie, and a fabulous effort from our talisman George L. All three were top trumps as were the other 6. Well Done, George W, Dylan, Luc, Oscar B, Ollie and a fantastic Charlie, who by the end of the match, was so exhausted he was forgetting the names of his teammates. All of you deserve a pat on the back and a hip hip hurrah from us. Match Report - Paul Burke
'The Heat of Samba Rio was no match for the 'Cool' of Gt Horwood Ravens' Match Report - Samba Rio v Great Horwood Ravens U7s away Aylesbury 08/10/11 ko. 10 am. Team news Special Message from the boys : Get well soon Luc. As we arrive in Aylesbury to face the mighty Samba Rio there is certainly nothing South American about the weather as a Siberian chill blows across the football pitch. What a difference a week makes! Last Saturday it was 30 degrees and since then we must have dropped 3 degrees a day. The shorts and sunglasses have now been replaced with ski jackets and scarves. The requests for pimms have been replaced with the cupped hands of parents seeking drinking chocolate. And so to the football. Can we make it three in a row? Only time will tell. In ten pin bowling terms we would be looking for a turkey but here on the icy plains of Samba Rio the Gt Horwood team have come looking for their 3rd victory out of 3. As the opposition prepare what must be the smallest pitch in the league, Sean hands out the new Gt. Horwood team sweatshirts. The boys love them. Not only do they look smart and sleek but also the hoods help to dampen the sound of chattering teeth and knocking knees, (that's the parents by the way). With everything set, the team talk begins. The presentation of the captain’s armband goes to George L, which gives him the second of two reasons to be cheerful. Not only does he have the pride of captaining this brilliant unbeaten side, but he is also celebrating his birthday today. (hippo bathday to you George). The question is. Can the win make it 3? So the customary team huddle ensues and the ref calls for kick off. Freddie in goals with Charlie and George L in defence Oscar B and George W in mid with Ollie up front. ... Yes it's 6 a side The whistle blows and we are off. Pitch so small, before we blink the ball is in our 18yd box (actually it's more like a 4yd box!!). Great tackling and tenacity from Ollie and Charlie ensure we ride out the early pressure. The boys are taking their time to settle into their game as the boys from Rio continue to press. A poor pass from the Ravens defence is intercepted and a great opportunity lost by Samba. Great tackle by captain George L stops a goal cert. Ollie and Charlie continue to link up well and begin to turn the tide of pressure. Over the next five minutes we get ourselves back in the game and demonstrate that we are more than a fair match for the Rio boys as we begin to put pressure on their defence resulting in the Ravens winning the first corner of the game. After a great cross in from Ollie their goalkeeper picks the ball up and launches the ball towards the Ravens goal line. Freddie catches and returns the ball to the opposing team's box with a great kick, this time putting Samba under pressure. Quick as a flash their goalie returns the compliment with another big. Sambas kick again being caught by Freddie. (Is this going to be the order of the day? As the goals are no more than 40m apart?). The tide has certainly turned in favour of the Ravens as they continue to put the pressure on and with a super throw in, nearly give Ravens the reward they deserve. 10 minutes up and the whistle blows. Wow. Certainly action packed!! Whilst the goalkeepers were not truly tested, the battles were being won and lost in midfield. Joseph came on and added power and strength to the central formation, time and time again using his strength to push the ball forward. Second period Dylan on. Oscar H on. From the whistle Charlie so wants the win, tackling and pushing hard again and again. He shoots. An almighty ooooooooooh from the crowd as it goes just wide. The game begins to take on a steady, evenly paced tempo, both teams settling and having the measure of each other. The ball moves backwards and forwards between the two evenly matched teams. Who can do that little something special to break the deadlock? Up steps Joseph as he pushes hard and tries, but is thwarted by a great goalkeeping effort. Dylan has a go and his effort is once again thwarted by the Rio goalie. George W steadies the midfield with Oscar B as Oscar H succumbs to the cold as the Siberian wind begins to lift. George L returns to the field and immediately is put under pressure by the biggest Samba player in town. Samba race forward and catch the Ravens unawares but our captain does just enough to put them off and a potential goal was avoided. The pressure is really on now as Samba keep pressing. Can we keep them away from our goal? Freddie is certainly keeping us in the game at the moment. The answer to the question, quite simply is yes. Charlie and Joseph take the game by the scruff of the neck. "Push push push" the fans chant. The whistle blows for half-time, the last 10 minutes absolutely flew by. Whilst the big boys of England only managed a weak draw last night followed by a pitiful performance by the even bigger boys in New Zealand. The 9 boys of Great Horwood are giving Britain something to be proud of. True grit and determination right from the start. Every 50/50 chance, every lost cause, they chased down. They looked like a team that believed in itself, they believed in each other. The key in the second half was to concentrate, keep calm, focus and have a few shots at goal. And that's exactly what they did. Getting in on the act was Oscar B who delightfully passes through to Joseph. He shoots....... Ooooooooh so close. The crowd cheer but it was premature, the goalkeeper makes a great save. As Sean offers garbled encouragement through a mouthful of penguin (the biscuit not the animal), He attempts to quicken the pace as things slow and concentration dips. We need something brilliant. Something inspirational. .... We didn't have to wait long. A big kick out from Freddie and an unbelievable volley from Joseph. We all held hour breath as we saw the ball fall perfectly onto that right foot and WHAM.... He nearly broke the net!!!!! 0-1 Joseph is first to put a goal on the scoreboard. More inspiration but this time at the other end. A great ball through from Samba. Their number eight takes it beautifully and shoots. One for the photo album as Freddie flies through the air and pushes the ball, Peter Schmeichel style past his right post. What was a certain goal, was thwarted by Freddie. Samba now have a sniff of a goal and are like boys possessed. They really want the game now and put tremendous pressure on the Gt Horwood defence. We get a lucky bounce as a Samba shot rebounds off Oscar B's shin the ball flies out from defence and is picked up by Joseph. He shoots from the half way line (approximate 10m from the goal!), and it just sneaks under the boot of the Samba goalkeeper. GOALLLLLLLLLLL 2 for Joseph makes it 2 for Gt Horwood Ravens. O-2. Joseph The game restarted and no sooner had the ref blown for the start than the whistle was at his lips to end the third quarter. T Samba are playing for pride. It's brilliant. As the boys in yellow attempt to draw on their Sth. American roots and dance their way back into the game. Once again our defenders work hard to weather the Samba storm. In fact it's all hands on deck as everyone supports Freddie. It's looking like George, Mr Dury and his blockheads will have their 3 reasons to be cheerful this morning as the clock ticks down for the final minutes of the game. Tired legs are returning. A few late challenges and Joseph comes off having the ball in his face. Samba pick up the pace and take advantage of the dip in concentration. They shoot and they score!!! 1-2 The game isn't over and Samba have the bit between their teeth. Last week we lost concentration in the final quarter. Was this to be a repeat of last week, when we allowed some sloppy goals in the dying minutes of the game? But this time not having a 4 goal cushion. It was tense, nail biting stuff. Boys were oblivious but the fans had their hearts in their mouths!! Visions of the national team and their performance flashed by. Would we fall at the last fence? NO WAY. Charlie to the rescue. A sublime shot and it's 3 to Gt Horwood. 1-3. Charlie Brilliant, but it's not over yet as straight from the re-start the Ravens regain possession with Ollie taking over and making it 4. A brilliant shot, the goalie had no chance. 1-4. Ollie. Great tackles from Oscar B and Dylan, strong running from 'Captain George' and ultimately Joseph clearing our lines in the dying moments mean we end the morning as we started it..... UNBEATEN Yes we've done it. It's three out of three. The cold may have tried to spoil the morning, but the spirit in the boys’ hearts and the fire in their bellies made this another game to remember. Yeeeha. It's now official. We are on a winning streak. Well done Ravens. A game played in fabulous spirit with great respect for the ref, the fans and most importantly, each other. With the customary shaking of hands and 3 cheers for Samba. The coaches called the team talk. Simon asked a simple question. Who do we make man of the match? All the boys’ hands shot up!!! And that was the point. Every boy made a contribution to this game. But there was one person today who just stood out that little bit. He really did give the boys the confidence to drive forward as his 'safe hands' allowed our defence to push on and assist midfield and attack to score some fantastic goals. So well done Freddie. You are our MAN OF THE MATCH. Well done Ravens. However, Simon, Sean and Trevor wanted to make sure the boys took some learnings from this game. Whilst it was a convincing win in the end, we started the game shakily with little concentration, organisation and communication. Once we had focused and started to talk and work for each other that's when we punished the opposition. Finally, we need to remember that we have to concentrate all the way through the match and not drop off towards the end of the game and that defence is just as important as attack. So, STAY IN POSITION! So three very good reasons to be cheerful all round. 3 wins for the Ravens, 3 cheers for Samba and a very happy Birthday to Captain George.
"Ravens become 'King of the Jungle', having devoured the Match Report - 24th Sept 2011 Team News Ollie Howarth, Oscar Hemphill, Joseph Taylor, George Whincup (Capt), Frederick Goss, Charlie Slade, Dylan Randall, Oscar Burke, George Landymore, Luc Rocquelin Well we took on the mighty Tigers of Tattenhoe last week at home and won. This week we had to face the fiery Jaguars of the same club, only difference.... we were away. Yes our first away draw of the season and what a great facility up at Newton Longville. Lots of children enjoying their football and what a great tea and coffee van!!! The boys arrived all set for another thrilling adventure on the pitch. Simon and Sean were all fired up and when Trevor arrived to make up the 3 Musketeers, (or was it hearing, speaking and seeing no evil!!), they certainly are all for one and one for all. The boys warmed up, passing, shooting and when they all gathered and did the 'Celtic Huddle'. The fans knew they meant business. With conditions perfect, light breeze, sun shining and team focused.... The whistle blew. And what a start - Ollie was like a panther after his prey. Quick as a flash Ollie releases the ball to Joseph, route one as Jo jinks to his left then to his right. He releases the ball...... Goal. It's one to the Ravens in less than a minute. The fans are slow to react as the ball is in the net in less than 30 seconds we were still gathering bottles, gloves and tops, Sheila was unwrapping a Kit Kat!! W
From the break the Jaguars catch us off guard as we continue to have 4 wannabe strikers at the wrong end of the pitch. The Jaguars race forward and leave us vulnerable. Joseph races back and, with a perfectly timed tackle, saves the equaliser. End of Qtr one and a few changes in the squad mean that the two Oscars, Dylan and George L come on. And again we get off to a strong start. Oscar B showing us his strength and power making sure he covers all of the pitch. His tackling has improved, his passing also, working hard to release Ollie at every opportunity.. George L runs and runs..... ........and runs! Great coverage, he may not be the biggest player in the squad but he has the heart and engine of a lion, running and tackling. Nothing is too challenging for Lil G. Dylan also is a powerhouse, pushing forward driving through the Tattenhoe defence. However, the Jaguars, after a shaky start, begin to get back into the game. They push hard and are eventually rewarded with a goal. So 1-1 and all to play for. Charlie returns to the pitch and you feel that he has the bit between his teeth. He is everywhere. Up front, midfield, defender and at one stage saved a fantastic goal scoring opportunity from the opposition... with his head!! Freddie continued to be a rock in goal and saved shot after shot. He is a natural, not afraid to dive, not afraid to come out and take on his opponent, closing the goal and super super kick outs to put us in an attacking position means he was having a great day. We, once again, begin to put the pressure on and dominate the game. Charlie makes a fantastic run and unselfishly releases the ball to Ollie and yes........ Goal. 1-2 to the Ravens and now you can really feel that a second win out of 2 is on the cards. But we fall back into the 'i want to be a striker' mode and begin chasing the ball as a pack. As we lose shape Tattenhoe begin to believe that they are in with a chance. But they haven't. Normal service soon resumes as the coaches 'encourage' the boys to regain their shape and defend and support the front payers. Captain George W steps up to the plate and creates confidence in the team as he tackles and plays the ball up for a beautiful set up for Joseph. GOAL! and it's 1-3 to the Ravens. The pressure continues as the boys press hard straight from the whistle. Charlie, once again uses his strength to take the ball from one of the Jaguars. He uses that strength allied to great skill to create a fabulous solo effort. 1-4 to the Ravens and the first on the scorecard for Charlie.
But it doesn't stop there as I look up and feel a sense of 'Deja Vu'. Are we on Match of the Day and we are watching a replay? The whistle blows and we win the ball, Joseph takes it forward and 'WHAM' it's 1-6 to the Ravens. Are we unstoppable? Well in the great words of David Gilmor, we have a 'momentary lapse of reason' and Tattenhoe claw one back, 2-6. This gives the whites of the Jaguars a glimmer of hope and they begin to press hard. Luc makes some fantastic tackles and brings the ball out of our defence an a number of occasions. One such tackle was a real show stopper. A certain goal was thwarted from the boot of this young man. 'Go Luc Go' we shout from the sidelines.
The whistle blows for kick off and quick as a flash, freddie steals the ball from the Jaguars attack, driving hard he makes it number 8!! There is no stopping the boys. A great display so far but a lesson to be learned in the dying minutes. A lack of concentration meant that in the last 4 minutes Tattenhoe managed to pull back 2 goals. So the Whistle blew for the final time and the Ravens fans cheered. A well-deserved victory making it 2 out of 2. The cheers of the boys and the shaking of hands demonstrated the respect of the boys to the game, the ref and their opposing team. A valiantly fought game and the season is beginning to get really exciting. The boys have started the season with 2 wins, but the most pleasing thing both in terms of in the games and in training is the boys attitude, their composure, their desire to learn and their great team spirit. The management team have a lot to be proud of, as have the fans. All they had to do was to have a quick drink and the obligatory jaffa cake!! and after the coaches debrief the award for Man of the Match went to Oscar B. His running and important tackles meant that he really supported the team at key times. Well Done Oscar B Well done to all the boys and well done to the coaches -- Can we make it 3 out of 3? Only time will tell.
|
heat this morning as he ran and ran… and ran. 
eam talk. Fresh faces on and now the final ten minutes awaits 
Tigers last week and now the Jaguars this week"
e soon catch up and let out a cheer of delight. Is this the sign of a great 40 minutes?
|
|
| [Home] [Merchandise] [Events] [Newsletter] [Directions] [Firsts] [Reserves] [Vets] [U 15's] [U 14's] [U 13's] [U 12's] [U 11's] [U 10's] [U 10's Girls] [U 9's] [U 8's] [U 7's] [Links] [Archive] [Club Pages] [Contact Details] |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
