Football Festival 2023

On a rain-plagued morning in deep November, the school football team made the 5-minute trip to the Odd Down Sports Ground to participate in the annual boys' football festival.

Accurate passing proved to be tricky, with the surface very slippy and in the first two games chances were missed which proved decisive.  After three stalemates (all 0-0 draws) we faced our sternest test: WASPS! Despite going a goal down, the team rallied and equalised through Euan. With the rain still pouring, and children soaked, we entered the Plate, facing St Saviour's in the Quarter Final. Leading through James, the opposition equalised; but with minutes remaining Ted came on, calmly passed inside to Zach, and we led for the first time on the day! 2-1. Next up St Keyna's in the Semi Final. And yet another 0-0 draw, leading to the excitement of penalties after a brief extra time. Up stepped Zach. 1-0. Then 1-1. Euan proceeded to make it 2-1. Then CJ saved. Now Oliver to take us to the final, but his lofted penalty was palmed over. With tension building, Zach asked who our 3^rd taker would be, yet it would prove unnecessary. CJ saved again, taking us into the plate final and leading to a brief mini-celebration in the goal mouth.

With no time between matches, we rushed over to the pitch where Widcombe awaited us. The Plate Final.

Exhausted, we had met our match. With little left to offer we succumbed: 0-2. Yet, the long day (seven games in total) will be remembered for positives: CJ's heroics in the shootout, Zach helping out Oscar in defence (more than one last ditch tackle); Ted's pass for the winner v St Saviour's and the general positive encouragement despite the relentless rain. Well done boys.