Year 5 Boys' Football Tournament
On a blistering Saturday morning, as newly crowned champions Leicester prepared to show off the Premiership trophy to their fans, and at both ends of all leagues teams prepared to scrap and battle for those season saving points, year 5 boys had only one prize on their minds. Teams from across Bexley crossed the border to Greenwich to compete in the annual tournament at the Marathon Grounds with Alfie, Ben, Blake, Elijah, Olu and Seun representing Christ Church.
The accusations that I would employ Tony Pulis style tactics were difficult to refute as our boys displayed an almost invincible defensive wall whilst also looking increasingly dangerous on the attack. In the first game we held Danson to a well deserved 0-0 draw and were withing seconds of repeating the feat against Burstead Woods. The woodwork and a soul destroying own goal with the very last touch denying us a deserved victory. In the final game against Hook Lane we dominated large parts of the match with some lovely close passing. Sadly, we couldn't penetrate their goal and fell to one of their few chances. It is great credit to our boys that we held the semi-finalists (Danson) and eventual trophy winners, Hook Lane, to just one goal and matched them in most areas.
The results meant we entered the Plate competition which started off with a bang as we comfortably beat Eastcote 2-0. However, by now the sun was beginning to take its toll and there was no break before the next round game against Bedonwell. Our exhausted boys rallied themselves but as energy levels sapped they eventually fell short, losing to a strong side 0-2. We were inches away from a consolation goal as Alfie's sweet freekick shaved the crossbar.
A fantastic effort from every player and huge thanks to Mr McGookin for his tactical nous and invaluable coaching tips. Thanks also to siblings, Pami and Damilare, and the parents, who provided raucous support throughout.
Whilst it seems unfair to single one player out, such was the collective spirit, my player of the tournament would have to be Elijah. The only year 4 player in the side, and already a veteran after helping us out last year, Elijah ran himself ragged and proved to be more than a match for players over a year older.
