Buccaneers Bitten by Year 5 Foxes!

"There's nothing more satisfying than winning a local derby," said Sir Alex Ferguson, last week. For the first time in my life, I find myself agreeing with the man.

Y5 Foxes against Bishop Rd Girls is becoming a bit of a derby. The crowds are huge and noisy.  Many of the players go the same parties and clubs. If you live in BS6 you have to choose your team.

We put out two eight-a-side teams and we still had subs on the bench. Yes 19 Foxettes turned out for the big day, and - let's do the numbers first - won a handsome victory. Won 3, lost 1; Scored 4, conceded 2. Whichever way you cut it, the Foxes won it!

Jo "The Motivator" Davis led out a strong team of Issy, Bryony, Anna R, Sophie C, Erin, Sophie M, Emily T, Ella T, Molly H and Sacha.  Two very closely fought games got underway edgily, but up front Molly, Sophie C, Emily T and Sophie M put some relentless running and passing together and got plenty of shots on target. Bishop Rd, it's fair to say, have been investing in their goalkeeping programme and several sure shots were saved. When Sophie M finally found the net, the Downs erupted. At the back Issy and Erin kept our goal clear, only conceding once in the second game. Issy's legendary goal kicks cleared the Foxes out of danger again and again, launching the ball overhead to start a fresh attack. In defence Ella and Bryony tackled and never gave up, keeping the goalies out of too much trouble.
Results: 1-0 Win, 2-1 Win. Great games girls.


With Dave this week were Marielle, Abby, Sophie HR, Megan, Tia, Phoebe, Anna D, Emily B, and Paige. It was Paige's first action in Foxy strip and the coaches have one thing to say. "Come again Paige, we love you!"

The first game was tough, end to end stuff, with plenty of foxy attacks saved, and plenty of doughty defending too.  Marielle saved several cracking shots, Emily B deployed her trademark "cannonball" to great effect, Abby tackled incisively. But eventually the Foxes were caught in a goalmouth melee involving a shot, a hasty hand and a chilling whistle.  A free kick was given outside the area, and the girls deployed their first ever Wall of Foxes. Scary to behold, even scarier to be in ( I'm told!). An amazing shot from the Bishop Rd Striker cleared the top of the wall and even an acrobatic leap from Marielle could only get a hand on the ball as it hit the roof of the net.

Unsurprisingly they came out in the second game hungry for revenge. Abby and Sophie HR read the game well at the back, anticipating attacks and cutting them off. Phoebe made a few scorching runs through the centre, Tia tackled and harried in midfield. Then, out of the blue, a move. Phoebe, to Tia - she's into space, finds Anna D, now Phoebe again as the Bishop Rd defence regroup. But the Foxes are too quick and when Anna D hits the netting - well. Ear Defenders time folks.
Results: 0-1 Loss, 1-0 Win Great attitude girls, coming back from that free kick.


Afterwards, a great tunnel of sportsmanship for the visiting side, much shaking of hands and patting of backs.

Player of the week?
For cracking goalkeeping, skillful midfield play, and most of all for swapping teams half way and playing anywhere on the park with a smile and some skill - IT'S ERIN!