Yr6 Foxes finish on a high at Rockleaze!

Sunday brought more heavy rain & enough wind to blow down Jon's new gazebo which he bought in order to keep us dry, luckily, unlike at St Nicks last weekend, there was a handy pavilion selling hot food & drinks in which to seek some respite between matches. Our squad of 10 players Andrew, Romi, Maddy, Jacob, Ben J, Ollie D, Jon, Kiran, Henry M & Hamish looked like they were going to have a tough time getting through the group stage when we looked at the 20 teams entered including the likes of Bitton, Sonics, Forest Green, Yate, Ashley Down, Hallen, Downend, Ashton Boys & of course 4 teams from Rockleaze.

Match 1 - We started with a tough opener against Downend A & were unlucky to go a goal behind, however with time running out we showed great determination to create a number of chances & deservedly equalised when Ben J won a race to the ball to poke it past their on-rushing keeper. Final score 1-1.

Match 2 - Next we played local rivals Bishop Road & dominated for large parts of the game, however it seemed that we could end up frustrated as the chances weren't going in. Finally though their perseverance paid off when a corner from Hamish was headed in at the near post by Ben J. Final score 1-0.

Match 3 - Golden Hill Sonics had pulled out so we had a bit of extra time to dry off & peruse the sweet stall in the pavilion.

Match 4 - With the rain still lashing down we went into our last group match on the same points as Downend who had already finished, however they had scored 3 more goals than us. We therefore needed a point or, if we were to lose, score at least 4 goals to give us a better "goals scored" total. Standing in our way were the hosts, & probably favourites, Rockleaze Rangers A. As we have done so often in the past the whole squad rose to challenge, working extremely hard for each other, keeping their shape & discipline & tackling everything Andrew, who unselfishly went in goal for the whole tournament, made some fantastic saves resulting in a fantastic 0-0 draw!

Quarter Final - As runners up in Group A we faced another highly fancied team, & the winners of Group B, Bitton A in the Qtr Finals. We knew that the games were only going to get harder but by this time the squad knew that if they worked hard & played as a team then anything was possible. And so it proved as we got stuck in straight from the kick-off & never gave them a chance to settle. As Bitton got more frustrated so chances came our way, Hamish broke clear on the left hand side & managed to keep ahead of their chasing defenders to slot the ball past the keeper. Final score 1-0.

Semi Final - Our Semi Final draw presented a rematch against Rockleaze B who had beaten us a week earlier at St Nicks. Another tight match, hard fought in all areas of the pitch with chances presenting themselves for both teams. Kiran had a chance to put us in front & at the other end of the pitch Maddy & Romi worked together to stiffle many attacks with Andrew again keeping us in the match when they broke through. As the full time whistle went it was still 0-0 which meant we were into extra time. This continued in much the same vein as before the break with the growing, & increasingly vocal (well done Jo!), contingent of Foxes supporters ensuring that the players energy levels didn't drop. It was all getting very tense with the threat of penalties looming when Ben J pressurised one of the Rockleaze players in to a mistake, broke away with the ball & gave the keeper no chance. A couple more minutes remained but we kept their composure & discipline to ensure we reached our second final of the tournament season.

The Final - A rematch of our last group match against hosts & favourites Rockleaze A. The squad were overjoyed to be in the final but kept their feet on the ground, confident that if they carried on with the same disciplined & determined approach they were more than capable of lifting the trophy. It turned out to be another very competitive match with chances at both ends, unfortunately it came down to a single goal with went to Rockleaze. Final score - 0-1.



Although obviously disappointed not to have won, the overall feeling was one of pride in themselves, their team mates & their performance from start to finish. They were also extremely gracious & generous in defeat, congratulating each of the Rockleaze A team & were a credit to the Yr6 parents, the WP Foxes club & themselves. Special thanks to Jacob, Jon & Henry who, despite having limited opportunities to play, didn't complain & played their part by supporting those on the pitch.

It's fantastic that a relatively small group of school friends in a club with an inclusive approach, could develop over a period of 7 years to a point where in their final year out of 4 tournaments their record stands as:

Clifton - Semi-final, lost by a single goal in extra time
Thornbury - Final, lost on penalties
Rockleaze - Final, lost by a single goal

Year 5 Boys at Rockleaze, 12th June

Well it's now official.

The year five boys are both a very competitive and talented squad and a great bunch of lads who really deserved to win a Tournament this season. As it was we came so close again, losing 1-0 in extra time of the final at Rockleaze.

The day started wet. Got wetter. The gazebo blew down. It carried on raining. And raining. However the boys played with skill and commitment throughout, getting stronger as the day wore on as they somehow got used to the conditions and worked out the best way to play in them

Two tough games at the start of the group and two 0-0 draws with the best sides that Shire Colts and Rockleaze could field. In neither game were we under much pressure but we didn't really create much either. Then came wins against Ashley Down (2-0, goals from Joey and Danny) and Golden Hill Sonics (3-0, goals from Jack, Sam and Danny), the first a great strike and the latter two great team goals.

The final group game against Downend Saints 'B' and if we won it we were guaranteed a place in the semi-finals. Somehow we did not score. In one 30 second period we had the ball cleared off the line may be 5, may be six times. We hit the post. The keeper made saves. But the ball would not go in. Never has the saying " we murdered them 0-0" been more apt.

Anyway, results in the other games meant that we finished a very strong group second on goal difference.

In the semi-final we met Downend Saints 'A' and although it took us until extra time for Harri to score the winner we were in control for the most part and Archie was never seriously threatened.

And then the final. Shire Colts again. 0-0 at the end of full time. They nicked goal in extra time and then Danny deserved to equalise as he curled a free kick onto the post. No goal would come and so we ended as runners up for the third time this season. As the Rockleaze Chairman said at the presentation - it could have gone either way.

I would like to thank all of the boys who played today (Archie, Owen, Harri, Seb, Ollie K, Sam L, Danny, Joey, Nick, Jack C, Omar and Raul). As with Clifton they made the coaches' job easy as they accepted substitutions with good grace. Some boys didn't play as much as others but when they came on they showed how important they were to us - Owen and Harri's contribution in the semi being a very good example. Max and Sonny even braved the weather to watch which was above and beyond the call of duty and very much appreciated.

Thanks also to all of the parents for their support, cups of coffee and soup and attempts to keep everyone as dry and warm as possible.

The coaches have really enjoyed this season which is due to all 24 boys in the squad.

The End of Season Tournament is on 16th July (more details to follow) and it would be great to see as many parents as possible at the Party in the evening (see Sally 'The Ticketmaster' Newman next week).

Y3 Girls go to Bath!

A fearless group of Y3 girls (plus one!) bravely headed into the unknown at the Bath Arsenal Tournament this weekend. After entering what we thought was a girls' tournament, we found out shortly before that is was if fact a boys' tournament (or 'mixed' as the organisers called it!), and an experienced boys' tournament at that.
Undeterred we set off armed only with a big bag of Haribo, and a ringer in the form of Joseph who had bravely agreed to come and play in goal for us.
We need not have worried. Whilst the results predictably went against us, a couple of matches were tight, and the girls football improved as the day progressed, with some fine tackling, running and passing. All in all we enjoyed some great match practice and the sun shone throughout!
Credit must also go to the coaches and players of the teams we faced, who were, without exception, all respectful and encouraging of the girls participation in the tournament.
Looks like we might have to travel even further if we are to find an all girls tournament, Oxford sounds promising!!!

Y5 Girls Battle in Oxfordshire Final

We'd never heard of Carterton before. It's kind of near Oxford.
Well now, they've heard of the Foxes - and they ain't gonna forget us.

1:35 on Sat 11 June should go down as a Great Foxy Moment.

We'd made the final. Against our regular enemies, St Nicks. They'd nicked a goal, and it looked like that was it. Then, the foxes came back.

"C'mon, we can do this,' they cried to each other.

It started at the back. Ella Thrasher tackled their star striker and got rid, quickly, to Phoebe. Up the wing, on to Sophie M. To Emily T. To Anna D. I seriously counted 6 passes before Emily found herself near the goal. But did she have a go? No, she laid it off beautifully to Sophie M who was in prime position and Bam! 1-1

All the neutrals applauded what was a fantastic display of team football, perfectly finished. OK, for the record, the final ended 1-1, and in the dreaded penalty shoot-out we lost, 2-1 again.

But what a route to the final. First two games, we won 2-0 and 3-0. Terrific goal from Phoebe Marshall got us off. A weak goal kick, Phoebe was on it like a terrier and rifled it home. Anna D soon scored again, and frankly, our midfield was so dominant they used the rest of the match as shooting practice.

Next game we were, frankly, rather scary. More goals, from Anna D and Sophie M and it was 3-0 this time.

At the back, Sophie HR and Ella T tackled and intercepted and cleared the ball confidently. In goal, Emily B played the tournament of her life. Two stunning saves against St Nicks, and throughout the day, that rare combination of cool head and massive boot.

Emily T was everywhere, in defence, up front, on the line, you name it. Go and have a lie down girl!

And Phoebe, Molly, Anna D and Sophie ran like the wind. Never gave up, always believed.
Several spectators commented on what good sports they were, and what good friends they seemed. Off the pitch, the girls stuck together and encouraged each other like you wouldn't believe.

It was a shame the entire Foxy Nation weren't there to witness a team that did us proud. Guess that might have been the 90minute drive...  Me? I'd have driven 3 hours to watch that.

Yr 5 Girls at St Nicks - 4th June

Eight brave Foxes travelled to Yate to take part in the St Nicks Tournament. They arrived in time to see the year 5 boys battling bravely in the final of their competition, only to lose out in extra time. The girls were determined to go one better when they played.

Anna D, Anna R, Phoebe, Tia, Ella T, Marielle, Emily T and Bryony all played with skill and commitment throughout some tough games. The first was against Thornbury and is often the case when the two teams meet it was a close affair. The Foxes were unlucky to fall behind but they never gave up and Anna D rifled home a late equaliser to get us off to a solid start. Another draw against TC Juniors could really have been a win as the girls, with Anna, Phoebe, Bryony and Tia working hard in midfield, Emily, Anna R and Ella solid at the back and Marielle excellent in goal, the Foxes dominated but could not score.

Then a new opposition for us in the form of Cheltenham Spa. Emily and Phoebe each hit the post within the space of seconds and other chances came and went. In the end a very late break away goal for Cheltenham settled it, very much against the run of play. A long wait was followed with a crunch game against the hosts. If we could win we would make it through to the final. In the end St Nicks edged out winners and went on to win the final.

Overall an excellent display by all of the girls which deserved to win us a place in the final.

Well done to all.

Year 5 Boys - St Nicks Tournament, 4th June

Another good, but ultimately frustrating day, for the year 5 Foxes at the always enjoyable, and highly competitive, St Nicks Tournament.

We took two squads and both matched up well against opposition that was exclusively drawn from established clubs, mainly from the East/North East of Bristol and all playing regular league football.

Dave and Ewan looked after Westbury Park Foxes Blues (Owen, Seb, Nick, Sonny, Harry, Ollie C, Jack T, Jacob) and it all came down to the last game against Yate for second place. A win would have put the Foxes through to the semi but despite dominating the game and creating a number of good chances we somehow managed to concede two avoidable goals and couldn't convert more than one of our chances. Great performances throughout the team - Owen brave in goal as always, Seb in control at the back, Jack making a series of important tackles, Nick appearing everywhere, Ollie, Harry and Jacob working hard in midfield on huge pitches and Sonny causing problems up front.

Westbury Park Foxes Red (Archie, Danny, Joey, Raul, Max, Harri, Ollie K and Jack C) were slow to start losing to 1-0 to a Thornbury side that we were to meet again in the final but got better and better, storming through the rest of the group games, rounding it off with a 5-1 win over against St Nicks with a hat trick from Joey, a great team goal finished expertly by Jack and an individual effort of quality from Raul.

The boys did their ageing coaches a favour in the semi against the other St Nicks side by removing any nerves by way of a dominant performance from the start and running out 3-0 winners with two goals from Danny (the second a fantastic finish from a great through ball from Joey) and one from Joey.

Then the final.

10 mins each way. Then 6 mins extra time. The wind made it a real game of two halves as first we dominated and then Thornbury took their turn. Neither side scored in normal time. We came close from a series of great corners from Danny. They came close but brave defending and top notch keeping kept them out. Extra time was 0-0 until the last 90 seconds when finally they got past the magnificent Archie. Yet again - so close. Yet again - the boys did the club proud.

The Red squad should be delighted by the way they played throughout but particularly in taking a Hanham League 1 side so close in both games when the opposition scored either 3 or 4 against all of the other teams they played.

Thanks to all of the boys, all of the parents for their great support from very early in the morning and, for the final, the massed ranks of year three Foxes, the year five girls and some former Foxes now in year 7. Quite a day.

Now let's see what we can do at Rockleaze....