Y4 Foxes Dancing in the Rain at Rockleaze Tournament 12th June 2011

Drought? What drought? Another Sunday. Another deluge. If St Nick’s was miserable, this was desperate. In conditions that duck’s would have hated, Rockleaze decided that their annual tournament would go ahead. Understandable, but not sure the decision was made with the players’ welfare at heart.

Having learnt the benefits of trying to stay dry the previous week, we arrived armed with a large weatherproof shelter (thank you Highams). Tucked into a protected corner of the wind-swept field, our squad of 10 prepared for what would be another battle against the elements.

Tournament Squad: Harrison, Henry, Jack, Joseph, Josh, Ludo, Matthew Y, Rohan (goalie), Stanley, Tee-Jay.

The group stages were smaller, more manageable affairs. Two leagues of 5 teams drew familiar faces from the friendly league and the strongest teams in the area, including the winners of all our previous tournaments.

We played to our strengths - Rohan in goal; Jack anchoring defence; Matthew and Henry as midfield sweepers; Ludo, Josh and Tee-Jay as mid-field dynamos, Stanley, Joseph and Harrison set loose to terrify opposition defences.

League Match 1 – Clifton United Yellows
As expected, the Foxes dominated right from the start and it wasn’t long before Tee-Jay opened his account with a well-taken goal. In defence we were solid and Rohan was not troubled all match long. This enabled the midfield to feed the wings and the crosses being produced were high quality and more chances went begging. The Foxes were playing lovely football despite the conditions, and more goals followed. An accidental clash of heads saw Harrison pick up a shiner but he battled on and was rewarded with two goals.
Result: Foxes 3: Clifton United Yellows 0

League Match 2 – Rockleaze Blacks
Perhaps the weakest of the Rockleaze sides, the Blacks were no match for the Foxes in full flight. Again our midfield dominated the game allowing Jack and Rohan a spectator’s view of the match. In attack we were barely out of their half, and the resulting pressure brought another two goals from Tee-Jay and a goal apiece for Ludo and Joseph.
Result: Foxes 4: Rockleaze Blacks 0

League Match 3 – Rockleaze Whites
A much stronger Rockleaze team meant we had to up our game. Everyone played magnificently and although we continued to play the better football, Jack, Matthew, Henry and Rohan were all called into action to keep Rockleaze out. Stanley supplied the winning goal and we finished the match unbeaten.
Result: Foxes 1: Rockleaze Whites 0

League Match 4 – Shire Colts
Shire Colts fielded their strongest players as both teams started the match with unbeaten records. Both went close on several occasions and the Foxes were unlucky not to score. However, the drenching the players had received all morning was beginning to have its effect. Tears and fatigue began to set in but we held on to remain unbeaten. Result: Foxes 0: Shire Colts 0

After a long wait in the rain, we were confirmed as group runners-up to Shire Colts who were equal on points (10) but had scored one more goal than us. After more waiting around and two changes of pitch, we eventually faced a strong Stoke Lane squad who had won their group (also on 10 points).

Semi-Final – Stoke Lane
Unfortunately the appalling conditions had done their worse and we went into the semi-final with two players down and others far from their normal skillful and determined selves. Rolling subs, lashing of hot drinks, chocolate and anything that would give our players the energy to continue followed. Everyone who took to the field tried their hardest and we did have chances. But much of the Foxes fire had been extinguished and Stoke Lane took advantage to score first. They were then awarded a penalty when one of their players lost control of the ball and went down in the box. The ensuing goal, combined with a desire to get out of the rain meant the match was effectively over. But the Foxes battled on and almost scored near the end. A proud effort.
Result: Foxes 0: Stoke Lane 2

Despite the disappointment of being knocked out, we had the consolation of knowing that we were the only team to have drawn against the eventual tournament winners (Shire Colts) and the only team they could not score against.

As always, the Foxes gave their all, and then some. Again their skill, style of play and sporting conduct drew comments of appreciation and compliments from opposition coaches. Again we were unbeaten in the group stages. Again we conceded no goals in our league matches. Again we were easily as good as the team that won. Again they made us proud.

Thanks must also be given to all the parents who came to support and did all they could to keep us going – Thank you!

Although the conditions were the same for everyone, somehow the rain and cold affects us more than others. As the cats and dogs continued to howl, 10 brave little Foxes headed home for hot baths – bowed but not beaten! Given the progress that every one of the Foxes has made this season, we know our time will come. We might just need a sunny day for it to happen…