Year 6 BSYL - 29th October

The challenges (and benefits) of being a school-based club playing in a league came into sharp focus this weekend. Half-term clashed with games for both the Greens and the Whites and many year 6s were off at various warm-weather training camps. The games had to go-ahead or we would lose the points anyway and so we turned to the rather wonderful year 5s....

The Greens faced an arduous journey to Coombe Dingle to take on Rockleaze. On Saturday morning our year 6 contingent was reduced to four by some last minute withdrawals. Starting with a backbone of year 6's in defence, the midfield was an all year 5 affair with Joseph on the right, Henry in the centre and Harrison down the left. The Foxes started the brightest and within five minutes a good passing move was capped by a fine finish from Joseph. Harrison was next on the score sheet with an unstoppable shot from the left. Rockleaze pulled one back but hard work by strikers to keep pressure on the ball when it was in the opposition's half soon lead to Joseph to score his second. Rohan came on for the last ten minutes of the first half and his hard work was almost rewarded with a goal.

Half time. After the break it was the Pirates who came out of the blocks quicker and scored an early goal to put us under pressure. For the next 10 minutes it looked as though Rockleaze were the more likely to score but great work from Sam, Ollie and Oscar in defence and Archie in goal kept us in the match and the pace of Harrison down the left led to a well taken goal from Henry. Henry then scored from a great solo run through central midfield and completed his hat-trick, with the final goal coming as Joseph completed his hat-trick after being played in by Max. The coaches were thrilled with the year fives contribution in this match as they stuck to their tasks and did all that was asked of them. A great credit to the Foxes. Special mention must go to Archie in goal who led his defence fantastically. The Captain's armband was awarded to Sam P. for 50 minutes of top quality defending. Well done Sam.

At home the Whites' played out a 1-1 which was their game of the season so far. Stoke Lane turned up with at least 5 of their 'A' squad Sunday league players and were a big, powerful and skillful side. This was made an even greater challenge by a the dawning realisation that Harri TD wasn't actually going to show up....leaving us with a squad of 8, but those who were there played heroically.

Stoke Lane threw the kitchen sink at us in the first 10 minutes but we soaked it up. Then, the first time Joey beat some players and burst through the middle he slotted home nicely. Their equaliser came from a well hit diagonal cross from the right, which Joey got his head to, only for it to loop wildly into the top corner. Minutes later we then had the chance of the game, when a slick 3 pass move sent Sonny through on the keeper, but he just pulled it wide.

The second half was a bit of a rearguard action, with Stoke Lane pinging it around very well but never quite cutting through us. Sam Lawes played in defence most of the game and did us proud in an unfamiliar position. By the end we had 3 at the back to match their 3 forwards, but we still managed to break out on several occasions, and with better weighted final passes could have been in once or twice.

Credit must go to Owen who had a truly outstanding game in goal, catching everything in the air like an Aussie Rules player, diving at strikers' feet, blocking and clearing with his legs when he had to, and generally keeping us in it. Sebastian did very well on his return, playing the whole 50 minutes and keeping out some very skillful players. Joey had another brilliant game and Sonny, Raul, Jacob and Alec worked their socks off.