Such is the depth of the U12 girl Foxes that even while missing Betty and new recruits Zoe and Lauren, they could still field two strong sides for the annual St. Nicholas YFC tournament at Chipping Sodbury. On a breezy and sunny day, we had sunburn, sherbet-coated ice cream, a valuable and brave effort by the Whites, and the Greens carrying off the trophy without conceding a goal.
There were Foxes debuts for new recruits Emily H And Millie T, and extended runouts for everyone in squads of 7 for 6-a-side games. The Whites, lacking a little experience in playing together, nevertheless battled heroically. Amelia was simply outstanding in goal, while both Millies (B and T) impressed with many skilful touches and turns. Molly, Izzy and Emily W ran, chased and tackled hard, and Lily came close on a number of occasions. The highlight was their final play-off match against eventual finalists (and Gloucestershire Cup winners) Wotton Rovers, which they narrowly lost 1-0 after pushing their strong opponents all the way.
Meanwhile, the Greens got off to the typical slow Foxes tournament start, perhaps forgetting that the matches were only 12 minutes long. Both the opener against Cheltenham, and the next match against familiar rivals Bradley Stoke, finished goalless, although by the second game the pressure and the chances on goal were beginning to build up. Lift-off came in the third game against Wotton, when Rhiannon's long shot rattled off the crossbar and fell for Mara to sweep in to secure the win. After the Greens prevailed in a friendly inter-Foxes encounter, it was on to the semi-finals.
Facing Bradley Stoke once again, the Foxes Greens finally hit their stride. Early on Rhiannon dribbled to the edge of the box to play in Sim, who looked certain to score, but then unselfishly squared for Mara to finish low in the bottom corner. There were further chances at both ends, but the Foxes looked likely to add their total, including one superb flowing four-pass counter attack begun from deep, ending with Sim hitting Ella's perfect cross against the bar. With ex-B Stokers Daisy and Emily powerful in defence and on the counter, one of several assured and flawless displays in goal from Lulu, and good skill and touches all over the pitch, the Foxes ran out the deserving winners of a sporting encounter.
It was Wotton in the final, with their star player Amy bravely playing on while hurt, yet still a powerful threat and presence all over the pitch. Once again the Foxes made the early breakthrough. Rhiannon charged down an attempted pass on the right wing, shimmied inside and launched another shot at goal. It was yet another woodwork (or Samba goal) assist, with the ball dropping off the post and bar junction, stranding the keeper and leaving Sim with a tap-in. The rest of the game was tight, but the Foxes kept the ball mostly up at the Wotton end. With parents repeatedly asking unofficial timekeeper Mark how much time was left, Wotton produced a final heart-stopping moment, with a shot hitting the post and the rebound in front of goal being pulled inches wide. Time was up a few moments later and the Foxes had their first trophy of the season.
Special thanks to all girls in both teams, who played their hearts out and all produced great moments of skill at various times. Extra special mentions to distinguished debutants Millie T and Emily H, who looked very much at home in the green and white hoops.
Only one team could win, but this was a victory for the whole squad and club. The summer tour continues at Carterton and Quedgeley...
