1XI Football v St John’s Beaumont
The 1XI Football team made an excellent start to the season with a thrilling 4–3 victory over St John’s Beaumont.
We began with real energy and an effective high press, limiting the opposition’s time on the ball. The pressure paid off when Henry Butts opened the scoring directly from a corner. Seb soon doubled the lead with a superb run and powerful finish from outside the box.
St John’s enjoyed a spell of pressure and pulled one back with a fine strike, but before half-time we restored our two-goal cushion with the move of the match. Hugo Cannon broke forward from defence and squared for Henry McCarter to tap in. We went into the break 3–1 ahead, fully deserving the lead.
The second half started well, and we extended our advantage when Matteo was fouled after a strong run down the right. From the resulting free kick, Harry Ayres delivered an excellent ball for Harry Taylor to head home. At 4–1, the game looked comfortable.
However, lapses in concentration allowed St John’s to score twice in quick succession, making for a tense finish. Despite this, it was a strong overall performance and a deserved win.
Team:
Arki B, Matteo P, Harry A, Hugo C, Karanveer D, Rocco G, Barney G, Henry M, Sebastian S, Harry T, Henry B
Reported by Mr Barnett
Senior 3rds v St John’s Beaumont
On Wednesday, the football season finally got underway for the Senior 3rd’s with a home fixture against St John’s Beaumont. With the pitches at last declared playable after weeks of relentless inclement weather, the boys were keen to go. The match marked a long-awaited return to competitive action and provided a positive first outing for a squad made up of a mix of Year 7 and Year 8 boys.
We settled into the game quickly, moving the ball confidently and showing good composure in possession. Our passing throughout the match improved, with players looking to involve teammates in all areas of the pitch. While the speed of our passing is an area we will continue to develop as the season progresses, the intent and quality on show was encouraging.
It was pleasing to see our goals spread across several players too with Theo K, our captain for the day, scoring 2. David B added a composed finish after a great ball from William C, who also got on the scoresheet, and Kian V completed the scoring to cap an excellent team performance.
Defensively, the boys were disciplined and organised, limiting St John’s Beaumont to very few chances, which Thomas S (in goal) dealt with. Henry S was composed and disciplined at the back and had an assured game too. The 5–0 scoreline was a fair reflection of the match, but more importantly it highlighted the collective effort and positive attitude shown by every player involved.
Overall, this was a great first game of the season. Every member of the squad contributed well, and the performance provides a solid foundation to build upon in the weeks ahead.
Reported by Mr Powell
5th XI v St John's Beaumont School
With the heartbreaking end to the rugby season, for the coach at least, our Year 7 and Year 8 boys took on St John’s Beaumont this Wednesday.
The 5th XI took the bus ride away to their hollowed turf to see if they could cause an upset. With the footballing Gods looking down on the team, the weather was dry and not too chilly, allowing our gegenpress tactics, similar to Klopp’s unstoppable Liverpool teams, to dominate the match. Through the spine of the team, Eesa, Xander, Henry and Chris motivated and controlled the game with a few chances just going wide or stopped on the goal line before the opening score.
Unfortunately it was for St John’s, caught on the counter, their forward powered through and smashed it past the tenacious Louis. This motivated the team and inspired the wingers of Ashton & Josh to work even more closely with their full back partners of Henry and Nikita. Our dominance paid off when Eesa smashed his way through, hitting the keeper with his shot, before it landed perfectly for the flying Josh to pound it into the back of the net. Eesa then slotted his own goal just a few minutes later. The teamwork was evidently improving with every passing minute and within 5 minutes of the second half Xander and Eesa put us 4-1 up.
In the end, the glorious game ended 4-2 and the boys rightly feeling proud of their performance. Well done to all the team, making it the perfect Prep School Wednesday fixture. Great goals, top sportsmanship and never-ending effort!
Reported by Mr Porter