U8A Prep School Tournament
The U8As had an exciting day on Tuesday as they took part in a tournament at Oratory Preparatory School.
We kicked off the day against Hatherop Castle. The boys played extremely well, creating plenty of chances, and came away with a well-deserved 3–1 victory to push us up the group rankings.
Our next game was against Claires Court. This match really showed the boys’ quality and teamwork, as they delivered an outstanding performance and secured an impressive 8–0 win.
With these two victories, The Beacon were level on points with our next opponents, Chandlings. This proved to be one of the toughest matches of the tournament for the U8As, ending in a 0–0 draw. It was a very physical game, but the boys battled hard and defended exceptionally well.
Thanks to their superior goal difference, and finishing on equal points with Chandlings, The Beacon U8As finished top of their group — a fantastic achievement.
This result took us into the semi-final against St Hugh’s. It was another challenging game, but the boys pushed hard and produced a strong performance to secure a 3–1 victory and a place in the final.
The final saw us face Moulsford, a team we know well after playing them twice already this term. The match kicked off and the boys gave it their all on the football pitch. Every player worked tirelessly and no one gave up until the final whistle.
Unfortunately, the game ended in a 4–1 loss, but the boys should be extremely proud of their efforts throughout the day. It was a fantastic tournament, and all of the boys left with smiles on their faces after a great day of football.
Reported by Freddy Wright
U8D1 v Habs and UCS
The D1 team travelled to Haberdashers’ School on Thursday for a triangular fixture against Habs and UCS. Despite difficult conditions, with strong winds and heavy rain throughout, the boys started brightly and quickly put the home side under pressure. Their hard work paid off with an impressive performance, scoring five goals without reply to secure a convincing opening victory.
The second match, against UCS, proved to be a much closer contest. Much of the play was battled out in midfield, with both sides competing strongly and putting in some determined tackles. The breakthrough came just before half-time, when The Beacon managed to find the decisive goal. A disciplined defensive display in the second half ensured UCS were kept at bay, and the game finished 1–0.
Two wins from two matches made it a very successful afternoon for The Beacon in challenging conditions.
Well done to all involved.
Reported by Mr Walker
U9A Oratory Prep School Tournament
The U9A team from The Beacon School produced an outstanding performance at the Oratory Prep School Tournament, finishing runners-up after an impressive run to the final without conceding a single goal in open play.
Drawn in Group B, Beacon started the tournament strongly. In the opening fixture against Chandlings School, the team showed great organisation and determination, securing a 1–0 victory thanks to a well-taken goal from Matteo G.
The second match against Claires Court School followed a similar pattern, with Beacon controlling the game and defending resolutely. Archie N scored the decisive goal to seal another 1–0 win.
Confidence continued to grow in the third group game against Christ Church Cathedral School. Beacon produced one of their most complete performances of the day, winning 2–0, with Daniel N scoring both goals.
The final group match saw Beacon face Moulsford Prep School. Once again, the team demonstrated excellent teamwork and composure, earning a 2–0 victory with goals from Aaran A and Daniel N. Four wins from four meant Beacon qualified top of Group B, having not conceded a single goal.
In the semi-final, Beacon met St Hugh’s School. The team rose to the occasion with another superb display. Aaran A proved the difference, scoring twice to secure a 2–0 win and send Beacon into the final.
The final saw a rematch against Moulsford Prep School, who had finished second in Beacon’s group before winning their semi-final. It was a closely contested and highly competitive game, with both teams defending well and chances at a premium. After full time the score remained 0–0, meaning the tournament would be decided by penalties. Unfortunately, Beacon were narrowly beaten 3–2 on penalties.
Despite the result, it was an exceptional tournament performance from the entire squad. The team did not concede a single goal in live play across the whole tournament, highlighting the excellent defensive organisation, teamwork and commitment shown by Matteo G, Daniel N, Ollie C, Archie N, Finn A, Guy B, Arlo C and Aaran A throughout the day.
The players should be extremely proud of their efforts and were unlucky not to leave as tournament winners after such a strong set of performances.
Reported by Mr Harris