Y6 Football
On 17th October the Roxeth Year 6 football team participated in a tournament at Harrow School, including 9 other schools. The competitions format consisted of two pools of 5 teams, where each would play a total of four matches, followed by the knockout stages. Last years competition ended with a loss on penalties in the quarter finals, but a confident Roxeth team this year were hoping to succeed last years talented side.
The first match was against St. Anselm’s. From the beginning of the match Roxeth were playing positive and impressive football. Within what felt like seconds of the match being played a well worked team goal was polished off nicely by Marvin to put Roxeth 1-0 up. With the team’s confidence high, the goals started to pour in, Roxeth winning the match 6-0 with Aryan, Adam x2 and Ethan x3 adding to the scoresheet. A very pleased Roxeth team shook the hands of St. Anselm’s concluding what was a very exciting first match.
With no rest in between our next fixture, we faced St. George’s – the winners of last year’s competition. This game without a doubt was ‘match of the tournament’. From the get-go St. George’s high press proved difficult for Roxeth to handle. An early 3-0 score-line to the reigning champions was a shock to the system, however the game was about to change. A magical piece of play and skill finished by Ethan sparked belief into the team. With a quick turnaround Aryan scored the next making it 3-2! The energy from parents, players, Mr Deanus and myself had lifted. GAME ON! With competitive individual battles all over the pitch, a fantastic tackle from Tamryn – or should I say Virgil Van Dijk allowed a quick counter attack opportunity in which Ethan undoubtably scored. Most would now accept the draw at 3-3, however it was our Goalkeeper William with some brilliant quick thinking from a goal kick, playing a long-ball up to Aryan who tidily scored with the last kick of the game. The final whistle blew, The score? 4-3 to Roxeth, the comeback was complete!
The third match was against St. John’s. This game was all about complacency, could the team show their desire and determination to win 3 matches in a row? Roxeth played an excellent game from beginning to end. Goals from Marvin x2, Ethan x2 and Adam x2 ensured a 6-0 win including a well-deserved mention to Zaira and Adam. Zaira earning herself a couple of assists through some excellent unselfish striker-play and Adam with brilliant first-time finishes. 3 wins in a row meant we were onto our 4th and final match of the group stage.
The fourth match was against Welldon Park. An exhausted Roxeth team competed brilliantly, however the high energy and well-rested Welldon Park proved too overwhelming and handed us our first defeat of the tournament – 4-1. A late consolation goal with no celebration from Marvin meant we had scored in all our matches so far.
Due to Roxeth winning 3 out of 4 matches, we progressed into the quarter finals against Stanburn. The game was very competitive with both sides showing heart and desire to win. The final score was 3-1 to Roxeth with William making some fantastic saves throughout and our goal scorers Marvin and Ethan x2 helped claim victory.
Our final game of the tournament was the semi-final against Pinner Wood. A very intense game in which both teams showed great quality. Pinner Wood’s Goalkeeper made an unbelievable save with the last kick of the game in a one-versus-one situation against Zaira, who was extremely unlucky to be facing David De Gea in goal! An extremely tired but determined Roxeth team went onto lose the game 1-0.
Unfortunately, this was the end of our tournament. However, after 6 matches, 4 wins, and 20 goals scored, the parents, coaches, and teachers were all in agreement that this is a very talented team full of potential. A massive well done to all of the players, who should be very proud of their achievements: Adam, Aryan, Ethan, Marvin, Tamryn, William, and Zaira.