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St James Primary School

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Senior Boys District 9-a-side Football Champions!

Our senior boys, yrs 6 & 5, have been working so hard in their Monday club to develop the team, under the guidance of the Ben from Godalming College. They have been showing a growing team awareness, utilising their individual strengths and developing team tactics.  In the Autumn tournament, they narrowly missed playoffs on goal difference with only the top team going through to the finals - frustrating at the time but with a growing realisation that they are capable now of beating any team.  Last week, in the Spring tournament, St James embraced their chance to shine with courage and positivity from start to finish - Well done boys - you are a credit to yourselves!

Please celebrate with our Yr 6/5 senior boys and indulge us by enjoying the wonderful match report so proudly written by mum (& Sharks Coach) Jackie, who coached them on the day.

 Before... and after!

The sun shining as the enthusiastic St James yr 5 and 6 boys took to the pitch in Group B of the annual Tillingbourne Spring 9-a-side football tournament. They dominated possession in their first game against St Culthbert Mayne but the short 8 minute game was not long enough for the team to find the back of the net, despite Jack putting pressure on every defender and charging down goal kicks, so it ended in a 0-0 draw.

After a brief team talk that focused on the need to push forward to score goals if we were to get through to the knockout stage, the team certainly took heed scoring 5 goals against The Chandler.  Joe opened the scoring, Koby added another and Harry scored a hat-trick including a stunner from outside the area. The defence were rarely troubled and pushed forward to allow the midfielders to be creative in finding space to attack.

Despite the clouds forming and a chill in the air, the St James team were just warming up. They won their 3rd game against Tillingbourne 3-0.  Archie opened the scoring with a long-range curling free kick, then Harry & Koby confirmed the win with a goal each. The expectations were high as we went into the 4th game against Beacon Hill who had yet to win.  Finn opened the scoring with a great strike in front of goal and Harry ended a well worked team goal for the second.

A place in the semi finals was guaranteed as we went into the last group game against St Barts but the team were keen to secure at least a draw to progress in the best position, and St Barts needed a win to guarantee their place in the final stage so a lot was still at stake. It was hard fought with St James scoring first but St Barts with a breakaway goal equalised in the dying seconds, 1-1.

So through to the semi finals with 3 wins and 2 draws, 11 goals for and only 1 against. The defensive team of Robert, Sam, Rhys, and Will were outstanding; cool, calm, collected and determined to protect their lead better than the crown jewels!  Jake in goal was rarely troubled, but alert and always in the best position to pounce - its not easy to stay focused, so Jake deserves plenty of credit. 

After a tense wait  to find out who we were to play from group A, Busbridge Juniors were confirmed.  And once again the goals went flying in so fast the coach couldn't keep track.  We dominated the game winning 5-0 - they had their sites on the final.

The other semi final went to penalties allowing us the chance to collect our thoughts and prepare for the final, whilst keeping warm as the chilly afternoon wind began to bite.

So this was it - the final!  A tense game against Wonersh & Shamley Green who we knew we'd be very closely matched.  At the end of normal time neither team had scored so extra time was inevitable - down to just an added 3 minutes to decide the tournament!  The first couple of minutes were evenly matched and then disaster struck as the Wonersh striker curled the ball from out wide into the back of the net - it was a cracking goal.  1-0 down with a minute to play.  Jake rushed the ball back to the centre and with a rallying cry from coach, Harry kicked off, the team determined to keep possession and pressure in the Wonersh half.  Archie launched a long throw in, the ball seemed to ricochet around off St James players who were always first to the ball before finally Harry found the back of the net with just seconds left on the clock.  It was amazing to see every member of the team continue to fight, when they could easily have given up - resilience, determination and courage were impressive and justly rewarded.

As the final whistle went, penalties to be prepared for, the organiser was so impressed with the teams, shared winners were declared. The boys deserved their success: they played positively as a team, with respect for the opposition and referees, and supported each other on and off the field to truly bring out their best ...and the trophy home.

St James - tournament top scorers and lowest goals against.

On reflection, top scorer Harry said,

"We were just great together. We moved really well as a team pushing forward together in attack, but also tracking back and defending at the right times. And especially finding ourselves down in the final, (and hearing the other parents say that was their winning goal), we all we determined to fight to the end."

We already have a friendly line up in April, when W & SG will host us this year... think a good game is on the cards!!