On Monday 24 April, we had over 350 players gracing the 'hallowed' surface of BHASVIC field...
At the beginning of the day we had a competitive competition with the year 7 and 8 boys.
Clement house started strongly with a healthy +10 goal difference topping their group. In the other half of the draw, Cross house dominated and sailed through to the final. This was led by an enthusiastic and organised Archie Cramer who not only devised an excellent tactical masterclass but his team talks were that worthy of a TED talk.
So onto the final... Cross vs Clement.
A mistake from Cross house on a bumpy BHASVIC field, left the goal exposed... however miscommunications from Clement, mixed with rush attempts to get back in and protect the goal from Cross led to Clement hitting everything but the goal in a goal line scramble.
5 minutes later, the ball was up the other end and cannoned off the cross bar, a player came in for a rebound and a big save by the GK. Cross then started to dominate the ball and Rogeh Hattwm broke free to score. Clement's hearts were broken with the late winner.
Cross house, champions!
In the later periods of the day, it was the turn of our female players. In group 3, we had the group of death with both of last years finalists (Foster and Cross) battling it out to get out of the group stages. They kicked off their first game with a 3-3 draw, meaning it would come down to goal difference from their other games to decide who went through... You wouldn't believe it, both teams finished on the same goal difference meaning the group had to be decided from the penalty spot with Cross house taking the 'W' in sudden death.
Next up, semi final vs Marsh House. Last kick of the game... free kick outside of the box. Both the Price sisters standing over the ball. Winnie approaches and whips the ball over the wall and curls it into the top left. Scenes! Cross house go wild as they reached the final.
A highly anticipated final with a star studded line up. Cross had to overcome a Lawden team who had good balance with Maggie McIntosh in defence to Harriet Reeder who spearheaded the attack. The game was an edgy encounter that was end to end, but Cross did enough to get over the line. A late goal crowned them champions.
A huge thanks to everyone who helped to support the event, particularly Orlando Waghorn who worked tirelessly to make the event happen.
Congratulations to Cross house, can they retain their title next academic year!?
