U-16 County Cup Final - Wednesday 11th November - 6.15pm

"No one should ever forget the 11th November, it is the day that we pay our respects to the fallen service men and women who have so often payed a heavy price to maintain our freedom. It was because of this freedom, that on the Wednesday 11th November at 6.15pm, our U-16 boys football team had an experience they shall never forget."

"Playing in the WCSFA County Cup Final at Rugby Towns Kilsbly Lane site the boys managed to crown themselves and the school County Champions, winning an epic match 2-1 after extra time."

"After duly paying their respects with a minutes silence the lads set about their task with vigor and determination, the likes of which I have rarely seen. They worked so hard in fact, that myself and Mr Wright were worried that the players would over exert themselves and save nothing for the second half! They put immense amounts of pressure on a very strong Hartshill side, not giving them a moment to settle on the ball or get a foothold in the game. That said, neither team were able to create many chances, until the latter stages of the game. Fatigue and cramp began to set in, and it looked as though a mistake rather than a bit of magic may be the difference, though the back five of Brougham, Taplin, Gibson, Evans and Cannell were holding an impressive backline."

"There were a few hairy moments before the end of normal time but the score remained 0-0 and the game ran into extra time. Within minutes, Ashlawn found themselves 1-0 down, a superb strike skidding off the surface from 20 yards leaving Brougham with no chance in goal. Showing the strength of character that the team epitomized in normal time, the boys did not let their heads drop and were rewarded just 5 minutes later. Tom Tanser rose highest and found himself with a free header from an in swinging cross which he dispatched with aplomb, heading down and past the Hartshill goalkeeper."

"What happened next will go down in the minds of those that were present as one of the best saves ever seen! For once, a long diagonal ball beat the Ashlawn defence, and when the Hartshill striker looped a header over James Brougham in goal, the hearts of the Ashlawn supporters sank as the Harthill supporters began to celebrate a sceond goal. However, somehow, Brougham managed to stretch backwards on the angle and claw the ball back from on the goal line! Jack Cannell then made sure the danger was cleared as he blocked the attempted shot from the rebound."

"With just 2 minutes of Extra Time left and with the dredded penalty shoot out looming, Joe Taplin stepped forward. By this point already a contender for 'man of the match' Joe brought down a loose ball some 25 yards out and half volleyed it into the top corner, sending the Ashlawn fans into raptures and warming up what was by now a freezing cold night! A strike worthy of winning any game. The lads kept their nerve and saw out an edgy last couple of minutes to crown themselves champions of Warwickshire with a much deserved win."

"Well done to all the players, supporters and parents for making the evening such a success, good luck in the inter counties!"

Mr Orford - on behalf of the PE Department.