Year 5 Boys Football Qualifier

On Tuesday 28th January 2020, eight boys from Year 5 took part in a football qualifier event at Chessington School.

On Tuesday 28th January 2020, eight boys from Year 5 took part in a football qualifier event at Chessington School. Following in-school trials and an after-school training session, the team were ready to perform to the best of their ability; they certainly didn’t disappoint with a very successful afternoon of football. 

After briefly taking part in passing, shooting and goalkeeping drills, it was time for the O.L.I. team to get underway with their opener against Corpus Christi. In the first few minutes, the match was an even contest with one shot on target for both teams. However, O.L.I. started to control the flow of the match with consecutive attacks and attempts on goal. This pressure resulted in two deserved goals and a super 2-0 victory. Next up was a battling Lime Tree team. The boys enjoyed the vast majority of possession and raced to an early 3-0 lead. Despite conceding a late goal, O.L.I. made it two wins from two through a 3-1 win. 

Malden Parochial awaited the boys in their third match. It was very pleasing to witness the attacking confidence that the team played with in this contest. They showed great accuracy in their passing and were relentless in firing shots on goal. This pressure soon told as the boys scored four very well worked goals to win in convincing style 4-0. After an interval in the event, which was used to talk tactics and recover, O.L.I. next played a very strong Green Lane outfit. Green Lane started the match well and scored a rebounded effort. This was the first time that the boys went behind; however, their excellent team spirit was definitely on display as they soon started to grow into the match. Scoring two brilliant goals, O.L.I. went into a 2-1 lead. While the final minutes of the match were intense, the boys defended fantastically and were able to make several crucial blocks and clearances. 

In the penultimate match versus Tolworth, O.L.I. played with an assured confidence. They restricted their opponents to few chances and were on the front foot from the first minute until the last. While O.L.I. scored two well-deserved goals, they had a variety of other chances and were unlucky to not add to their lead. With a 2-0 victory secured, the boys were delighted to register their fifth win from five matches. However, they were desperate to keep their 100% record going as they faced Robin Hood in their final match. In the opening exchanges O.L.I. had several chances but were denied courtesy of some great saves. The boys continued to show attacking flair and were rewarded with two well deserved goals and 2-0 victory. 

With six wins from six matches; a maximum of 30 points collected; 15 goals scored and only two conceded O.L.I. won the qualifier coming in 1st position. This great team performance has now guaranteed a place in the Year 5 ‘Battle of the Boroughs’ Finals where the boys will play against the best schools in Kingston and Richmond. This is a great achievement- I would like to congratulate Billy, James, William, Jonathan, George, Sam, Archie and Ygor on their superb performances. They played with great skill, passion and determination throughout the afternoon. It was a pleasure to lead them at this event.

I would like to thank the parents and carers for providing transport to the venue. Also, I would like to thank them for their support at venue when watching the matches- this is very much appreciated. Finally, please view the school website to see a range of team photographs.