Year 5 Girls Football @ The Battle of the Boroughs

They qualified back in September and couldn't wait for this prestigious football competition. Read this blog to find out about the success eight O.L.I. children had on Thursday 25th April.

On Thursday 25th April eight-year 5 pupils participated in the ‘Battle of the Boroughs’ Football Final at Kew AFC. After qualifying all the way back in September, the team were proud to be among the ten best teams from Kingston and were joined by the 10 ten best teams from Richmond. 

Upon arrival, the girls were very excited as they completed warm-up drills ahead of their four league matches. O.L.I’s group consisted of Latchmere, Fern Hill, East Sheen and Stanley primary school. The team started the event fantastically with a deserved 2-0 victory versus Fern Hill. This result displayed great progress as the Kingston school were the winners of the September Qualifier. The team continued to play with great energy and skill throughout the league phase of the competition ending with a record of 1 win, two draws and one close defeat. This meant that O.L.I. managed a great third place and went on to compete in the plate knock-out competition. 

O.L.I. showcased their improving attacking skills in the quarter-final clash against St Matthews with a brilliant 3-0 victory. The highlight was certainly the final goal with virtually the whole team involved and finished off on the volley after a brilliant wide cross. Following a short break, O.L.I faced Sheen Mount in a nervous and tight semi-final encounter. The girls showed great teamwork in defence and were extremely unfortunate to not win in normal time as an O.L.I. goal was disallowed. This meant penalties, which O.L.I. went on to win in dramatic fashion. 

The girls deservingly took a place in the Plate final with known opponents from the group stage: Stanley. O.L.I. were on top from the first minute until the last. However, with several unsuccessful attempts on goal, the final went to the lottery of penalties. Despite showing great bravery and poise in the shoot-out, O.L.I. ended up on the losing side. However, the girls were rightly proud of their achievement and were delighted with the runners-up medals that they received. 

I would like to congratulate Tashny, Yasmin, Alexandra, Grace, Cassie, Maia, Karolina and Zofia. They all performed tremendously and were a real credit to the school, showing a great team spirit during the whole event. Finally, I would like to thank the parents and carers who provided transport going to the venue. Also, many thanks to the parents who supported the team during the course of the day.