Year 6 Boys' Football Qualifier

On Tuesday 19th November 2019, eight Year 6 Boys took part in a Borough football qualifier in the grounds of Chessington School.

On Tuesday 19th November 2019, eight Year 6 Boys took part in a Borough football qualifier in the grounds of Chessington School. After a long wait and seeing the girls participate in their own football event earlier in the autumn term, it was the turn of the boys. They were all excited to compete and showcase their skills honed in the weekly after-school club. 

First up for O.L.I. was Christ Church Surbiton. Despite a committed and enthusiastic approach, Christ Church took an early two-goal lead. However, this didn’t deter the boys who scored a great goal of their own late in the match. While the boys lost the opener 2-1, they were unlucky not draw level-O.L.I. had started the competition well. Next up was a strong Corpus Christi outfit; a team who had won convincingly in the Year 5 fixture back in March. Despite this, O.L.I. did not show any fears and attacked with menace, unfortunate not to convert from some well-worked counter attacks. Later in the match, the New Malden School had more than their fair share of possession. They made this count with two goals scored in as many minutes to win the encounter 2-0; a closely fought defeat for O.L.I. 

In their third match, O.L.I. played a very strong Fern Hill outfit, who would eventually go on to become the unbeaten winners. O.L.I. defended admirably throughout the match, making several excellent saves, blocks and clearances. Even with this committed defensive display, O.L.I. lost the encounter 2-0. Following a short break in the festival, O.L.I. were ready to start playing on the front foot; they certainly didn’t disappoint against local rivals Tolworth. In the opening minutes of the game, Tolworth took what looked like a commanding two goal lead. However, this didn’t dampen the boys’ spirit as they quickly replied due to great team attacking. With the score level at 2-2, the momentum was with O.L.I. They finished strongly registering their opening victory as a result of a third goal in the final possession of the match.   

In the penultimate match against traditionally strong Lovelace, O.L.I. continued display their attacking skills. Although the boys scored two well-deserved goals, they unfortunately were defeated 3-2. Nevertheless, the boys took this superb performance into their final match adamant to finish the event on a high. Malden Parochial started well and had several shots on goal; however, due to a number of great saves the result remained 0-0 at the half-way stage. From this point on, O.L.I. dominated the match; making incisive passes forward and bombarding the opposing goalkeeper with accurate shots. O.L.I. scored two goals and deservingly won.

O.L.I. finished with two wins from the six matches, coming a creditable 5th place in this strong qualifier out of seven teams. I would like to congratulate Raphael, Ben, Josue, Sajeel, Oliver, Patrick, Julian and Joshua on their performances. It was pleasing to see the improvement that the team made as the competition progressed. Additionally, it was great to witness the excellent team spirit, as the boys supported each other regardless of the score in all matches. Finally, many thanks to the parents and carers who provided the children with transport to the venue and for the support during the course of the qualifier. This is very much appreciated.