Year 6 Girls' Football Fun

Could they make it four in a row? O.L.I's Year 6 Girls' football team were hoping to perform well in a Kingston qualifier and qualify for the prestigious Borough Finals.

On Tuesday 8th October 2019, eight girls took part in the first (of many) Year 6 football events of the academic year. The event, which was held in the grounds of Chessington School, consists of seven schools competing against each other with the top two qualifying for the Borough Finals. O.L.I. qualified for the finals in the past three years, and this year’s squad were hoping to make it a quadruple of team successes. 

In the opening match against Fern Hill, O.L.I. started on the front foot and enjoyed the majority of possession. During this spell, O.L.I. scored two well-worked goals to win the opener 2-0. Our star goalkeeper Cassie performed excellently making great saves and starting off many attacks from goal. This was one of several clean sheets that the team acquired during the competition. Lime Tree awaited the team in the second match. O.L.I. played positively, with attacking passes forward and several attempts on goal. Attackers Yasmin and Zofia linked up to great effect to score goals between them. Throughout the competition both players showed excellent attacking flair. Although O.L.I. continued to have opportunities on goal, they couldn’t score another so had to settle for a convincing 4-0 victory. 

With the grey clouds overhead looking ominous, Surbiton High were next for the girls. Helped by a great defensive display, typified by Amirah and Aleeza, O.L.I. made several crucial tackles and clearances never looking likely to concede. After the first four minutes, O.L.I. took an early 2-0 lead courtesy of two well-worked goals. Shortly after this, the rain came thundering down, with all teams taking solace inside the sports centre. Due to the rain, the match was stopped with O.L.I. claiming a 2-0 win. Following the rain interruption, a strong St Agatha’s outfit were the next opponents. O.L.I. played fantastically for little reward, the girls had a variety of shots on goal but couldn’t break the deadlock. Eventually when O.L.I. did manage to score this was disallowed due to a mix-up in rules by the opposing goalkeeper. Showing great fair play, O.L.I. continued their unbeaten run with a 0-0 draw. 

Christ Church Surbiton were O.L.I’s penultimate match. Midfielder Karolina impressed with her attacking passes forward to support the attackers. Additionally, defender Grace had a strong match and got on the scoresheet in this encounter. Showing an impressive balance between attack and defence, O.L.I. came out victorious with a 3-1 win. Going into the final match against Robin Hood, O.L.I. knew another win would guarantee qualification. However, the opponents started well and raced to a 2-0 start. Despite this, O.L.I’s perseverance never wavered as they soon got back in contention drawing level after three minutes. This great team spirit was certainly demonstrated in a captain’s performance by Maia who drove the team forward with several crucial tackles, clearances and runs towards goal. In the remaining minutes, O.L.I. scored two further goals to complete a great comeback and win 4-2. 

With five wins and one draw, scoring 15 goals and only conceding 3, O.L.I. came in 1st place and secured qualification for the Borough Finals on 10th December. I would like to congratulate all team members for their excellent performances. It was great to see the teamwork, effort and enthusiasm that was on display through the course of the festival. Finally, many thanks to the parents and carers who provided transport to the venue and support during the event. This as always is very much appreciated.