A fine cup run from Harrodian's Under 16s football team took them to the semi-finals of the ISFA Shield.
The team, largely made up of players from the 15s age group but also including two 14s in the line up, battled through three rounds of the 32-team tournament before they were finally beaten in the semi-final. They recorded away victories in the first two rounds (7-2 against Bishops Challoner and 3-0 v Meon Cross) and a 2-0 home win against Bournemouth Collegiate in the quarters before a 5-1 home defeat against Buckswood School last week denied them a place in the final. 'It's disappointing to miss out,' Harrodian Head of Sport, Ben Proudfoot commented. 'But the team can be really proud of a run which included a team performance which was the best I've ever seen by a Harrodian Under 16 side.'
That performance came in the quarter final of the tournament when Harrodian battled to a 2-0 win over a very organised Bournemouth Collegiate side. 'It was a really tough match against a strong side,' says Mr Proudfoot. 'So it was really pleasing that the whole squad took responsibility for sticking to the strategy we had settled on and supported their team mates throughout. It was teamwork than won us the match.'
Mr Proudfoot singled out three of his players for particular praise. 'Joe and Gus, our centre backs have been the bedrock on which the team has been built while Gonzalo has emerged as a highly intelligent playmaker,' he said. The inspiring leadership of team captain Joe has also been key to the Under 16s success. 'Win or lose, Joe stays positive. He’s always supporting and praising his team mates and encouraging the positive communication that allows a team to flourish ,' says Mr Proudfoot. 'He's physical and combative during competition but grasps the importance of playing the game in the right spirit and treating the opposition with respect.’
Mr Proudfoot also singled out Adam and Sonny for their semi-final performances and for representing the 1st XI at U18 level alongside their U16 captain Joe.
Buckswood will play Brooke House in the final of the Under 16s Shield. All of us at Harrodian would like wish them the best of luck.
