With significant improvement it came down to a cliffhanger of a semi- final, and an unbelievable shoot-out. Oscar Compton-Moen pulled on the keeper's gloves, saving more goals to win. In the final, our team came back from 0–2 down to win the game 4–3, in a seesaw battle. Isaac Field made some fantastic saves, whilst Finlay Sharpe quietly and confidently took control of the midfield, Dion McCrostie scored a hat-trick, and Paddy Cochran added the other. A great way to end a great season.
They were often up against teams with more experience, but the boys gave these first few games their best effort, as each player's strengths became obvious. Every week saw gradual improvements that impacted on the score line as fewer goals were conceded, and the team was able to ensure we scored at least once a game. A mid-season highlight and the beginning of the Division 3 competition saw an exciting 5–6 loss to St Bede’s College Black. St Bede’s would become our competition equal, and the team we would feel confident of beating. It was also the game where Elliot Lee netted his second hat-trick and was recorded as the sole scorer of all five goals. Ollie Biggs, Michael Li, Tom Dunlop and Felix Bowden demonstrated how important to the team they would become. Two difficult games followed, where easy goals were conceded, but our technique and formation was beginning to show signs of a team structure that would remain for the rest of the season. Ben Donaldson, Ethan Lee and Josh Hooker became consistently solid support in the back line, all showing vast improvement by season’s end. It wasn’t until the latter part of the season that the team found
a regular goalkeeper in James Whitaker. His vision and delivery to open play became a reliable source of possession. Harry Penn shared this role. Penn’s brave save in the final game of the season was one of the defining moments of that win. At this stage of the season the midfield operated well, with Raziel Zhao, Alan Chong and Ollie Biggs retreating for defensive duties and ensuring attacking moves were well supported. Angus Whitteker positioned himself up front – often in a supporting role with Elliot Lee – and passed incisively as he intelligently read the game with increasing vision. Our quickest players included Alex Churchill and Max Calvert. Alex’s reliability on the left side often forced the opposition to defend rather than attack. The final match was a cup game against St Bede’s and, as with each game in the last half of the season, the match report would include a “their best game yet” statement. Elliot Lee netted another hat-trick, with Felix Bowden and Josh Hooker also scoring. The game ended in a well-deserved, well-celebrated 5–2 victory. A great end to an enjoyable season. Sam Leary Manager, U14 White Football
Played 18 Won 6 Drew 2 Lost 10
Placed 7th, Division 1, 14th Grade Plate Winners, Division 1, 14th Grade Kevin Harris Manager, U14 Black Football U14 WHITE FOOTBALL Manager: Sam Leary Coaches: Ben Abbot, Sam Averill Team: Ollie Biggs, Felix Bowden, Max Calvert, Alan Chong, Alex Churchill, Ben Donaldson, Tom Dunlop, Joshua Hooker, Elliot Lee, Ethan Lee, Michael Li, Harry Penn, James Whitaker, Angus Whitteker, Raziel Zhao The success the U14 White team achieved this season will last in the players' memories and become the foundation of their continuing enjoyment of football in years to come. The team embodied the sporting goals of enjoyment, improvement and participation. They showed consistent commitment to practice, a dignified attitude against tough opponents, and growth in football skills and understanding. These qualities flourished under the difficult conditions of both beginning in a new team and Covid-19 restrictions. The boys should feel proud of how they represented College. The grading games gave the boys the opportunity to find their footballing feet and to get to know each other.
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Christ’s College Canterbury
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