U11 B v Laxton & TPS Wednesday 10th February 2016

Copthill Cavaliers v The Peterborough School and Laxton Wednesday 10th February 2016

On a beautiful sunny afternoon the Copthill Cavaliers arrived at The Peterborough School for a triangular tournament  with TPS and Laxton. We knew the opposition would be tough so we prepared our strategy based on a sound defence, with a fast, counter attacking, mid-field. The first game against TPS started frantically, TPS scoring two early goals before we had settled. Captain Vir ensured the boys held their shape, and gradually we started to press up the field. Determined running from James and Oscar on the wings, and Tim solid in mid-field.  Arlo, Luke, and especially Harry, tackled hard in defence (literally body parts on the line Arlo!), and a fantastic display from Max in goal kept most of the TPS attacks at bay. Eventually, our counter attack plan worked; the ball was passed through the mid-field, centre forward Jude latched onto it, ran hard, and buried it calmly into the bottom corner. Goooaaal! Ultimately we went down to a skilful Peterborough side, but we came off the pitch knowing we had competed hard. Thanks to Vir for captaining, and congratulations to Man of the Match Harry for his excellent tackling!

Having watched a very good Laxton side beat TPS, we knew our second game would be even more of a test for Copthill's finest. Under pressure from the start we perhaps got too defensive and lost our shape. Captain Luke did his best to rally the troops, and Vir did exceptionally well in goal, but ominously the score started to tick over! With Max and Oscar running the mid-field we pushed forward, but too often were caught on the break by a clinical opposition. To their great credit the boys kept their spirits up, and their energy levels high, as we fought hard to the final whistle. It wasn't a win but it was a fantastic performance. Thanks to Luke for captaining, and congratulations to Oscar for is energetic Man of the Match display in mid-field!

Their reward? Well earned cakes and hot chocolate!

A great sporting afternoon out...

Nick