Seven brave boys, eleven incredible games, eight long hours and one unbelievable outcome: Cumnor winners of the 2012 Radley Tournament. In all honesty, we pinpointed an excellent effort and maybe, just maybe, a victory in the plate. After seeing the tough opposition (2 teams from Horspath and Radley, a team from Kidlington and then the unknown, Drayton and Wheatley) expectations weren't especially high. What we didn't count on was the spirit of our boys and how they inspired one another to lift the biggest cup we've ever seen. Consider too, that we didn't have many of our key players and actually in Fyn - who was electric for Radley - were playing against our star striker and golden boot winner. Factor in two scoreless draws to start and the scathing view of the Wheatley keeper - and some of the opposition parents - and we felt we might be heading home early. But we found our range and turned in some fantastic performances, highlights being Radley and the draw with Horspath B in the rounds and a 2-0 win against Horspath A in the semi. As for the final, what a match... what an atmosphere, beating the favourites and the hosts was simply magnificent. A brilliant start with 2 early goals and then an outstanding defensive performance that saw us home 2-1. Every boy played their part:
Henry - brilliant instinctive saves especially in the semi and the final. Kept his concentration and most importantly his nerve when everyone else's started to wobble.
Rory - as ever, inspirational... midfield, centre-half... the rock ruled and his goal-line header in the last seconds of the final prevented the terror of the golden goal
Ben - the beating heart, dug in and battled for everything... linked wonderfully with Will and fed him goodies in the guise of perfect passes. Also scored 3 vital goals and showed nerves of steel with his three-times taken penalty.
James E - a revelation out wide, broke up attacks and real footballing nous on the ball. Scored a wonder goal from way out on the right wing. Not bad for someone who said he felt ill!
Matt - played in defence, played in midfield, threw himself into every challenge, ran himself into the ground for the cause, for his mates, for the badge.
Lucas - another revelation... a little nervous up front to start but then found his home out right. Full of tricks and turns and like Matt, gave everything he had.
Will - played defence, midfield, wide left, wide right and up front banging in 9 goals in the process, right foot, left foot the lot. Tied the opposition in knots and took his chances superbly.
Well done boys, semi finalists at Crowmarsh, winners at Radley... roll on Summertown.
Monday, 11 June 2012
Radley Winners!
Seven brave boys, eleven incredible games, eight long hours and one unbelievable outcome: Cumnor winners of the 2012 Radley Tournament. In all honesty, we pinpointed an excellent effort and maybe, just maybe, a victory in the plate. After seeing the tough opposition (2 teams from Horspath and Radley, a team from Kidlington and then the unknown, Drayton and Wheatley) expectations weren't especially high. What we didn't count on was the spirit of our boys and how they inspired one another to lift the biggest cup we've ever seen. Consider too, that we didn't have many of our key players and actually in Fyn - who was electric for Radley - were playing against our star striker and golden boot winner. Factor in two scoreless draws to start and the scathing view of the Wheatley keeper - and some of the opposition parents - and we felt we might be heading home early. But we found our range and turned in some fantastic performances, highlights being Radley and the draw with Horspath B in the rounds and a 2-0 win against Horspath A in the semi. As for the final, what a match... what an atmosphere, beating the favourites and the hosts was simply magnificent. A brilliant start with 2 early goals and then an outstanding defensive performance that saw us home 2-1. Every boy played their part:
Henry - brilliant instinctive saves especially in the semi and the final. Kept his concentration and most importantly his nerve when everyone else's started to wobble.
Rory - as ever, inspirational... midfield, centre-half... the rock ruled and his goal-line header in the last seconds of the final prevented the terror of the golden goal
Ben - the beating heart, dug in and battled for everything... linked wonderfully with Will and fed him goodies in the guise of perfect passes. Also scored 3 vital goals and showed nerves of steel with his three-times taken penalty.
James E - a revelation out wide, broke up attacks and real footballing nous on the ball. Scored a wonder goal from way out on the right wing. Not bad for someone who said he felt ill!
Matt - played in defence, played in midfield, threw himself into every challenge, ran himself into the ground for the cause, for his mates, for the badge.
Lucas - another revelation... a little nervous up front to start but then found his home out right. Full of tricks and turns and like Matt, gave everything he had.
Will - played defence, midfield, wide left, wide right and up front banging in 9 goals in the process, right foot, left foot the lot. Tied the opposition in knots and took his chances superbly.
Well done boys, semi finalists at Crowmarsh, winners at Radley... roll on Summertown.
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