U15s: County Champions

U15 BOYS’ FOOTBALL TEAM:  WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY CHAMPIONS!

Prince Henry’s Under 15s Boys’ footballers became Worcestershire Champions yesterday by defeating a strong team from South Bromsgrove High School 2-1 at Evesham United’s football ground.

On a beautiful spring evening, Prince Henrys started as the better of the two teams, dominating the early possession.  However, as the first half wore on, South Bromsgrove came more into the game, and after 25 minutes, took the lead after an unfortunate error by the usually reliable Prince Henry’s centre half, Eliot Enoch. Shortly afterwards, Prince Henry’s keeper Freddie Downes made a sharp save to his left to prevent the visitors from going further ahead. It was then the turn of the South Bromsgrove keeper to make a good save from a Dan Evans six yard box flick and then blocked a Joe Sandham cross with his feet. Just before half time Prince Henry’s made one of their dangerous set pieces count, with a great delivery from Evans whipping in a near post corner which Nathan Bolland flicked on for Tom Leonard to head into the net. So the first half drew to a close with the score at 1-1

The second half started anxiously, with both sides knowing the importance of the next goal. South Bromsgrove tried a direct approach, as Prince Henry’s centre halves Lewis Drew and Eliot Enoch stood firm.  Huge credit should go to Enoch, who showed great character after his first half blip. Prince Henry’s continued to look a huge threat when going forward. With 16 minutes to go, Prince Henry’s took the lead with a near carbon copy of their first goal.  This time it was Charlie Banning’s delivery from the left, and once again Tom Leonard put the ball in the net, Substitute Toby Walker then had a goal disallowed. South Bromsgrove piled on the pressure in the last five minutes, with one 30 second period where Prince Henry’s could not get the ball out of their six yard box.  Despite this scare, the side hung on to be crowned Worcestershire Under 15’s Champions 2013.

The game was played in fantastic spirit and credit must go to South Bromsgrove for this, being gallant losers on the day.

Man of the Match: skipper Lewis Drew, who organised the back four superbly when under pressure in the second half.

A big thanks to all the staff, parents and pupils who came to support the team – they formed a real twelfth player on the night.

This victory has been so deserved from a squad with no superstars, but a group of players who work hard for each other, have a strong team spirit and are orgainsed and play to a plan. We look forward to another crack at the Nationals next year and attempting to retain our County crown.

You can find the U15 Football County Final Programme to Download Here