2008 6-a-Side Tournament Day 2

Day 2 of the Tournament was greeted with glorious sunshine and the prospect of 72 sides coming to the Triangle.

The U8’s saw 16 sides playing across 4 pitches with lots of parental support. There were some very competitive matches with Ardington who look to have a very strong set up for when they go into the competitive leagues at U9’s level, ending up the top scorers of the day.

The U10’s age group saw 3 teams from London make it through to the semi finals. Esher Athletic A had a very competitive game against Feltham but neither side could score but Esher went though 3-2 on penalties. The other semi saw Esher’s B side play East Hendred with the London side possibly the better team but Hendred scored the only goal to go through. In the group game Esher A had a narrow 1-0 win over Hendred but this time neither side could score so we had out first final go to penalties. After the first three had been taken the scores were still level at 1-1 but then Hendred scored the 4^th and with Esher missing Hendred were the winners.

The U13’s saw Amesbury defeat Purton 1-0 in the first semi final. The second one was a repeat of yesterdays U12’s semi as Wickham took on Ballers. Neither side could score during normal time or extra time and after 3 penalties each the score was still level at 3-3. This shoot out went down to the twelfth penalty which unfortunately was the only miss as Ballers went through 6-5. The final was an exact duplicate of Ballers semi final in all respects as the days second final went to penalties. Again it was 3-3 after six penalties but then the misses started. After 12 it was 4-4 then finally on the 18^th penalty Amesbury missed as Ballers had the victory.

The first semi final in the afternoon was the U14’s, which saw Caversham A defeat their B side 1-0. The second semi final was tight as Wickham B held Feltham 0-0. However, the London side romped away to win 3-0 in extra time. The final was a very close game which again went to penalties as neither side could score during normal play. Feltham unfortunately missed their second penalty but Caversham missed their last so it again went to sudden death which Feltham eventually won going one better than last season when they were the U13 runners up.

The final age group was the U15’s which had the largest entry of 24 sides. The North Wilts League provided 5 of the quarter finalists and in the first semi Liden beat Highworth Town 1-0. The second semi was goalless after extra time and then went to penalties. With Burghfield missing their first two and Ferndale converting both of them and all North Wilts final was set up. Of course we all know what would happen in the final and sure enough this also went to penalties but this time it did not go to sudden death as Ferndale won it 2-1.

Over all this was a good tournament for Wickham, with the club getting a side to at least the semi final of all the age groups it entered a side. Entries came from 15 different leagues and everyone who attended seemed to enjoy themselves, with most people saying they would be looking to come back next year. If there was an award for enthusiasm it would have to go to Ballers FC. All of their 6 teams were great fun, playing the game in exactly the right spirit and there U13’s gaining their first tournament win. We would also like to thank all the age group sponsors as detailed in the results summary and also Kimera Facilities Management our main Tournament sponsor. See you all again in 2009.

Action photos from D E Photos of Milton Keynes

Results summary.

The U7’s festival was sponsored by Barclays Partner Finance

The U8’s festival was sponsored by The Newbury Weekly News

U9’s sponsored by Wilds Sports

Wickham 1 – 0 Hatch Warren

U10‘s sponsored by Newbury Building Society

East Hendred 0 (2) - 0 (1) Esher Athlectic A - after penalties

U11’s sponsored by D E Photos

Bournemouth 0 (3) - 0 (2) Bourne End Juniors

U12’s sponsored by ITQ

Wroughton A 3 – 1 Wickham A

U13’s sponsored by H S Pipequipment

Ballers 0 (6) – Amsbury Town B 0 (5) - After penalties

U14’s sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland

Feltham 0 (2) – Caversham A 0 (1) - After penalties

U15’s sponsored by Express Vending

Ferndale A 0 (2) – Liden B 0 (1) - After penalties

U16’s sponsored by Bells Engineering

Swindon Soccer Skills 1 - 0 North Greenford

2008 6-a-side Tournament - Day 1

Day 1 of Wickham Wanderers Annual Six a Side Tournament was played in overcast conditions but fortunately there was no rain.

The first semi finals of the day saw Wickham beat Ballers FC (of Hammersmith) 2-1 and then Hatch Warren beat Stratton Juniors 1-0 in the other semi.
Hatch Warren were the favorites, having already beaten Wickham in the group stages, but Wickham were determined not to let lightning strike twice and scored through Harry Hoareau from a corner just before half time. Both teams had chances in the second half but Wickham held on to become the day’s first winners.

It was then the U11’s turn. The 1st Semi saw Bourne End run out deserved 2-0 winners against Oxford. The second semi between Bournemouth academy U10’s side and Lydiard A went to penalties, after the match ended in a 1-1 draw, with the academy side winning though 2-1. The final was a great advert for U11 soccer as both teams passed the ball around playing lovely football but after extra time the game was still goalless. It was back to penalties with Bournemouth won 3-2.

The U16’s were next up on the finals pitch last on in the afternoon. North Greenford and got past Rusthall (from Kent) 2-0 in one semi final with Swindon Soccer Skill getting past Ealing by a similar score. Both sides had won their groups by only conceding 1 goal apiece so a tight final was expected which it proved to be. With time rapidly running out Swindon Soccer Skills scored the only goal of the game to win 1-0.

The last game of the day was the U12’s final. Wroughton A had got past Rusthall 1-0 in one semi final but Wickham had needed to go though Extra time and then penalties to get the better of Ballers 1-0 on penalties. The final between these two top North Wilts league sides was always going to be a tough game and Wickham took the lead after 3 minutes. Wroughton struck back almost straight from the kick off and then scored again just before half time. As Wickham attacked in the second half a free kick just outside the Wroughton box was cleared and a breakaway goal made the game safe and a 3-1 for Wroughton, who were the best U12 side at the Tournament,

Report: U12 NW League Cup Final vs. Wootton Bassett 26-Apr-2008

Cup Final day had arrived as both sets of players waited in the car park to be called in. Eventually at 13.45 in we went, with Wickham having the home changing room. The lads showed no signs of nervousness in here or whilst warming up. Andy Amos, the Bassett manager, confessed to being nervous himself but it was quickly time to line up and get out on the pitch. Wickham won the toss and played with the wind in front of a crowd of at least 300 people.

Bassett kicked off but Wickham were soon on the attack. In the second minute Albie took a free kick out on the right into the near post but Jesse could only knock the ball just wide of the post. Bassett were mostly pinned back in their own half and in the 6^th minute they gave away another free kick on the left about 10 yards from the by line and 6 yards outside the box. Albie lined up to swing the ball in with Bassett having players on both posts. The ball went deep and as Duncan challenged for the ball the defender left the post only to see the ball clear both of then and end up in the back of the net. A great start for Wickham! With 14 minutes gone Jesse was feeling the pressure on his knee so he was replaced by Fraser on the left with Duncan tucking more into the middle. Bassett’s attacks were mainly being kept out of the final third as the back four were in go form with Jack looking after Josh Way well. Wickham won their first corner in the 16^th minute which caused some panic in the Bassett box but it was eventually cleared to safety. In the 22^nd minute a long clearance by Bassett went up towards Josh and as Jack challenged for the ball Josh knocked it out deep in Wickham’s half. Jack took the throw to Marcus who flicked it on to Albie. Under pressure he cleared the ball up the line for Charlie to chase. Despite having little chance in getting the ball this chase forced the keeper to put the ball out for a throw. Albie took the throw back to Marcus some 25 yards out who whipped the ball into the middle. The ball cleared the first centre back but the second, under pressure from Fraser headed the ball goal bound and could only watch as the keeper parried the ball and Fraser followed it into the back of the net. The 28^th minute saw a Bassett corner well cleared by Albie at the near post and shortly afterwards James touched the ball for the first time.

The half time team chat was all about concentrating and working for each other. If we could score two goals in a half then so could Bassett, but this was a new experience for them as this was the first time that they had conceded two goals in a game this year, a third would surely kill the game off. Wickham kicked off and almost immediately won a free kick on the left. The power of Albie’s kick knocked the defender over as he headed the ball clear. Play was then switch to the right and Albie was brought down about 23 yards out. Bassett again pulled everyone back with players on both post. He hit the ball towards the back post and somehow the ball was deflected out towards Charlie. The ball hit him in the face with the ball going goal bound it was somehow cleared off the line. After 6 minutes Marcus was flattened for the 3^rd time & needed attention which took Wickham temporarily down to 10 men. With the wind with them now Bassett were coming more into the game. With 8 minutes gone they had a free kick 30 yards out which William cleared for a corner, and this was eventually scrambled away. With 12 minutes gone Josh got away down the left, he cut inside but some desperate defending by Jack and William as they both throw themselves in front for the ball ensured that the ball was eventually cleared away. In the 19^th minute Duncan found himself on the right wing. He hit a great cross into the box where Albie seemed to have been flattened but the ball came back to Duncan. He hit the ball deep to Fraser who laid the ball back to Karl but his shot cleared the bar. Bassett had now switched to three at the back and it was end to end stuff. In the 22^nd minute Ablie hit another free kick from the right into the box but the keeper gathered the ball in over the top of Duncan. He hit a quick long ball down field which Karl could only head backwards sending Fraser Evans through. With William chasing back James held his position until the last moment which forced Fraser to knock the ball wide of the goal. There was more Bassett pressure in the last 5 minutes and a knock to Albie saw Callum come on to replace him. The lads however held firm for a deserved 2-0 win winning we believe the first ever Cup for a Wickham side.

The tournament organisers made Albie Man of the match for which he duly received a trophy but the parents player of the day again showed how well the defence has been playing recently and it went to Bert. It may now be difficult to get the lads “up” for the Coleshill game tomorrow but the double is still on and it’s another must win game to keep the pressure on Bassett.

James Davis

Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp

Albie Oakman, Marcus Guest, Karl Admans, Jesse Bowers, Duncan Lorrain

Charlie de Fraine

Subs:- Jordan Shaw, Callum Johnson, Fraser Roberts.

Report: U12 OM vs. Northway 27-Apr-2008

A point behind St James who had finished their fixtures and 4 points ahead of Appleton with 2 games to go. Quite simply the lads needed 3 points from their last two games. Today against Northway, already crowned Champions, was the first and most difficult chance to get those points. There was a slight wind so Wickham played with it and up the slight slope in the first half.

Did Northway start slowly or were the boys buoyed by the North Wilts cup win yesterday, however the initial play was all Wickham’s. After only 30 second a throw in sent Fraser away but the keeper came out and blocked the shot with his feet. In the second minute Fraser hit a corner into the box which Jordan headed onto the underside of the bar and it came out. Wickham continued to press forwards but were having no luck in front of goal. In the 13^th minute Wickham had a free kick in their own half. This was taken quickly and another was conceded for handball. This time Fraser took his time, hitting it towards the back post but it drifted wide. In the 17^th minute yet another Wickham attack saw Fraser cut in from the left only to have his shot saved. Ben got to the ball first seemed to get round the keeper but under pressure from 3 defenders lifted his shot over the bar. A minute later it looked like Wickham had been caught out as three defenders chased a long clearance but Josh got his header in getting the ball back to Ben. Ben hit a massive kick up field which bounce between the two central defenders for Ben C to run onto before neatly slipping the ball past the keeper for 1-0. The 20^th minute saw yet another Wickham chance saved by the keepers legs as this time Fraser was foiled. Northway then had some pressure of their own which was kept out by some frantic defending, which culminated in a free kick from 22 yards out being smashed wide. With a minute left Max hit a corner into the box but Luke’s head went wide of the post. With time rapidly running out Northway thought they had stopped a Wickham attack but the ball fell to Max who controlled the ball on his chest before hitting a dipping volley into the back of the next for a half time 2-0 lead.

It was so important not to concede and early goal. As the saying goes the next goal would be very important. In the 5^th minute Wickham brook quickly out of defence as Aiden knocked the ball to Ben and he sent Jack away but the impressive 14 came across to stop the danger the next minute saw Jack intercept a goal kick getting the ball quickly to Ben but his shot across the keeper went wide. Wickham’s next attack was down the left as Fraser

Got himself clear. As the keeper came out he tried to chip it over the top of him but he did not quite get enough height on it and the save was made. From a Wickham corner Northway brook away very quickly and it seemed that three players were clear but somehow Aiden got back to cover. Northway eventually got their first corner in the second half which was hit deep to the back post and unfortunately one of their players was unmarked and he bundled the ball into the back of the net. This now set up 20 tense minutes of passionate football. With 16 minute gone Fraser broke away from the defenders but was off balance and could get no power into his shot. In the 20^th minute Northway broke down the right as the cross came in the central defenders were beaten but Aiden was able to clear it away. Wickham finally managed to break away as AO broke away. He was dragged down but the resulting free kick flashed past the far post. This end to end stuff continued right to then end with Wickham living on their nerves but they held on for a surprise victory and are now guaranteed runners up spot with one game still to play.

The Player of the Day voting was again close between two players with max unluckily missing out in the casting vote, so the Award went to Aiden.

Ben Grey

Aiden Weeks, Josh Newbrook, Jordan Shaw, Tom Farman

Jack Wild, Max Nichols, Jordie Rowlands, Luke Evans, Fraser Roberts

Ben Cipolla.

Subs:- Alex Olford, William Herrington, Stephen Enever.

Report: U12 NW vs. Coleshill 27-Apr-2008

We arrived at Coleshill slightly later than planned but straight away we were made to feel at home with the congratulations for the cup win the previous day. It was great to hear all the good comments about both the team and the parental support. However, here was a league match which we needed the points from and what happened yesterday had nothing to do with it. Coleshill's last result was a draw with Stratton Youth so this could be tough.

In the first minute an Albie corner was flicked on by Charlie at the near post. It was partially cleared to William who hit a left foot drive just wide. The third minute also saw the 3^rd Wickham corner but again this was cleared with ease. In the 6^th minute Coleshill made it into the Wickham half for the first time but this was cleared up field over the Coleshill defenders for Charlie and Albie to run onto. Albie got there but his chip just cleared the bar. Wickham won the ball back almost immediate and won a corner. This was sent into the box where Bert got a looping header on the ball sending it into the back of the net. However the linesman said the ball had gone out on the cross so a goal kick was awarded. The boys were very “flat” and there was little or no fight in then, which was probably a hang over from the previous days efforts. The 8^th minute saw Albie swing a cross in which glanced off the bar and then behind Charlie and Callum. With all the pressure and no goals the parents were now getting a little worried. Duncan then headed over an Albie cross, he then drove one just wide and then Marcus did exactly the same thing. Finally in the 16^th minute a ball through the middle found Callum who knocked the ball sideways for Charlie to open the scoring. The lads now started to play some football passing the ball around and after 21 minutes Albie played a lovely ball inside for Charlie to race away from the defender and to score again. Two minutes later again an attack through the middle saw Callum set up Charlie to complete his hat trick. Wickham won the ball back straight form the centre with Jack sending the ball to Marcus. An early cross was headed by Callum and as it dropped he hit a cracking volley which just went the wrong side of the post. Right on half time Callum created an opportunity for Duncan but his side foot shot went wide.

After 2 minute of the second half Olly switched the ball across the back to Jack and then onto Fraser who had come on for Albie. He got his cross in and it was met by a fierce drive across the goal from Duncan but wide. The next minute saw Fraser and Jack combine and a powerful cross from Jack saw Callum drive the ball wide. In the 10^th minute Duncan came off and Karl replaced William at centre back as he moved into midfield. A Coleshill clearance saw Bert “hoof” the ball up the right. Jack eventually controlled the ball and played it back to Fraser who set up Ollie. His shot was saved by the keeper but Callum following in put the ball away. An attack down the right saw Ollie get a cross in which Fraser hit first time against the bar and it was then cleared to safety. In the 15^th minute Ollie then took a corner which was cleared back to him he cut into the box before hitting a shot to the near post which the keeper could only parry against the post before it went in. The side had now scored 999 goals since it was first formed in 2002-03 season. William had the first chance for the 1,000^th as he hit a left footed shot wide of the post. Duncan had another chance but again his shot went just wide. In the 25^th minute the ball was in the box and Ollie managed to take a boot in the face so the ref gave a penalty. Up stepped William with a chance of scoring his personal 250^th goal for the club and hit it wide of the left post. A minute later Bert found Albie in the centre who then sent Charlie away. He went round the keeper and was about to put the ball away but the ref blew for Off side back on the halfway line. A 5-0 victory and we will have to wait for Tuesday against Stratton Youth for the 1,000 goal for the side.

The parents Player of the Day Award was a split decision with the votes equally cast, so for the first time this season the award was shared between Charlie, for his hat trick, and Marcus, for his non stop effort in midfield again today.