Saturday 15th November saw the under 13 girls football team travel to Royal Russell School in Croydon for the IAPS National Finals. Having qualified as runners-up in their regional competition at the same venue a few weeks prior, this was very much a ‘nothing to lose’ opportunity, and so it proved.
The first game saw the team comprehensively turned over; a mixture of a very strong opposition and the team failing to come out of the blocks firing. However, in an astonishing turnaround of mindset and application, the girls addressed the issues immediately, not losing another match all day. The next two games were drawn, as the team grew stronger and clearer in how to play tournament football. These results saw them qualify for the Plate semi-finals.
A genuine nail-biter saw us draw the match in regular time, and with no further score in Golden Goal extra-time, and in true England semi-final fashion, it went to penalties. A brilliant goalkeeping display meant only one opposition penalty was scored and we were in the final. Like all good stories, we saved the best till last, and although the scoreline was 2-1, the opposition goal came bang on the final whistle, and in truth, we were never troubled.
For a team who have not played much together, and in a relatively new sport for Cranleigh Prep, to finish fifth nationally is a truly fabulous result. With six of the nine players being from Year 7, it also hints at real potential in seasons to come.
Huge congratulations to Chloe B, Amelia B, Indie H, Evie M, Cecily R, Maggie R-G, Stella S, Holly S and Livs W for giving it their all and for representing the school with such enthusiasm and sportswomanship.
