Girls’ football has been a relatively new addition to the Cranleigh sporting menu, particularly at under 11 level, so it was a thrill and a privilege to see our team taking to a national stage in the IAPS National Finals last Friday, especially as it was a home tournament.
We had squeaked through the qualifying process, claiming the last available slot back in October in the regional qualifiers, and while hope is always high, the main focus was, as it should always be at this level, on player development.
A tough first game against eventual finalists Surbiton High Prep saw us downed by two well-taken goals, and while there was some promise shown, we needed a more dynamic plan of attack. Our next match, versus Felstead saw a much-improved performance all over the pitch, with only profligacy in front of goal meaning we could not walk away victorious. However, a 0-0 result was a confidence booster for the defence and allowed us our first point on the board. Two games, back-to-back, followed, against a fast and physical team from Brentwood, then against the team who would ultimately win the Cup: Westbrook Hay. With the two matches resulting in defeats, though neither were drubbings, we had only pride to play for in the final group game, a match against the team who won our regional qualifiers: Royal Russell. The girls clearly saved their best till last and put in their most dominant display of the entire season with a 2-0 win, and still had plenty more chances to increase their tally.
Our resultant fifth place group finish meant a play-off for ninth-tenth ranking, nationally. This match came after lunch, in driving rain, and while we maybe played the more aesthetically pleasing football, we again could not break the deadlock. The resulting penalty shoot-out did not go our way, yet huge credit must go to those girls who took the kicks, all of whom hit the target; let’s see if the England Men’s team can do that over this summer.
So tenth place in the country, in only our second year of playing at this level: a huge achievement for the nine girls who represented the school so well: Auggy, Olivia, Evie, Marilyn, Avie, Lauren, Sophie, Jessie and Arabella, all a pleasure to coach and all made astonishing progress this year. Three of these girls : Marilyn, Lauren and Auggy will have the opportunity to play again next year, having played ‘up a year’ in this tournament; though kudos to you all.
And a final thank you to all who made the day such a success: to the grounds staff for preparing the pitches so well, in spite of such a soggy winter; to the catering staff for putting on a fabulous spread for players, parents and staff; and to Mr Stone and Mrs Broad for organising a day that was a huge success.
More pictures can be found below.
