9 Boys Football Tournament

St Katherine’s Year 9 football team arrived at the annual North Somerset football tournament on the back of a good result in the first round of the county cup against Kings of Wessex. The boys were drawn in a pool of four teams made up Nailsea, Priory and Gordano.

Nailsea

A very even game with both sides looking to move the ball wide at every occasion. Impressive displays from George Hardwell at full back and Eli Smith who dictated the midfield and was able to bring others into the game. Despite this Nailsea scored an excellent goal from their winger who ghosted past a number of St Katherine’s defenders to score with a slight deflection. More chances followed and the resolute goalkeeping of Zubair Mohammed allowed St Katherine’s to stay in the game.

With time running out Henry Welch scored with a long range effort which the Nailsea goalkeeper failed to keep hold of and spilt into the net. The final whistle went and St Kath’s managed to secure a draw against a strong Nailsea side.

Priory

St Katherine’s dominated this game with the lion’s share of possession and a number of chances which they failed to take. Hamza Bulaleh linked up well with Reece Palmer and looked dangerous throughout the game. Henry Welch also impressed with strong running in behind the Priory defence. Despite this Priory scored with their only shot of the game which can only be described as a ‘worldy’ when their striker scored from 25 yards off the underside of the bar. A disappointing result considering the performance of St Katherine’s.

Gordano

St Katherine’s came out against Gordano with a point to prove following the disappointing result against Priory. The boys played fantastically well with a strong performance from players such as George Hayward, Logan West, Kaie Lawrence and Felix McGovern. This allowed the freedom of other players to score excellent goals with Eli Smith (2), Henry Welch (1) and George Hardwell all scoring to win the game 4-1.

2nd Pool

Unfortunately results did not go their way and St Katherine’s did not qualify for the top pool. However they were pitted against Broadoak, Clevedon and Gordano.

Broadoak

Broadoak who had not scored a goal in the tournament started brightly and scored with an excellent goal from their striker. This spurred the boys into action and goals started coming with Eli Smith (3), Henry Welch (2), and Reece Palmer getting on the scoresheet. Result 6-1.

Clevedon

In a close game with Clevedon with both sides playing attacking football, St Katherine’s ran out eventual winners with goals from Reece Palmer (2) and Henry Welch.

Gordano

The last game saw a repeat of the fixture in the first pool and against rivals Gordano. St Katherine’s dominated this game and goals from Henry Welch (2), Eli Smith (2), Reece Palmer, Brodie Storer and George Hardwell enabled them to run out winners 7-1.

A fantastic performance from the boys throughout the tournament who showed real team work and application. Special mention should go to Eli Smith and Henry Welch who scored 7 goals in the competition. Also to George Hardwell who was awarded player of the tournament.

Mr Thomas