Making it to the final after beating St Ambrose in the quarter-final and a nail-biting semi-final at Birkenhead School, it’s the first time CHS’s name will be engraved on the trophy in its 29-year history, making this team the School’s most successful U11s yet.
Junior School Boys Games & Fixtures Coach, Mr Jonny Cartwright reports:
CHS were all set to travel to Bolton School after losing the coin toss but the snow stepped in, this time in our favour! Bolton’s pitches were unfit so rather than delay, the fixture was reversed and CHS’s 3G pitch proved its worth once again.
After his outstanding performance in the semi-final, Iddon was handed the captaincy and was rock like in defence, ably supported by Pimlott & Dickinson at his flanks.
Pozzoni stopped a number of Bolton long balls into the box during the first half and immediately turned defence into attack.
Despite the best efforts of Bollingbroke and Uprichard, hitting the post 4 times, CHS were unable to find the back of the net in the first half. Minutes before the break Bolton pounced on a slip in Cheadle’s communication and snatched a goal. 1-0 to the visitors.
In the absence of Mr Offord’s words of wisdom to spur the team on, Mr Cooke stepped up with a slight change in tactics and CHS were back the game.
Davies’ hard work in midfield eventually paid off. He was able to deliver a good ball to Bollingbroke who tapped it past the Bolton keeper, 1-1.
Cheadle made a tactical reshuffle, bringing on Lowe in defence, moving Pimlott upfront and bringing O’shea into midfield. Renowned for his pace and work rate, Pimlott kept the Bolton defence on their toes creating space for his team mates.
Lowe made a powerful tackle on the edge of the Cheadle box, Iddon delivered the loose ball to O’shea who seemed to have all the time in the world to curl the ball around the defender and the keeper. 2-1 CHS.
It would be fair to say CHS ‘parked the bus’ at this point and closed out the game with grit and determination.
Whilst the success of this team can be directly attributed to the work ethic and determination of these players I would like to thank the parents for their continued support, home and away, and the many members of CHS staff that have worked with this team, or taken them to and from fixtures, including Mr Cooke, Mr Offord, Mr Allen, Mr Mason & Mr Johnson – it was a real team effort.
Congratulations to the team:
Oliver Pimlott
Teix Bollingbroke
Oliver Davies
Archie Iddon
Ben Lowe
Finn Dickinson
James Pozzoni
Jackson Uprichard
Finn O’Shea
