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The Bath Schools’ U11 representative side followed their
success at the regional finals last week with a convincing 4-0 victory
over local rivals Gloucester at the University on Saturday.
Gloucester arrived in high spirits having last week
confirmed their status as champions of the Cotswold league
following a 3-1 victory over Plymouth. However it was Bath who
made the better start, taking only 4 minutes to score through
winger William Oswin (Newbridge).
Gloucester, struggling against the wind, found it difficult
to break out of their own half and Bath took full advantage
keeping a high defensive line and limiting play to
Gloucester’s defensive third. The next goal arrived through
one of the numerous impressive exchanges between man of the
match Charlie Wills (The Paragon) and winger Oswin. With the
ball once again crossed into the Gloucester box it was Jack
Neil (Chandag) who nipped in ahead of the visitor’s defence to
claim Bath’s second.
Midway through the first half, poor shape in the Bath
defence allowed Gloucester to create their first goal-scoring
opportunity. Caught on the break, Bath were left standing as a
good ball from midfield left the Gloucester striker 1;1 with
goalkeeper. However, the Bath keeper George Wightman
(Moorlands) read the situation well and denied Gloucester the
chance to get back into the game with a brave save at the
striker’s feet.
The third and fourth goal soon arrived, and in similar
circumstances. With numerous crosses being launched into the
box by Oswin and right winger Lee Hedges (Chew Valley), Paris
Grappy (WASPS) and Bradley Norris (Oldfield Park), were able
to capitalise giving Bath a 4-0 lead at half time.
The start of the second half saw a more determined
Gloucester team begin to put pressure on the home side’s
defence. Indeed, Bath soon discovered what a tough job
Gloucester had had in the first half against the strong wind,
failing to clear the ball effectively for a good 5 minute
period.
Apart from two long range efforts from midfielder Norris,
chances were few and far between for Bath and it was
Gloucester who looked the more likely to score. With just
minutes to go before the end of the match, Gloucester had two
good chances but on both occasions Wightman in goal produced
excellent saves to keep a clean sheet for the home side.
Coach Tim Kirk, “The boys are on a real high at the moment.
Of course it’s nice to win, but they are a pleasure to watch
because of the quality of the football they are playing and
also because they really look like they are enjoying
themselves.”
“We’re now looking forward to the national festival in
Jersey where they will play 6 games in 6 days – that will be a
challenge for sure!”
Team:
|
Clarke |
Samuel |
|
Moore |
Ryan |
|
Neil |
Jack |
|
Smithies
|
Jamie |
|
Grappy |
Paris |
|
Wills |
Charlie |
|
McNulty |
Milo |
|
Daniels |
Harry |
|
Hedges |
Lee |
|
Jacobs |
Alexander |
|
Marks
|
Andrew |
|
Norris |
Bradley |
|
Oswin |
William |
|
Rowlands |
Jack |
|
Scott |
Kristian |
|
Wightman |
George |
|
Marsh |
Morgan |
| 
