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U15 side wins the Mercian League Last season, this side, captained by Nye Owen (No.9), didn’t miss a chance to display their footballing talent. Highlights were the winning of the Mercian League Southern Division, followed by a victory over Oundle (Mercian Northern League champions) 3–2, in their last game of the season, effectively making them champions of the Midlands Mercian League. This year’s squad of 14 players trained hard and worked for each other throughout the season. Nye Owen took on the role of playmaker and Josh White (No.7) and Lucas Heappey (No.7) linked up well and were the suppliers of many of our best crosses. Up front, Jake Preston (No.9) proved to be a real handful for defenders and scored a total of 14 goals, with two hat-tricks, against the Royal Grammar School Worcester and King’s Worcester and five against Marlborough. Although they were not always regular starters both Jake Mann (No.7) & Dare George (No.1) trained as hard as the rest and were essential to the team’s success.
In the defence, Will Lane (No.9) Will Sharp (No.5), Obi Ndili (No.5) and Max Taylor (School House) were consistent in repelling attacks, but on the few occasions that there was a break through, Jack Bishop (No.7) in goal was brave and committed and proved difficult to beat. The team only conceded 11 goals all season. Paul Döhring (No.9) deserves credit for the protection he provided for the back four and for launching numerous attacks. His work rate was impressive and his tackling and driving runs through midfield were in evidence in every game. The side lost Oli Garnett (No.5) upfront for most of the season – he developed a back injury – but Max Richardson (School House) then had the chance to play; a chance he took with both hands and he was awarded with the most improved player of the season. Player of the Year was Nye Owen (No.9)
Girls’ ISFA Football selection Congratulations to Zoe Taylor (Hundred, No.3) who has been invited to join the U18 England Football training camp that will be held at Oakham this summer. Zoe plays at right back and won selection after playing extremely well for the South West of England in the ISFA inter-regional tournament held at Harrow in March. Joe Gauci, i/c Girls’ Football
John Cox, i/c U15s