RUGBY WORLD XV: PART II Read the Second Part of Our Expert Analysis of the 2015 Rugby World Cup Tournament
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1 SPORTING TIMES CHAMPIONS! THE WYVERN Y10 FOOTBALL TEAM DEFEATED PORTCHESTER COMMUNITY SCHOOL 3-2 IN EXTRA-TIME TO BECOME CHAMPIONS OF HAMPSHIRE... The Wyvern Y10 football team lift the County Cup at the home of National League side, Aldershot Town FC... “Totally deserved. The boys can be very proud to be the best year team in all of Hampshire. Well done!” Mr McCracken, Head of PE RUGBY WORLD XV: PART II Read the second part of our expert analysis of the 2015 Rugby World Cup tournament... 1 2 Football Special CHAMPIONS OF HAMPSHIRE! THE WYVERN Y10 FOOTBALL TEAM DEFEATED PORTCHESTER COMMUNITY SCHOOL 3-2 IN EXTRA-TIME TO BECOME CHAMPIONS OF HAMPSHIRE... Match Report by Mr Dickinson up the pitch from Wyvern saw some great raucous and animated atmosphere in the movement from Zac Cole who was Aldershot stands now. A spirited and inspiring display from the leading the line in the no. 9 position On 25 minutes, the floodlights came on. A Year 10 Wyvern football team saw them against a pair of very tall and strong high press from Wyvern saw them create lift the prestigious Hampshire Cup for the Portchester centre-backs. Luke the most chances inside 30 minutes and first time with a hard-fought 3-2 victory in Betteridge also showed great skill and eventually break the deadlock. A vicious extra time against Portchester Community determination on the left wing. A great curling set-piece from Richardson saw School. The closest Wyvern had come to through ball from Muddiman found Cole Mason’s header deflected just past the winning this title was in 2008 when the but it was well smothered by the post. Another cross from Richardson was team lost in the final. This historic match Portchester keeper Joe Choudhury. headed out but it fell to winger Sam took place on a warm spring evening There was an early shout for handball Muddiman whose volleyed strike from under the floodlights at the EBB Stadium, against Portchester from Cole too; he outside the area beat the keeper at his home to National League side Aldershot believed his side foot shot at goal from near post. This sparked an eruption of Town FC. Led by coach Mr Cleaver, the left side was handled. Cole was applause from the Wyvern supporters as Wyvern showed great resilience and incensed at the decision but he had no Wyvern led 1-0. determination secure the title when time to argue; a Portchester counter As the half-time whistle blew, Wyvern Portchester twice came from behind to attack was underway but Cole channeled players journeyed to the changing rooms level the tie 1-1 and 2-2 before extra time his anger perfectly, making a crucial feeling confident they could build on their was needed. A cracking volley from sliding tackle to break up the attack. lead in the second half. However, their winger Sam Muddiman outside the box Portchester at this point seemed to resort celebrations were short-lived. Within and a brace from left-back Sam to two forms of attack; soaking up minutes of the restart, Portchester were Richardson was enough to see Wyvern Wyvern’s pressure to pounce on the level with a left-footed strike of great counter attack and the ‘long ball over the finesse from Portchester no.11 Jonny top’ routine made famous by Stoke City Smith, which squeezed underneath the Teams shake hands before kick-off under Tony Pulis. However, Wyvern’s stretching Luke Porcher. 1-1. Game on. midfield, marshalled by Higdon and Following the goal, the next 15 minutes of Birkett, stood strong; Burkett playing the the match was a cagey affair between the sweeper role mopping up any signs of two sides, with both eager to gain danger, while Higdon kept possession, possession and dictate the pace and controlled the game and driving the ball progression of the game; midfielder forward. As Portchester resorted to more James Birkett did particularly well long balls over the top, Cole dropped breaking up the play with some sweeping deeper into midfield to relieve the tackles. It was, however, in unfortunate pressure. One attempt from Portchester circumstances that Wyvern were forced to was expertly dealt with by goalkeeper make their first two substitutions. Elliot Luke Porcher, whilst another was cleared Wright, who had not stopped running all crowned the best Y10 football team in the by centre back George Kemp who game, was forced off with injury as was county with a 3-2 victory. tracked back perfectly to cover his partner Zac Cole; both young men limped off to Wyvern lined at up a 4-4-2 formation in Will Archer who had found himself facing be replaced by no.12 Josh Ward and their brand-new red and blue home strip a 2-on-1 assault from the Portchester no.14 Max Emmans to great applause by for kick-off at 7:45. In defence, Luke forward line. all supporters. Ward made an instant Porcher was in goal behind the trusted As Portchester pressed higher up the impact with great strength and defensive line of centre-backs George pitch, striker Cole found himself dropping determination defending the left-flank. Kemp and Will Archer, with Sam deeper in order to get the ball, with No.8 Birkett was then replaced by no.17 Richardson at left-back and Elliot Wright crunching tackles from left-back Sam Taylor Whatley. Josh Ward came very at right-back. In midfield, Jack Higdon and Richardson keeping the opposition at bay. close to taking the lead for Wyvern; his James Birkett played in the centre of the This played right into Wyvern’s hands, fantastic movement down the left saw him park, with Sam Muddiman and Luke with a superb break started by right-back pick up the ball in space with his fierce Betteridge playing on the wing. Tasked of Elliot Wright. He floated in a delightful right-footed strike just blocked by the grabbing the all-important goals for cross over the top for Alex Mason who recovering Portchester centre-back. Wyvern were strikers Zac Cole and Alex knocked the ball back into the centre to It was left-back Sam Richardson who Mason. Luke Betteridge but the ball was well broke the second-half deadlock with an Wyvern kicked-off the game. There were scrambled by Portchester keeper accurate shot from the edge of the early offside calls by the linesman for both Choudhury. Zac Cole played a great ball penalty area driven into the bottom sides. Jack Higdon played at the heart of into midfielder Jack Higdon moments corner. There were cries of ecstasy from the Wyvern midfield, with James Birkett later, whose fierce shot was beaten away the Wyvern players who rallied around playing the sweeper; both young men by the Portchester keeper, kickstarting an Sam to celebrate. 2-1. With a second half bossed the midfield expertly with some equally fierce reaction from the Wyvern lead to maintain, coach Mr Cleaver made tough tackles and great interception of supporters. There was a distinctly two tactical substitutions; no. 18 Taylor Portchester’s passes. An early press high 2 3 Football Special A Portchester throw-in under the floodlights Bevan came on for attacker Alex Mason and no. 16 Sam Cattle replaced his namesake Sam Muddiman. With both players directed to help keep the team’s shape and defend when necessary, it seemed like a great tactical decision from Coach Cleaver. However, tragedy struck and within moments Portchester were level again; a cross into the penalty area ricocheted off the back of centre-back George Kemp’s head and goalkeeper Porcher could not keep it out. With a comfortable lead blown, Kemp looked visibly distressed but he shook it off admirable going into extra time with both teams level. 2-2. A team talk from Coach Cleaver brought the young dragons together to lift their confidence; Wyvern had easily been the best team on the night so far, having created the best chances and played the Portchester was well-defended with the At the end of the game, Mr Cleaver said: shot from outside the box luckily going “I would personally like to thank all the just wide. More Portchester pressure then parents, staff and students who have saw a long-ball into the box go out for a supported the team over the past four goal kick. Was it going to be Wyvern’s years and this support along with the hard day? The supporters certainly never work and dedication from all of the boys stopped believing but there was one final has finally paid off. This is a strong squad ‘squeeky bum’ moment as the ball landed of players who all have played an on the right at the feet of Portchester’s no. important part of the success over the 12 Cameron McNulty and his shot was years. With one more season to play, Team talk from Coach Cleaver fired wide from close range. McNulty could they go on to retain the title of knew that was the final chance, pulling his HAMPSHIRE SCHOOLS’ CHAMPIONS? best football. Portchester, however, had jersey over his face in agony. Well done boys – You deserved it!” taken their chances and taken them well, Porcher fired the ball out from the goal Head of PE Mr McCracken posted on the but had often resorted to long balls to kick. The final whistle sounded. Final bulletin the following morning: kickstart their attacks. score: 3-2. Wyvern had won the cup! “Congratulations to the Year 10 football Wyvern started extra time exactly as they Champions of Hampshire! Supporters, team who defeated Portchester School had started 90 minutes before and their cheering in celebration, made their way last night after a thrilling game; 3-2 after early pressure saw them take the lead.