NEWS - NOVEMBER: FUTSAL TOURNAMENT REVIEW

13 teams travelled to KLV Arena for the 4th year 5&6 Futsal tournament. The tournament was played in a fantastic spirit and overall the quality of the tournament again showed great improvement from previous years, with more schools playing the game on a regular basis and helping to develop the game locally.

As always the tournament took the format of a 1st round group stage, to then be followed by a 2nd group stage based on where each individual team finishes from the round 1.

1st Round

Group 1
This four team group was a closely contested one, in which all teams picked up points from the 6 games. Havelock prevailed as group winners as they grabbed a last gasp equaliser against closest rivals Boothville. Having been rocked by this bolt out of the blue, fast improving Rockingham managed to hold out Boothville for a draw which demonstrated their improvement from a first game defeat to Havelock. Park B battled hard throughout and gained a credible draw against the Corby school, however they would struggle in the attacking third.

Group 2

Reining champions Redwell (A) took this group with a 100% record, scoring freely along the way. Park (A) proved their toughest opponents, as they worked hard to hold onto an early lead, however two late strikes put pay to their stiff resistance. The battle for second place was far closer as goal difference separated Park (A) who finished 2nd and debutants St Thomas More. Broughton (B) proved awkward opponents for Park and St Thomas More, but their lack of a goal scoring threat would end their
challenge in this group.

Group 3

In this five team group. Goals would not be as fast flowing as in the previous two groups. Redwell (B) proved the most consistent team and won the group with 3 wins and a draw. Hawthorn shaded Broughton (A) into second place as goal difference meant Hawthorn would progress to the top table in the 2nd phase. Henry Gotch were solid opponents drawing two and only losing a close game with Broughton by a solitary goal. Havelock (B) although only mustering 1 point during this group, proved
hard opponents to break down. A lack of goals would mean for all of their defensive qualities, they would struggle to impact on the group.

2nd Round

Group C

The points were well shared out in this group during round two. Rockingham continued to warm to the task and amassed ten points to win the group. The rest of the teams all gained victories, with Henry Gotch snatching 2nd place from Havelock B, who again seemed to have a problem scoring. Their 1-0 victory over Henry Gotch was the highlight of their tournament. Park B gained their first victory in their last game and Broughton (B) managed their victory in a closely contested game with Havelock (B)

Group B

A smarting Boothville demolished all before them in this group as they found the killer instinct, which derailed their first round ambition. A 6-0 thumping of Park (A) set the tone for their 2nd round fixtures. Park (A) having toiled in the first game recovered their composure to take 2nd place following two victories. St Thomas More and Broughton produced a draw in their game to pick up a point each to enable a close fight for 3rd place.

Group A

The top group produced a goal feast with all teams showing good attacking flair. Hawthorn found the going tough, however finished with a good performance in the highest scoring game of the whole tournament against Redwell A. Redwell B provided tough opposition against the two favourites losing a close encounter against their A team (3-2) and proving awkward opposition in a 2-0 defeat to

Havelock. They started well though with a 2-0 victory over Hawthorn. Havelock and Redwell A would be the dominant pair in this group and a tight encounter in the first group game went the way of Havelock by a solitary goal to take control of the group. This result meant Redwell would have to rely on Havelock slipping up, however the Desborough outfit showed their class by winning both their final two games to take the trophy for the 3rd time. Redwell were able to beat both Hawthorn and Redwell B but had to settled for 2nd place.

Role of Honour
2008 - Havelock Juniors
2007 - Redwell Juniors
2006 - Havelock Juniors
2005 - Havelock Juniors

FDS would like to thank all the participating schools for creating another fantastic tournament. The spirit and skill levels of all participating teams was excellent and made for a pleasing spectacle throughout.

The Year 3&4 tournament takes place on Friday 20th March 09 and all schools are welcome. For more information please email bookings@developmentschools.co.uk or speak to Howard on 07868 757419.