1st X1
The 1st XI travelled to Bedes to play in the 7 a side IAPS football tournament. We played some good football in the group stage as we beat Westbourne House and drew with Vinehall, St Andrews and lost to Downsend. We came third in the group and played Windlesham in the semi-final of the plate. In a tight game, it went to penalties and unfortunately, we missed one of our kicks in sudden death and went out. The boys tried incredibly hard throughout the day
2nd XI vs Brighton College Boys- U13A, U12A & U13B
We played three matches in the afternoon against Brighton College away from home. This was always going to be difficult for the boys. Naturally, they found it tough going early on and subsequently lost their first two matches. However, having got used to the large pitch and the massive goals, we managed to win our last match 1-0, much to the delight of the team and their coach!
3rd XI vs Brighton College Boys-U13B & U12B
The Third Team travelled to the Jubilee Ground in Brighton to compete in a triangular against Brighton U13B and U12B, playing two 20-minute games. Both Brighton teams were highly skilled and dominated possession for much of the match. However, our defence held strong, with Odi particularly impressive in intercepting passes and applying pressure on Brighton’s attacking players. He initiated several counterattacks, helping us push into the opposition’s half, utilizing the wingers to exploit space out wide.
Despite these efforts, shooting opportunities were limited, as Brighton excelled at recovering possession. The best chance came from Charlie, whose shot from just outside the box narrowly missed the post.
Our team performed admirably, especially in the first halves of both matches. However, the second halves proved more challenging as we had to play uphill, leading to most of the goals being conceded. The first match ended 5-0 and the second 3-0. Despite the tough opposition, the boys put in a commendable effort and remained positive throughout.
4th Team vs Brighton College Boys-U13C & U12C
The 4th team faced a challenging triangular against Brighton’s U13C and U12C teams in back-to-back matches. In the first game, they struggled against a physically stronger U13 side, who eventually broke through to score two goals in the second half, resulting in a 2-0 loss. After a short break, they played a skilful U12 team, whose quick passing and technical ability led to a 3-0 defeat. Despite the tough results, the team showed resilience and determination, and the matches provided valuable experience, highlighting areas for improvement in ball control and attacking play.
U11A vs Marlborough House & Brighton College
The three games took a format of 10-minute halves, the first game for Holmewood was against Marlborough House. Holmewood made a strong start with Arlo smashing the ball against the post followed by a wave of Holmewood pressure, however unable to find the back of the net the first half ended level. The second half began in a similar fashion to the first with a powerful Hugo freekick just missing the top right corner. Marlborough House continued to defend well and managed to earn a last-minute corner, which deflected off a HH defender into the net. The match ended 1-0 to Marlborough with Holmewood feeling slightly hard done by.
The second game for HH took place against a physically strong Brighton College side. Once again HH dominated possession and had the best chances of the first half, however neither side managed to find the back of the net by half time. The second half was more even and both teams looked more likely to score. With 2 minutes to go Hugo made a good run in behind and when the ball fell to his feet, he struck it nicely finding the back of the net. The game ended 1-0 with HH much deserving of the win.
Man of the Match(es) – Raife
U11B vs Brighton College
On a very damp, drizzly afternoon the Colts B team welcomed Brighton College to school for our Wednesday afternoon fixture. As the schedule worked out with lots of matches across Year 6 and 5 against Brighton College and Marlborough House, we were scheduled as the final match of the afternoon, finishing at 4.30pm, but it was certainly well worth the wait! What a performance from the start. Total passing football, just as we had worked on in training – passing, crosses coming in and forwards getting shots away on target. A convincing 5-0 win followed with Aaron O bagging a superb four goal haul with Arthur H adding one, but it was a total team performance from goalkeeper, to the solid defence, hardworking midfield and skilful attackers. Well played boys – I am so proud of you for that team effort. Now you have set the standard for the rest of the season, starting with our next match next Wednesday.
U11C vs Brighton College
The U11C team put in their best performance of the season this week against Brighton College, combining the solid defence they have become famous for with some attacking flair! The boys’ energy and pressing was fantastic, and they were starting to show more positional awareness. The passing and composure in front of goal became increasingly evident throughout the game with some incredibly unselfish passing to those in better positions to score. The boys had a field day in front of goal and should be very proud of the resounding 5-0 victory they achieved. A really enjoyable afternoon of football and a fantastic result.
U10A vs Brighton College & Marlborough House
The best afternoon of the season so far for the Under 10As unfolded on a wet Wednesday afternoon. First up was Marlborough House, Holmewood kept the football very well playing out from the back and playing down channels allowing the ball to be cut back for a few tap ins to get the afternoon up and running. More delightful football followed and the first match was topped off with 2 incredible 1/2 touch counter attacking goals. The game finished 7-0 but more chances were created.
Next up was a good Brighton side who were quick and sharp. This didn’t stop Holmewood from continuing some excellent football again playing out from the back and working the ball up the pitch with some quick incisive passes. The game eventually finished 5-1 to Holmewood with some superb team goals. Every single boy contributed to 2 fantastic results.
U10B vs Brighton College
The boy’s hosted Brighton in a late starting match on Wednesday. They put in a dominant performance against Brighton, playing some excellent football and controlling the ball for most of the match, scoring 6 goals by half time. After making some changes play was slightly more even though we scored another 5 goals in the second half.
U10C vs Brighton College
Before the game the team grabbed a classroom and had a tactical meeting as to how they were going to approach the game. It looked like a scene from a Prime documentary as the team studied their positions on the whiteboard! Following on from the meeting, the team went out and executed the plan to a T! The passing and movement was a joy to watch and this resulted in some quick goals. As with any team, the changes somewhat unsettled the shape. With changes of personnel, came changes in position which meant the team lost a little of its shape and resulted in a few goals conceded. Order was restored with Will returning to the game after a short rest which sured up the defence once more and allowed the goal spree to continue. Congratulations to Noah and Henry who both scored hatricks and to Fraser and Arthur who made up the rest of the goals. MoM was Henry more for his excellent passing than his goal scoring which goes to show how good his passing was! The fact that with Will on the pitch no goals were conceded and with him off the pitch 3 goals conceded speaks volumes as to how important he is for the team. Well done everyone who played on a stella performance.
U9Ds Triangular vs The Hawthorns and Hazelwood
Man of the Match – Wilf
HH’s first game was against The Hawthorns school. To start with a lot of the play was concentrated in the middle of the pitch with neither team unable to fashion a clear-cut chance. The first chance of the game came from a fantastic solo run and chip from Wilf – which narrowly missed the top right corner. The Hawthorns took the lead with a quick counterattack and good finish, at half time HH were behind. The second half was much better from HH with Wilf looking the most threatening – hitting a handful of efforts towards goal before he found the back of the net with a nice finish into the bottom corner. HH were unable to find a winner but put on a brilliant second half performance. Game ended 1-1.
Hazelwood were our second opponent and came out much stronger than Hawthorns with a clear structure and game plan. HH hit the post with a brilliant far out effort from Wilf, however not many HH chances materialised for the rest of the first half. Gabriel defended well – tackling almost every Hazelwood attacker who entered the HH box. In the second half Hazelwood were much more clinical finishing two quick chances to leave HH trailing 2 – 0. Some more tough defending from Gabriel and Lorcan ensured the score did not change.
