Nower Hill Year 11 2007/2008

Harrow League Champions
Harrow League Cup Winners
Middlesex Cup Winners

Nower Hill 1, Kingsmead 0 (after extra-time)

 

The boys finished off the season with an extremely hard fought against Kingsmead from Enfield. Those of you who were able to  make it will know how hard the boys had to work to become Middlesex Champions. It was by no means the most enjoyable game to watch, in fact the boys will tell you themselves that it was one of our weakest performances of the season in terms of passing and creating oppertunities. However, this is often the case in big cup finals! With Kingsmead providing our toughest opponents of the year and our boys being extremely nervous it was difficult for them to settle into their normal pattern of play. Over the course of the season, there have been occasions when I have asked the boys how much they wanted to win and be successful and they gave me the perfect answer last night. Every one of the boys gave 110% in exhausting conditions and yet again did the school proud. After 70 minutes of deadlock extra time was needed and this was where we showed real strength. After only 3 minutes Anton Wilson found some space on the edge of the box and unleashed an unstoppable volley that would be good enough to win any game! As you can imagine, the boys and large crowd of supporters went mad (although I did get scared as I saw Anton sprinting towards me and then jump on top of me - not a pretty site I imagine!). We held on till the end through some excellent defending and with the help of the linesman, who flagged for offside when Kingsmead thought they had equalised with minutes remaining. Thank god for the flag as I don't think I could have coped with penalties!

After the game myself, Ian Parker and Steve Wallace accompanied the boys to pizza express for a celebratory dinner. Again throughout the whole evening the boys conducted themselves perfectly. It was especially nice to have other customers ask our boys what they were celebrating and congratulating them (especially the two previous students from Whitmore and Rooks Heath).

Thank you to all of you who came to support the boys at the game but also those of you who have supported the boys in school and made them feel important. The boys had nothing but positive things to say about the staff and were amazed at the support they have been shown recently. Hopefully they will now take this confidence into their exams!!

CHRIS MUTER: Man-of-the-match, kept us in the game at stages with some vital saves. Saved his best performance for Nower Hill for this game.

JORDAN JAMES: Solid performance, started the season as a sub but grew in confidence over time and became part of the meanest defence in Middlesex.

SAM FENNELLY: Loves a battle and worked tirelessly for 90 minutes, made left back his own from game one!

ANDY LOTHIAN: Like Jordan, started as a squad player but formed an amazing partnership with Ben at the back. Was outstanding last night!

BEN PURCELL-THOMPSON: Captain Fantastic! Ben has led by example all season and continued last night. Always focused and determined he will play at a higher level.

RYAN BAXTER: Difficult for him last night as he likes the ball to feet so he can use his blistering pace. Did lots of running for the team and has scored some important goals this year.

COURTNEY BAILEY-GRIGGS: Grew as the game went on and didn't lose a header or tackle in extra-time.

ELLIOTT D'CRUZ: Literally been a 'giant' in middle this season, scoring planty of goals and helping out defensively.

DENE GARDNER: The joker of the pack, Dene loves a laugh which helped to stop the boys getting too nervous before the game. The game didn't suit his passing game but worked hard and put in plenty of important tackles.

PAUL FOSTER: If every player had the desire to win like Paul Foster we would be very lucky. Has had a running competition with Anton all year for top scorer and will be disappointed not to have scored yesterday. A great player who should play at a higher level.

ANTON WILSON: What can I say? Great Strike! Great Goal! Great Player! (when he wants to be)

AROSHANA H: Had not kicked a ball for the school before year 11 but been one of the main men this year! It says it all when was voted man of the match on his debut against Salvatorian by the rest of the team. Never stops running and loves a tackle!

WARREN BERCHIE: Has had a busy year, but managed to play a big part in our success. Lovely lad, always encouraged those on the field if he was off it.

MARCUS FRY: Also known as Spartacus, if he plays he always seems to score. Has a knack of being in the right place at the right time.

KYOHEI MIZUSAWA: Unfortunately didn't get on yesterday but has been vital in our Middlesex cup success. Kyohei actually changed the game in the quarter final when we were two nil down against Chiswick and went on to win 3-2.

Stephen O'Carroll