This evening the year 8 netball team travelled across to NLS to play their semifinal. The girls were in good spirits and were excited for the game ahead.

The girls started the game with a blistering first quarter seeing Holly and Amelia linking up well to put 7 goals past the NLS defenders in the first 8mins. Chloe H and Evie matched up well and read the ball well to only allow 1 goal to pass them making the score after the first quarter 7-1.

As the whistle went for the 2nd quarter the girls made a few mistakes but managed to turn over the ball in the centre third with Sophie and Alice making it hard for NLS pass the ball beyond their attacking third line. Abby T came off the bench and managed to ensure her eye was in and combined well with Scarlett and Chloe S to score another 7 goals – at half time it was 14-3.

Third quarter saw the girls continue in the positive manor, with outstanding feeds from Ella and Chloe S to assist Amelia and Holly. This time Southam put 6 goals past NLS making the score 20-4.

Final quarter, the girls went full out with the aim of 30 goals in sight. Some outstanding intercepts in defence from Evie, Alice and Sophie saw continuous turnovers for the Southam girls. The pairing of Abby and Holly was outstanding showing some brilliant link up play.

Final score: 29-5

Well done this evening ladies, you played brilliantly you should all be proud of yourselves. Another fantastic performance and good preparation for a tough match against Kings High in the final on the 25th.

Mrs Turton and Miss Hancocks

Tuesday evening saw the Y8 football team host Aylesford in a cup semi final. Unfortunately, Southam started nervously and found themselves 2-0 down inside 8 minutes. Southam had an uphill task from here but soon started to play with the freedom they usually do and started to create some good chances through the hard working Leo and Jack on the wings. A goal did come after good play from Jasper found Harry whose lovely threaded pass was latched onto by Archie who cooly slotted into the corner to make it 2-1 at Half Time.

Southam played much better football in the second half, the back 4 of Spike, Charlie, Noah and Oliver broke down attacks and started to play out from the back. Southam continued to press but couldn’t find an equalising goal despite persistent pressing and attacking! A rare attack from Aylesford resulted in a free kick on the edge of the box which was thumped into the net. 3-1 with 8 minutes left. A big amount of credit must go to the y8 team at this point, they didn’t let their heads drop and continued to attack, Alfie, Charlie and Alfie all created chances as well as Noah being denied by a tremendous reaction save, before another through ball from Harry was latched onto by Ronan who shot into the net with 1 minute left! Cue Southam piling on the pressure…unfortunately, a counter attack caught the team out and left the Aylesford striker a tap in to give them a 4-2 win and a place in the final.

Despite the result, I am extremely proud of how the team played and worked together. They have shown real progress this year and with a few league games left I am hopeful of a successful end to the season.

Well done boys

Mr Turton

Thursday night saw the Y8 football team host Princethorpe in a friendly in readiness for our cup semi final next week.

The team started well and were passing the ball round comfortably until they were robbed of possession, with the ball breaking down the wing and being squared to the waiting striker who turned the ball home. This didn’t deter Southam who hit back instantly after some fine play. The ball was retained from kick off and played through Noah, Charlie, Spike, Ronan, Oli who then fed Harry who beat the defender before crossing for Josh to nip in ahead of the defender and score. An instant reply from Southam. This goal helped Southam who began to create chances but couldn’t convert before half time.

The second half began and Southam nearly scored within the first minute. Good pressure from Josh and Harry allowed Archie to break through but he was denied by a good save. From the resulting corner Harry went close with a volley. Southam did continue to press and were rewarded when Archie’s shot/cross found Leo at the back post who tapped in to make it 2-1. Southam continued to try and pass the ball and make it hard for Princethorpe to gain any momentum in the game. The final few minutes saw southam keep possession and hold on to a 2-1 win.

Man of the match goes to Ronan for lots of hard work and thankless running up the wing! Special mention goes to Joe as well for playing out of position and doing a fantastic job!

See you all at training on Monday before our busy week of fixtures next week!

Mr Turton