On the 6th February 2008 Harrow Way took part in the U16 Girls 7-a-side football tournament on John Hanson’s astro turf pitch. The competition was organised by Rhonda Sturges, SSCO, for Harrow Way School and sponsored by Andover Football Club.
Five teams entered the competition; John Hanson, Winton, Test Valley, Harrow Way and a guest team from the Clere from the Newbury Schools’ Partnership. Each game was 8 minutes one way.
Harrow Way started their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Test Valley; goals coming from Shelena Woodley and Kayleigh Kennedy. The team started nervously, but once they settled and got to grips with the new surface, they played some good passing football.
Their second match was against Winton who we knew were a more skilful and better organised side than Test Valley. Harrow Way needed a good result against this team to be in with a chance of staying in the competition. Losing was not an option. Therefore the tactic was to play for a draw and not to concede a goal. The team was more cautious in attack and Shelena Woodley came back from up front to play a more defensive role. Rebecca Parker played a good part as sweeper, tidying up all that came here way and clearing the ball out of defence. Final score 0-0. Job done!
Next up came the Clere – a game we expected to win. Unfortunately the team conceded a goal within the first minute, a minor lapse in concentration, allowing Clere to score a soft goal. However, the girls rallied together and managed through sheer hard work and determination to score a goal taken superbly by Shelena Woodley, latching onto an accurate through-ball from Kayleigh Kennedy. Final score 1-1.
This meant that Harrow Way’s final game was against John Hanson, and would determine the overall winners of the competition.
John Hanson piled on the pressure against Harrow Way and the team had to endure attack after attack from the Hanson girls. Charlotte Ballard saving the day with a brave save from one of the Hanson strikers; a shot hit with full power and accuracy. Still the Hanson girls kept up their relentless onslaught, but Sophie Cox, Rebecca Parker and Kayleigh Kennedy blocked out and broke down their efforts. Final score 0-0.
Harrow Way were eventual winners of the competition on goal difference (a single goal).
Well done girls! A valiant effort, great team work and fighting spirit.
Team:Â Shelena Woodley (Capt), Kayleigh Kennedy, Rebecca Farndell-Thorne, Kayleigh Parker, Rebecca Parker, Charlotte Ballard and Sophie Cox.
Star player:Â SHELENA WOODLEY for rallying her team and her relentless work rate.