St Ivo School report on a dramatic couple of days at the ESFA Playstation Cup Finals, at which their U-13s were victorious over Thomas Telford School but the U-14s suffered a penalties defeat to the same opponents.
Both St Ivo teams won through a series of eight National Cup matches this season to reach the prestigious National Finals. These took place on Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th May, as part of the 3-day Playstation Schools Cup Festival held at Reading FC’s Madejski Stadium. Thanks to sponsorship from Peter Lane Estate Agents and GKD Plumbing Services, all the players were kitted out with new tracksuits for the festival.
The St Ivo sides were supported by coach loads of eager yet nervous students and parents at the stadium, with Ivotron the Mascot leading the chants of, “LET’S GO IVO”! Not that there weren’t a few distractions, with free giveaways and competitions!
Those not lucky enough to be able to travel to the stadium were able to watch online, with commentary from the likes of John Scales and Clive Tyldesley – highlights of the matches can be found on YouTube.
Pictured – St Ivo U-13s with their trophy.
The U-13s match kicked off at 3.30pm against Thomas Telford School. The St Ivo side dominated the match from the outset, with a first half goal from Abby Townsend and two in the second half from Lucy O’Brien leading to a score of 3-0 at the final whistle. Tia Everdell also came close to scoring not once but twice, but unluckily hit the woodwork both times. O’Brien’s fantastic performance won her the player-of-the-match accolade, remarkable for a student playing a year above her age group! A phenomenal achievement for the whole team, becoming national champions in their first year playing 11-aside!
The following day saw the U-14s also take on Thomas Telford School. Six players were representing the school for the second consecutive day – Year 8 students who play at both under 13 and under 14 level. This squad also includes Katherine Speed, a national success in her own right having attended the U-15 England training camp the previous weekend, not to mention being an England cricketer! Indeed, Speed was able to score the first goal of the match towards the end of a tense first half, her free kick in the 58th minute resulted in an own goal by Thomas Telford, and she was awarded player-of-the-match. From 2-0 in the 70th minute, stoppage time allowed Thomas Telford to equalise and the match progressed to penalties, where St Ivo were defeated 5-4. A superb effort from the St Ivo side though, who are now second in the country!
Pictured – St Ivo U-13s v Thomas Telford U-13s
Special mention also to Aimee Best, the coaches’ star player over both days for her outstanding defending across the U-13 and U-14 games. Best gave unbelievable performances, playing two full National Final matches in two days yet showing no signs of tiredness, she worked to the last second.
Lisa Trigg, St Ivo PE teacher and team manager, said, “I am so, so proud of all the players who have worked so hard this year. Their success is testament to the dedication they have shown at not just matches but hours of training throughout the year. I would also like to thank everyone who has supported us, all the players’ parents and especially Darren Marjoram, who has put in hours of voluntary work to coach the teams alongside me”.
Pictured – St Ivo U-14s
Sam Griffin, Headteacher, added, “the enthusiasm of the girls is simply incredible and they all show such determination to be the best. These fantastic achievements will stay with them for the rest of their lives. I too would like to thank and indeed congratulate all involved, the players themselves but also Lisa Trigg whose energy and tenacity has given our students such fantastic opportunities and put St Ivo on the national stage for girls’ football”.
We are certain to hear more of both teams next year. It isn’t quite over yet though for St Ivo’s football season. The U-12 girls are through to their semi-final, and without conceding a goal so far. Can St Ivo make it three National Finals? We hope so!
Pictured (top) – St.Ivo U-14s in action against Thomas Telford
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