It was a great game throughout with both teams trying to play very quick and attractive Football. There was some great talent on show and both teams were a real credit to their Football programs. After full-time, we were deserved winners and were crowned champions of the School Sports WA, Champions Schools Grand Final.
The squad looked very sharp in an intensive and thorough warm-up involving foam rollers, activation, technical work & explosive preparation. Prior to the game, we asked the boys to start quickly and be ruthless in front goal. Straight from kick-off, Declan Collins played the ball out wide to Noah Wittstrom-Lea who found himself in a 1 v 1 with the opposition full back. Noah expertly beat the full back and delivered a superbly placed cross into the box with Albert Fullard volleying firmly into the side netting. We kept on the front foot for the rest of the half but unfortunately could not convert.
Half time was spent encouraging our players to gamble in the box and get in front of their defenders to allow the opportunity created be easier to convert.
Second half Merci Collage came out fast and strong and continued to test our back four. With Daniel Griffin making a superb save down love to his right, to keep the score at 1 – 0. However, we continued to make good goal scoring opportunities. With Noah Wittstrom-Lea, again beating the full back to deliver 2 great crosses into the box with our players doing exactly what was asked of them and getting in-front of their players, but unfortunately Jacob Forsyth and Sandro Tasovac were unable to score. Merci continued to attack and push for an equaliser which left them vulnerable for the counter-attack. With 2 minutes to play our boys countered with immense speed and Wittstrom-Lea got in behind their back 4 and rolled the ball across the box for Fullard to tap home.
It was a great evening for our players and all the staff is super proud of what they have achieved this year. Merci was fantastic opponents and we wish them all the very best for their journeys as young athletes. Also, a massive thank you to School Sports WA and Richard De Fraine for putting on such a well-run tournament and we look forward to competing in the prestigious competition again next year.
SCBC Coach, James Harmer
