Eager to test ourselves against the better sides from London and surrounds we journeyed to Teddington for their annual Christmas tournament with high expectations. Remarkably everyone made it through Chessington and Kingston in good time - only the coach was late - to face Old Cranleighans and Hampstead and Westminster in a mini league for qualification into the later rounds.

Old Cranleighans, actually young chaps from England’s largest village, started with a high tempo game, in fact throughout the day we were a bit sluggish at the off, but we held our shape and soon started to penetrate down the right. Although we had most of the possession we struggled to find the final pass until Nathan placed a meaty drive from the top of the D just inside the right post. The match against H&W followed much the same pattern, Jacob was occasionally required to boot upfield but we were solid in defence with our most cohesive play coming down the right wing. Again we couldn’t convert our possession into prizes requiring Nathan to repeat the “top of the D strike just inside the right post” trick to prevail worthy winners.

Relieved to have made the quarters - its a long way to come for a couple of 12 minute games -  next up was Surbiton, a slightly motley crew on account of their being the “away” team who without bibs wore an array of Parkas, Duffle-coats and Donkey jackets. By now we were in a grove - slow start, strong in defence, nice passing in transition, occasional encouragement (shouting) from Jacob, midfield winning ever more 50:50s as the game went on, nice pace and skill in attack, very few short corner decisions going our way etc - that resulted in a scrambled goal which might have been two following the grant of a stroke in the final minute. Not to worry, another deserving 1-0 result and onwards to the semis and a date with Wimbledon.

I suspect most neutrals would have seen this as the real final involving the tournament’s two strongest teams. We were well matched but Wimbledon approached the game with greater energy, pace, and commitment all of which we possess but couldn’t find consistently during the first few minutes of an absorbing game. Their high line and pressing style meant we found it difficult to settle into our stride and eventually the pressure on our defence told with Wimbledon scoring a couple of goals despite a series of epic, quick fire saves from Jacob “the Cat” which had the crowd purring in admiration. Our boys dug deep and gradually started to retain a bit more possession and self-belief which saw them join the battle. Perhaps over a 20 minute game we might have drawn level but as it was Rhys’s blast into the roof of the net came on the final whistle. A fair result (2-1) and one that we must learn from if we want to progress deep into the end of season representative tournaments.

Our final game for 3rd place was against Old Georgians. We went with a more experimental formation but otherwise your correspondent is unable to recall the finer details of a match we seemed to edge without there being much goal-mouth drama. Not to say that our massed supporters were bored, the match was decided by penalty flicks - cool hands Rhys, Robin and Oliver converting expertly whilst Jacob produced a Pat Jennings-esque save low to his right to give us the game and the consolation of a medal (actually we are told the medals are in the post!).

As ever a huge thank you to our family and friends for their support and chauffeuring.

Team;  Jacob Beer, Oliver Curtis, Thomas Hutchins, Freddie McMullen, Rhys Harmer, Robin Cox, Thomas Tan, Ben Spackman, Nathan Sumner and Kyle Gurubathan.

Report James Cox

Canterbury travelled with only 10 players and after a slow start needed some good saves to keep Ashford out from a couple of PCs. Canterbury took the lead after Flora S released Lily Beer who raced through and calmly put the ball past the keeper. Ashford then sprung the defence and equalised after a breakaway. Canterbury retook the lead after Jess McMeeking's strong run down the left was topped off with an equally good finish. We continued to struggle with Ashford breaking way at speed and following another break, Ashford scored from a PC despite a despairing dive from Keira.

Alex Ferguson made it 3-3 with another strong run and dribble down the right, but unfortunately a strong break and score from Ashford followed shortly after. The final score was 4-3 to Ashford. Goals: Lily x1, Jess x1 and Alex x1

Many thanks to Lily Beer from the U14s for helping us out and running strongly throughout the game.

Player of the Match: Keira Papper

Report; Stuart and Catriona Forbes

After leading for most of the match it was a shame to lose out in the end to a good Sevenoaks side. The girls performed well and in particular Ashleigh in goal. Couldn't have asked for anymore in terms of workrate and intensity. Well done to all involved. Look forward to seeing what this side can do at the Copper Box tournament.

Result; 7-3 Loss. Goals: Alex x1, Issie x2

Report; Chris Laslett