After falling at the last hurdle in National Competition both Worthing College Men and Women's Football sides continue their successful seasons with the Men's 1st XI clinching their ECFA Regional League last Wednesday and the Women's XI learning that after finishing second in their ECFA league they will take on Balby Carr (Doncaster) in the ECFA National League Playoffs to be played before May 11th.
The Men's 1st XI recorded their 11th league victory of the season in their final home game against a very spirited Bromley side. Worthing had suspensions and injuries to deal with, however still had a very strong side to make sure the league title was theirs. Worthing looked fatigued and this hampered their free flowing style of play. The visitors took full advantage of this and took the lead after 10 minutes when a deflected shot sailed over the isolated James Fernandes in the Worthing goal. 0-1. Even though fatigue was definitely settling in Worthing's team spirit and determination got them back into the game with a delightful move. Joe Warner chested the ball to Jordan Clark, whose first time volley cross field found winger Lee Mottershead. Mottershead then took on his full back on the inside and played an exquisite reverse pass to Clark, who had followed the attack and scooped the ball first time over the advancing goalkeeper. 1-1.
At half time the message was to be sensible in possession to ensure that the ball did the work and another piece of quality would win the game and therefore the league. However this was far from the case as Bromley again took the lead. A free kick from just outside the box was expertly dispatched into the "postage stamp" of Fernandes' top corner, which cued extremely excited Bromley celebrations. 1-2.
Many teams would have crumbled and given up a superb league record of not losing one game in the last 12, but not this Worthing side. For every final ball going begging the players never stopped believing and were back in the match with 15 minutes to go. A Ryan Quirke free kick to the back post was met positively by Matt Dodd, who powerfully headed the ball into the roof of the net. 2-2.
Worthing were now pushing for the three points that would clinch the league title and it came with less than 5 minutes on the clock from an unlikely source, central defender Dan Heward. A Mottershead corner to the front post was met by Heward after the space was created for him to run into. 3-2. When the final whistle went a sense of relief engrossed the Worthing squad as well as a feeling of pride and achievement in what has been and excellent season both regionally and nationally.
Quote - Dave Hall - "The boys looked extremely tired, but stuck together and showed an excellent team spirit to work towards their goal of becoming league winners. Glimpses of quality were shown today but this does not tell the whole story. Each to a man have been superb in terms of their attitude, technical and tactical abilities and many will have a bright future in the game if they keep this level of consistency up and those players leaving us I wish them every success in the future."
Worthing - Fernandes; McGill, Boxall, Heward, Setchell; Warner, Clark, Dodd; Quirke, Jenkins D, Mottershead. No subs used.
Onwards & Upwards,
Hallsy
Thursday 14 April 2011
Friday 1 April 2011
Coulson's Colofn - Cwpan BCS Cenedlaethol Rownd Gyn Derfynol
Worthing College 15 Coleg Sir Gar 18
Four drivers drove twenty players in two minis buses on a ten hour, four hundred and eighty mile round trip for one purpose, 1 victory.
What so nearly became the desired culmination of eight months work was stolen from the collective grasp of a heroic group of students by an equally motivated but no more talented Coleg Sir Gar side.
Based in Llanelli, south west Wales, Sirgar are one of the UK’s strongest collegiate programmes, linked with the Scarlets and three semi professional sides within the WRFU structure. Unbeaten in all Welsh competition this season and heading the Welsh Colleges league with near maximum points Worthing were indeed entering a cauldron from which only Harry Potter himself could save them from a titanic beating, well not so much.
Worthing had come a long distance to get into the the BCS League Playoff final and were not about to lay down and get demolished.
So at 2pm with the official's lengthy and ultimately irrelevant briefing in mind Worthing set about their goal playing down a slight slope with a brisk breeze at their backs. The match started with the visitors showing a little too much respect to the Sir Gar side and this lead to plenty of go forward ball. Worthing made sporadic forays into opposition territory but came up short when in positions to score. Although this was the case the slow dawn of realisation that washed over the Sussex side, ‘they are not all that’ and then it was really game on.
Worthing scored a penalty through Keith which spurred Worthing forwards, unfortunately through a disproportionate number of penalties conceded Sirgar were able to gain field position and get over for the 7 pointer. The visitors were disheartened but did finish the half with a flourish and camped in the opposition half but could not convert in to points.
Up hill into the wind and points down, time for men to stand, leaders to lead and hearts to be worn on sleeves. So they were to a man. Worthing endured some early pressure but with ball in hand playing some scintillating rugby which rocked the home side progress was made. Moving up the field through 6 phases Scrum Half Parker broke from the base of the ruck and went under the posts. Keith converted and it was 10-7 to Worthing.
Seeing that the smaller visitors were able to mix it up the home side tried to exert their authority but Worthing were now looking good for their lead. With the wind, a slope and some breaks of the ball Sir Gar pressured. Got a penalty and with chat back the referee was only too pleased to put Parker in the bin and march the mark 10m closer to the posts. 3 points and back level. Worthing heroically held out with 14 men and when Hubbard made the numbers even the home side powered over for the score 15-10 Sir Gar.
The Worthing players were struggling to maintain their frustration levels as the official became more a part of proceedings, seemingly giving every 50-50 decision the way of the home side. To break this a moment of magic would be needed and so it was delivered. Ryan Ball collected a pass from Bone just inside his own half, he then progressed up the field beating with a mixture of pace, power and agility four defenders and scoring, 15-15. Keith was unable to make the extras.
All to play for with 10mins left. Worthing continued to not quite acquire the rub of the green but soldiered on admirably none the less. It now looked as if the visitors would remove interpretation from making any further imposition, however Roberts excellent work on the floor again was not legal enough for the man that mattered. 3 points for the penalty and effectively game over. Although Worthing went hard and pressed again putting phases together and building pressure up to Sir Gar 22m, where just when it looked like the killer attack could be launched a turn over lost the chance. Game over, another gut wrenching defeat in a national semi final to add to the two from last season.
Disappointed with an empty feeling on the day but in times to come it will be viewed as the most heroic of defeats and but for a bounce of the ball or a decision here or there we could be discussing a first national final for Worthing College Rugby.
Bone, Ball, Fastnedge (Pumfrey 50), Green, Keith, Parker (Hubbard 48), Luke, Laszlo, Roberts, White, Sercombe, Spring, Peake, Wigzell, subs: Anderson, Cook, Iurcovich, Hubbard, Pumfrey
Trys- Parker, Ball
Conversion- Keith
Penalty- Keith
Back to work Monday,
Ben
Four drivers drove twenty players in two minis buses on a ten hour, four hundred and eighty mile round trip for one purpose, 1 victory.
What so nearly became the desired culmination of eight months work was stolen from the collective grasp of a heroic group of students by an equally motivated but no more talented Coleg Sir Gar side.
Based in Llanelli, south west Wales, Sirgar are one of the UK’s strongest collegiate programmes, linked with the Scarlets and three semi professional sides within the WRFU structure. Unbeaten in all Welsh competition this season and heading the Welsh Colleges league with near maximum points Worthing were indeed entering a cauldron from which only Harry Potter himself could save them from a titanic beating, well not so much.
Worthing had come a long distance to get into the the BCS League Playoff final and were not about to lay down and get demolished.
So at 2pm with the official's lengthy and ultimately irrelevant briefing in mind Worthing set about their goal playing down a slight slope with a brisk breeze at their backs. The match started with the visitors showing a little too much respect to the Sir Gar side and this lead to plenty of go forward ball. Worthing made sporadic forays into opposition territory but came up short when in positions to score. Although this was the case the slow dawn of realisation that washed over the Sussex side, ‘they are not all that’ and then it was really game on.
Worthing scored a penalty through Keith which spurred Worthing forwards, unfortunately through a disproportionate number of penalties conceded Sirgar were able to gain field position and get over for the 7 pointer. The visitors were disheartened but did finish the half with a flourish and camped in the opposition half but could not convert in to points.
Up hill into the wind and points down, time for men to stand, leaders to lead and hearts to be worn on sleeves. So they were to a man. Worthing endured some early pressure but with ball in hand playing some scintillating rugby which rocked the home side progress was made. Moving up the field through 6 phases Scrum Half Parker broke from the base of the ruck and went under the posts. Keith converted and it was 10-7 to Worthing.
Seeing that the smaller visitors were able to mix it up the home side tried to exert their authority but Worthing were now looking good for their lead. With the wind, a slope and some breaks of the ball Sir Gar pressured. Got a penalty and with chat back the referee was only too pleased to put Parker in the bin and march the mark 10m closer to the posts. 3 points and back level. Worthing heroically held out with 14 men and when Hubbard made the numbers even the home side powered over for the score 15-10 Sir Gar.
The Worthing players were struggling to maintain their frustration levels as the official became more a part of proceedings, seemingly giving every 50-50 decision the way of the home side. To break this a moment of magic would be needed and so it was delivered. Ryan Ball collected a pass from Bone just inside his own half, he then progressed up the field beating with a mixture of pace, power and agility four defenders and scoring, 15-15. Keith was unable to make the extras.
All to play for with 10mins left. Worthing continued to not quite acquire the rub of the green but soldiered on admirably none the less. It now looked as if the visitors would remove interpretation from making any further imposition, however Roberts excellent work on the floor again was not legal enough for the man that mattered. 3 points for the penalty and effectively game over. Although Worthing went hard and pressed again putting phases together and building pressure up to Sir Gar 22m, where just when it looked like the killer attack could be launched a turn over lost the chance. Game over, another gut wrenching defeat in a national semi final to add to the two from last season.
Disappointed with an empty feeling on the day but in times to come it will be viewed as the most heroic of defeats and but for a bounce of the ball or a decision here or there we could be discussing a first national final for Worthing College Rugby.
Bone, Ball, Fastnedge (Pumfrey 50), Green, Keith, Parker (Hubbard 48), Luke, Laszlo, Roberts, White, Sercombe, Spring, Peake, Wigzell, subs: Anderson, Cook, Iurcovich, Hubbard, Pumfrey
Trys- Parker, Ball
Conversion- Keith
Penalty- Keith
Back to work Monday,
Ben
Hallsy's Academy Report - National Semi Final Edition
Coming into this game Worthing College were already "history makers" after being the first Worthing College side to reach the last four of the ESFA National Cup. Could they go the next step and reach the final?? 90 minutes and hosts Queens School of Watford would help us find this answer.
Worthing prepared themselves as well as they could. Travel was luxurious and the Queens School Academy pitch puts ALL county league grounds to shame, with its flat, crisp surface. The weather was even ideal giving the pitch a firm, yet skiddy top. All these signs pointed to giving Worthing at least a 50/50 chance.
The squad was also settled with Lewis Jenkins the only one missing out due to an ankle injury. He was replaced by Matt Chester, who began the match at right back, with the ever consistent Jack Boxall moving to left back. Also the timely return of Drew McGill to the bench after injury was a boost. He was joined by Ryan Quirke, Olly Setchell, Jon Watkins and substitute goalkeeper Sean Butler.
The warm up was focused and players were advised to "take it like any other game", however its extremely hard to when a National Final against Gateshead awaited the winners. The words from the off were to start sharply and shake off any nerves. Unfortunately for Worthing the hosts started brighter with their front two (9 & 10) looking lively and direct. To their credit Worthing stood firm, especially the back four of Chester, Boxall, Jack Carey and Dan Heward, who allowed goalkeeper and skipper James Fernandes not to be troubled.
As the half grew, so did Worthing and we began to see glimpses of their quality. Liam "Des" O'Connor when receiving the ball in wide areas gave his full back plenty to think about with his movement and pace. However it was Matt Dodd, who had the first real Worthing chance from a free kick. Dodd rose above the big centre half and directed his header goalwards, however power was lacking. O'Connor then got in on the act. He shot twice at the Queens goal with the second effort looping just over the bar. As it seemed Worthing were getting a foothold in the game the deadlock was broken, however it was the hosts that took the lead. A long ball into the channel was chased down by the pacy 10, his trickery and cross was headed bravely by Chester, but into the path of the onrushing number 9, who drove the ball low and hard into the net. 0-1.
Not a problem as Worthing had been here before, most recently in the quarter finals against SEEVIC, where they were victorious. Could history repeat itself?? This was how the score stayed until half time and the message from the bench was upbeat, needing to believe as individuals and each other, as well as getting at their weak point. The back four.
Worthing went out with renewed confidence, but again the tie retorted into a tight, close affair, with neither side giving much away. With this changes were made and Worthing brought on Setchell for Lee Mottershead, which pushed O'Connor inside and Sam Mannings into a wider area. As time wore on and it got close to SEEVIC time, Worthing began to finally attack their opponents with Mannings in instigator. Firstly he had a free kick charged down by the Queens wall, then two pieces of quality almost bought parity to the tie. Firstly a front post corner routine that was delivered to perfection by Mannings only for Heward not to get a full connection onto his header, then an even better free kick, which Chester was about to head goalwards if it wasn't for a Queens head.
The hosts were also pushing for a second and killer goal and Worthing had Fernandes to thank for an awesome double save late on. Still the chances came for Worthing they were definitely giving it a good go. Dodd and Joe Warner were beginning to find their range of passes, but it was Fernandes, who almost became provider when his huge strike was gambled upon by Mannings, whose volley was struck towards the near post, where the far one may have been a better option. Setchell even got in on the act too, but his volley at the far post was high, wide and unfortunately not so handsome.
With almost the last kick of the game Worthing's National dream was in tatters when the Queens substitue found himself through on goal and slid the ball under the advancing Fernandes. 0-2 and cue the Ghanaian style dance moves (which will haunt me for a long time!)
So the dream is over, however the boys, the college and their families and friends should be proud of this achievement. Now it is probably hurting, however upon reflection their efforts and abilities should be heralded as one of the best football teams Worthing College as ever had!
For those that leave us at the end of the season I wish them well and I hope that they realise their full potential. For those who are here for another year Queens celebrations should be a motivator for next season, where possibly it might be us busting out the dance moves!!
Now onto taking care of the league!!
Onwards & Upwards,
Hallsy
Worthing prepared themselves as well as they could. Travel was luxurious and the Queens School Academy pitch puts ALL county league grounds to shame, with its flat, crisp surface. The weather was even ideal giving the pitch a firm, yet skiddy top. All these signs pointed to giving Worthing at least a 50/50 chance.
The squad was also settled with Lewis Jenkins the only one missing out due to an ankle injury. He was replaced by Matt Chester, who began the match at right back, with the ever consistent Jack Boxall moving to left back. Also the timely return of Drew McGill to the bench after injury was a boost. He was joined by Ryan Quirke, Olly Setchell, Jon Watkins and substitute goalkeeper Sean Butler.
The warm up was focused and players were advised to "take it like any other game", however its extremely hard to when a National Final against Gateshead awaited the winners. The words from the off were to start sharply and shake off any nerves. Unfortunately for Worthing the hosts started brighter with their front two (9 & 10) looking lively and direct. To their credit Worthing stood firm, especially the back four of Chester, Boxall, Jack Carey and Dan Heward, who allowed goalkeeper and skipper James Fernandes not to be troubled.
As the half grew, so did Worthing and we began to see glimpses of their quality. Liam "Des" O'Connor when receiving the ball in wide areas gave his full back plenty to think about with his movement and pace. However it was Matt Dodd, who had the first real Worthing chance from a free kick. Dodd rose above the big centre half and directed his header goalwards, however power was lacking. O'Connor then got in on the act. He shot twice at the Queens goal with the second effort looping just over the bar. As it seemed Worthing were getting a foothold in the game the deadlock was broken, however it was the hosts that took the lead. A long ball into the channel was chased down by the pacy 10, his trickery and cross was headed bravely by Chester, but into the path of the onrushing number 9, who drove the ball low and hard into the net. 0-1.
Not a problem as Worthing had been here before, most recently in the quarter finals against SEEVIC, where they were victorious. Could history repeat itself?? This was how the score stayed until half time and the message from the bench was upbeat, needing to believe as individuals and each other, as well as getting at their weak point. The back four.
Worthing went out with renewed confidence, but again the tie retorted into a tight, close affair, with neither side giving much away. With this changes were made and Worthing brought on Setchell for Lee Mottershead, which pushed O'Connor inside and Sam Mannings into a wider area. As time wore on and it got close to SEEVIC time, Worthing began to finally attack their opponents with Mannings in instigator. Firstly he had a free kick charged down by the Queens wall, then two pieces of quality almost bought parity to the tie. Firstly a front post corner routine that was delivered to perfection by Mannings only for Heward not to get a full connection onto his header, then an even better free kick, which Chester was about to head goalwards if it wasn't for a Queens head.
The hosts were also pushing for a second and killer goal and Worthing had Fernandes to thank for an awesome double save late on. Still the chances came for Worthing they were definitely giving it a good go. Dodd and Joe Warner were beginning to find their range of passes, but it was Fernandes, who almost became provider when his huge strike was gambled upon by Mannings, whose volley was struck towards the near post, where the far one may have been a better option. Setchell even got in on the act too, but his volley at the far post was high, wide and unfortunately not so handsome.
With almost the last kick of the game Worthing's National dream was in tatters when the Queens substitue found himself through on goal and slid the ball under the advancing Fernandes. 0-2 and cue the Ghanaian style dance moves (which will haunt me for a long time!)
So the dream is over, however the boys, the college and their families and friends should be proud of this achievement. Now it is probably hurting, however upon reflection their efforts and abilities should be heralded as one of the best football teams Worthing College as ever had!
For those that leave us at the end of the season I wish them well and I hope that they realise their full potential. For those who are here for another year Queens celebrations should be a motivator for next season, where possibly it might be us busting out the dance moves!!
Now onto taking care of the league!!
Onwards & Upwards,
Hallsy
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