Squad: Andrew, Tom D, TomC, Joel, Max, Ronan, Jack G, Jack H, Dom (Tom C (exhaustion) and Jack G (had to go to Louis birthday party) are missing from the photo)
Rovers were drawn in a difficult group and struggled to qualify for the knockout rounds, playing poorly and lacking self belief. However, Tom D, Joel and Jack G all defended well to keep us in the tournament. We drew 0-0 with Abbeymead Falcons, won 1-0 against Lakeside (Dom scoring at the second attempt after a through pass from Ronan) and lost 1-0 to Cleeve Colts. However, they scraped through to the semi-final. The strength of our group was shown by the fact that all 4 teams in the group contested the main and plate finals.
The semi-final was against Charlton Rovers Blues, who had topped their group. The match was closely contested and finished 0-0 with few chances, with Max and Tom C playing particularly well. The penalty shoot-out was a tense affair with all 6 penalties aimed at the keeper, despite Rovers players having practiced penalties for most of the day. In the end Dom scored the only successful penalty, with Max and Ronan having their efforts saved by the keeper. Andrew was the hero saving all 3 of the Blues penalties to put us through to the final.
Rovers won the final 1-0 against Cleeve Colts and avoided having another penalty shoot out. We dominated the game and had numerous attempts on goal, the best by Jack H with a good volley from the edge of the box. Dom scored the only goal from close range early in the second half. Due to Rovers excellent committed team defending Cleeve had few chances on our goal. In the end an easy win showing just how Rovers can play when they believe in their own ability.
So a good end to the season, and a contrast to the same tournament last year when we came last (out of four teams).
Back row: Ronan, Andrew, Tom D, Joel
Front row: Jack H, Dom, Max
(Jack G and Tom C had to leave before the photo)
