Archived News - Chiltern Sevens
Chiltern Sevens Under 8's Division One
Eaton Bray Lions - 0; Ramsey Arnold Magpies - 11
The Magpies from Barton Le Clay recorded their tenth straight win of the season with a polished performance away at Eaton Bray.
On a cold but bright Saturday morning the Mags went up against the Lions for the second week running after last weeks emphatic win in the Quarter final of the cup.
It was clear from the start the Lions had struggled to learn the lessons of the previous week allowing the Mags to find space at ease. Early goals from hot shot Jack Keenan and James Purdom after free flowing moves down both flanks saw the Mags move into top gear. A wonderful individual goal from Jack had both sets of fans applauding. He kept the ball in close to touchline on halfway with a deft flick before outstripping three Lions defenders and lashing an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner. Further goals from Niall Palmer saw an entertaining half come to an end.
Half time 0-5
The second half began as the first had ended with some sweet passing football from the Mags. The Lions to their credit continued to battle to stem the tide of attacks but could not plug the gaps created by the off ball movement of the Mags midfield. Goals followed as midfield powerhouse George Goodhall bagged himself a hatrick. The pick of his goals was a diving header after a pinpoint cross from the right wing by Sam McClelland.
When the Lions did threaten to attack they were repelled by the strong defensive duo of Lee & Darian who joined in the attacking play at will to provide the wide midfielders with quality ball. Further goals from Jack, Sam and James finished off an impressive win for the Mags against a spirited Eaton Bray. Special mention to the brave Lions keeper who took a heavy knock near the end of the first half but returned later on pitch to help his team mates.
MOM was the whole team for a superb effort and a display of how easy the game can be when players pass, move and play with passion. Take note Steve Maclaren!!!
Source: Andy McClelland, BBC Beds Herts and Bucks
Chiltern Junior Sevens Under 8's League Cup
Ramsey Arnold Magpies - 6; Eaton Bray Lions Reds - 0
An eagerly anticipated Quarter Final clash saw the Magpies record their ninth straight win of the season with a convincing win over the Lions from Eaton Bray.
Confidence was high in the Magpies camp as the boys embarked on another important step in their goal of a league & cup double. The usual flying start brought an early goal courtesy of the free running Sam McClelland who placed a left footed shot past the helpless Lions keeper.The Lions defence was struggling to cope with the movement of the Magpies team and another chance was expertly finished by the lethal boot of Jack Keenan.
Niall Palmer got in on the act midway through the first half with a sweet finish at the back post and the Mags trademark passing game was proving too hot for the visitors. The Lions keeper was in excellant form however but was powerless as direct from a goal kick Sam McClelland controlled the ball and from almost the half way line smashed a shot back into the empty net.Livewire Jack Keenan finished the first half scoring with a rocket shot into the roof of the net after a neat move down the Lions left.
The second half saw several changes to the Mags lineup and shape with goalkeeper Sonny Foulkes joining the fray as a striker.Lee Houghton took over between the sticks and a more competitive Lions side began to get a foothold in the game.To their credit tackles were flying in and the game became very scrappy.The Lions keeper kept up his impressive display with some quality saves and superb kicking.
There was time for one more goal which arrived from the boot of the tireless and dynamic James Purdom who ghosted into the penalty box unmarked to rifle home an unstoppable shot from a great right wing cross.The Magpies success is built on a great team ethic and a very mean and solid defence marshalled by Darian Graham.
George Goodhall in his first season for the team received a deserved MOM for his energetic display in midfield.The double dream is still alive and a tough Semi Final with Sacred Heart awaits the Mags early next year.
Source: Andy McClelland, BBC Beds Herts and Bucks