Under 18 football team crowned Devon Champions

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News - May 15

After years of near misses, our Under 18s were finally crowned Devon Champions, capping off an unforgettable journey for several of our Year 13 players who had previously reached county finals in Years 7, 11 and 12.  

The team travelled to Devon FA’s 4G pitch in Newton Abbot to go up against a strong squad from Torquay Boys’ Grammar School side in the final. The boys were full of determination to make history as the sun blazed down on the electric atmosphere.  

A nervy start saw us concede early after losing possession on the edge of our box, so that Torquay made it 1-0. But from that moment on, we dominated possession and territory, showing attacking intent and resilience with our pressure paying off when Stanley W struck a superb equaliser.  

As the game neared half time, the boys launched one final attack down the wing with a slick passing move cutting through the TBGS defence, ending with John P coolly slotting home to give us a 2-1 lead at the break. We started the second half brightly, continuing to press and carve out chances. A missed goal opportunity gave TBGS the chance to counter, and they punished us ruthlessly, racing the length of the pitch to bring the score to 2-2. The remainder of the second half was tense and tightly contested. Defensively we were superb, with Robbie I-B outstanding at centre-back, providing the platform for us to push forward in search of a winner. Despite several promising attacks, the team could not convert, sending us to the dreaded penalty shootout.  

‘Who wants to take a pen?’ came the call. Without hesitation, hands went up. Year 11s Robbie I-B and Alex K stepped forward alongside Mattie L, Rafa B, and Stanley W. In a tense penalty shootout, the boys held their nerve. Cool finishes and a key miss from TBGS sealed a historic win!