In the light of the 2016 Euros that have commenced in France over the weekend, Ollie Clarke and James Watson organised Fylinghall’s own Euros competition. The completion consisted of 6 teams and players from across 10 year groups of more than 8 different nationalities. The pool stages offered little surprises but a few late scares, as heavy weights Portugal and Germany progressed through to the finals undefeated. After some contentious rostering decisions made by officials Portugal were bailed out in the Semi-finals by an Ollie Sykes led Spanish team. Isaac Atkinson’s Belgium offered little threat to Germany’s title campaign. England and France then faced off to earn a little self-respect and Aldrich is still searching after England, valiantly led by the Watsons, finally managed to win a game of football and secure 5th place. Portugal brushed past Belgium 9-0 to receive a consolatory bronze medal, and Kobi Chu scored his second hat-trick of the tournament to all but secure the golden boot. The final was a tight and thrill a minute affair with an early goal to Ollie Clarke before the deficit was erased by a miracle Ollie Sykes strike from his own side of halfway. Some classy finishing from Reuben Mason put Germany 2-1 up, The game went blow for blow until midway through the second half when Ross Archer buried a chance to give Germany a seemingly unassailable 4-2 lead. Then an ultra-impressive Luca Park header pulled the game back within reach of Spain, before Ross Archer put his body on the line to set up a simple match clinching goal for German forward Rueben Mason. The day was much enjoyed by all and can be considered a great success; much of the thanks must go to Ollie Clarke and James Watson, to our dedicated referee Mohammed Almajdob, as well as scoring officials Paula Hattenkerl and Fanny Kohlsaat.
Justin Mayne
