1st X1 vs Hazelwood
The 1st XI had a very tough game against an unbeaten Hazelwood side. The game was played in superb spirit and both sides gave everything. The game was 0-0 at half time and the game could’ve gone either way. With only minutes to go, a very unfortunate own goal gave Hazelwood the lead and moment later they secured the win. I was incredibly proud of the boys for the amount of effort and determination they showed during the game. Well done to all.
2nd XI vs Hazelwood School
The final football match of the season saw us host Hazelwood at home. Despite a valiant effort from our team, Hazelwood proved to be the stronger side, and we ended up on the wrong end of a 0-3 result. Throughout the season, the boys consistently showed dedication and a strong team spirit. They were a pleasure to coach, always eager to learn and improve after each game.
Special mention goes to the Year 8 boys, who played their last competitive game for Holmewood. Their commitment and sportsmanship over the years have been exemplary, and they will surely be missed on the field. Meanwhile, good luck to the Year 7s, who will carry the torch forward and represent Holmewood when they return to the pitch in September 2025. Well done to all the players for their hard work this season!
3rd XI vs Hazelwood School
The final game of the season for the 3rd team produced a tense match with high quality football. In the first half we hit the ground sprinting with Hazelwood rarely making into our half – the first 20 minutes was the best I have ever seen the team play. We were knocking on the door for a goal and it was only a matter of time, then at the 18th minute Harrison tapped a cross in to secure a lead.
The start of the second half saw us lose concentration and overly confident, this led to rushed tackling and poor passes, Hazelwood had turned the game around and after several shots saved by Pelumi they managed to put one in the back of the net. We took too long to recover and a score of 2-1 followed closely after, a shift in position forced us to play a lot better but Hazelwood secured a win with another goal. Player of the match was Josh Hatchwell due to his exceptional improvement from the previous match.
It has been a pleasure to coach the 3rd team this season and the growth they have made from the start of September to now has been lovely to see.
4th XI
A final valiant effort from the mighty 4th team resulted in another defeat. A defeat, yes, but in no way an accurate reflection of the game itself with chances for both sides for two evenly matched groups of boys. Credit must go to all the boys who have represented the 4th XI this term. They have competed with admirable energy and enthusiasm, even when confronted by some very challenging opposition. Well done to all the players for their contributions this term.
U11A vs Hazelwood School
Our last football game of the season saw us take on a strong and organised Hazelwood side. The game occurred on a small, boggy pitch and took a format of two 20-minute halves. The start of the game saw both teams struggle to create chances and most of the play was concentrated within the middle third. The first big chance came for HH with Louis narrowly missing the target from the edge of the box. Soon after, Hugo picked up the ball around the half-way line and played a lovely through ball to Louis who made no mistake this time and found the back of the net with a powerful finish. Hazelwood equalised almost immediately, and we went into the break level (1-1). HH started the second half much livelier with the team being more aggressive in winning the ball and playing passes into space when attacking. Soon Edmund put HH ahead with a powerful finish past the Hazelwood goalkeeper who had pulled off a brilliant save just minutes before. Once again Hazelwood responded quickly, catching the HH defence off guard, the winger making a fast run in behind before dribbling the ball into the HH box and finding the bottom right corner. With just 2 minutes to go the score was still level with both teams looking determined to score. A throw into the Hazelwood box was seemingly picked up by the goalkeeper before being dropped right in front of inform Louis – who poked the ball home. The game ended 3-2 to HH who fought well for a deserved win.
I am very proud of the development I have seen from this team since the start of September, and it has been as absolute pleasure to coach them to some fantastic victories this season. Well done boys!
U11B vs Hazelwood School
As the coach pulled into Hazelwood, the excitement for the Colts B team for their final match of the season was palpable. Excited chatter, as the boys made their way down to the pitch, boots put on and a skills based warm up ready for the start of the match. Captain Tadiwa met the opposition captain and the referee and the game started. It was quite clear from the very first minute that this was going to be an absolute epic –a feast of football – a thriller that would linger long in the memory. The supporting army of travelling parents watching the game were thoroughly absorbed in this end-to-end thriller. Goal line clearances, great saves, the cross bar hit, the post hit – surely it was not going to be one of those days! Hazelwood scored and then Holmewood scored a great goal through Aaron- Hazelwood caught the team on the break with two quick goals either side of half time – 3-1. Would the boys heads drop? Not a chance – they stuck to the game plan – got the ball down and passed it around and with Arlo coming on in the second half, two superb goals were scored and the game ended 3-3. A fitting result but with Holmewood putting in a very strong, battling performance against a fine Hazelwood side and the team was definitely on top for much of the second half. Wave after wave of attacks were launched – shots just wide, just over and some well saved by the goalkeeper. Boys – each and every one of you I am so proud of you. The matches and training have been such fun and the spirit fabulous and the all-round improvement so apparent for all to see. What a team – what a season – what fun! Now it is time to have some fun with the rugby! The team – Arlo C, Louis C-J, Arthur H, Oscar J, James M, Aaron O, Tadiwa, Louie R, Raife W, Noah S. P Morgan-Jones
U11C vs Hazelwood School
The U11C team travelled to Hazelwood for their final football match of a successful season. Having already beaten teams like Somerhill, Brighton, Saint Ronan’s, and Bedes, and with only one narrow loss to St Michaels, the team was determined to end on a high. Hazelwood had also enjoyed a strong season, losing only once to Somerhill—a team we had narrowly defeated on penalties earlier in the year in the Hilden Grange Cup.
The match was fiercely competitive, with Hazelwood managing to break through our defence on several occasions, though they couldn’t find the net due to outstanding defensive efforts from Charlie, Samuel, and BJ. We had multiple opportunities to score through open play and corners but couldn’t quite hit the target, despite persistent pressure from Jasper, Derek, and Teddy.
In the second half, we switched to a formation with three at the back, one in midfield, and three up front to take advantage of the short, square pitch. This setup allowed us to counterattack quickly after Raife reclaimed the ball in midfield. Though we initially missed chances, it seemed only a matter of time before we broke through. Finally, Teddy managed to find the back of the net with a well-placed shot from outside the box, giving us the lead.
As Hazelwood pushed forward to equalise, even sending their goalkeeper up for corners, Holmewood held firm. The final whistle brought relief and celebration, sealing a well-deserved 1-0 victory. Man of the Match, as chosen by Hazelwood, was Teddy for his excellent crosses and the winning goal. A fantastic way to end a remarkable season!
U10C vs Hazelwood School
The mighty U10C team took to the field for one last dance in search of their undefeated season. As they warmed up ready for the opposition to turn up you could see it in their eyes that today was not a day they were going to lie down. As the game started, it was plain to see that the opposition were not here to make up the numbers and came to spoil the party rather than join it! Hazlewood played some tidy football as they passed the ball around with finesse. Finesse is not what Holmewood have been built on this year but a staunch defence which has been meaner than Fagin himself. Fraser and William have built a formidable partnership that never looked in danger of wavering. As the going says “strikers win you games but defenders win you titles!” Or do they? I would have to disagree somewhat as it was Noah who today helped the team to towards the undefeated mantra they so richly deserved with a stunning opener followed by another 2 to complete an exceptional hat trick that befitted the Champions League!! There as ever were some great supporting roles from Arthur, Henry, Edgar, Finn and whilst Alex was not called on often he still managed to pull off a great save to help the team keep a clean sweep. Vincent finished off the scoring to leave the team with a resounding 4-0 and to achieve the impossible dream of finishing the season undefeated. Well done everyone on a great season. you should all be very proud!!!
Junior Boys House Football
The U9 and U8 teams wrapped up their season with a lively house football tournament held on the North Lawn last Thursday. The event featured a round-robin format with each house competing in 5 matches against one another. Cedar secured 6th place, managing to draw against Cob and scoring four goals. Yew finished in 5th place, achieving a victory over Cedar with a total of 3 goals. Oak claimed 4th place, outscoring Cob, Yew, and drawing with Cedar, tallying up 8 goals.
Beech landed in 3rd place with wins against Cedar, Yew, and Oak, contributing 9 goals to their strong performance. Cob edged out Beech for 2nd place on goal difference, defeating Cedar, Beech, and Yew with a total of 11 goals. Ash dominated the tournament, securing 1st place by winning all their matches and scoring an impressive 16 goals. Charlie Johnston from Year 4 emerged as the top goal scorer of the tournament.
Looking ahead, we are excited to transition into the rugby season starting Monday. Both Year 3 and Year 4 will participate in a rugby festival at Great Walstead this Thursday. Year 3 will play touch rugby, while Year 4 will engage in contact rugby, unless parents have opted out, please email agurran@holmewoodhouse.co.uk for more information.
