Senior Boy’s Football
The 1st XI produced a superb display, building on their recent training focus of moving the ball quickly and finding space. Ralph M opened the scoring with a stunning strike into the top corner, and after half time Digby pulled off a crucial save to keep Holmewood ahead. From there, the boys took control, adding a second goal before pushing on to dominate the rest of the match. Ralph went on to complete a brilliant hat-trick, with Tom W and Henry M also getting on the scoresheet in a convincing win.
The 2nd XI, fielding an all-Year 8 side with the Year 7s away on camp, adapted brilliantly to a full 11-a-side game. After dominating possession in the first half, Uddin fired the team ahead before St Michael’s equalised just before the break. The boys continued to press in the second half, and Uddin’s two further goals secured both his hat-trick and a thoroughly deserved 3–1 victory.
The 3rd XI played out a thrilling 0–0 draw in challenging conditions. Both teams created plenty of chances, and the game could easily have finished 4–4, but Holmewood’s defence stood strong with Charlie and Zachary making vital saves and clearances on the line. It was a spirited performance, and the boys can be proud of their application and teamwork throughout.
U11 Boy’s football
It was an action-packed afternoon for our U11 footballers travelling to St Michael’s. All four teams showed grit and determination and battled hard throughout the afternoon.
The U11A match was a thrilling contest that swung back and forth. After taking an early lead, Holmewood lost momentum and fell 2–1 behind, before regrouping and drawing level with some excellent team play. When the boys moved the ball quickly, they looked very dangerous, but consistency and patience will be key to their continued development. In the end, St Michael’s edged the game through their hard work off the ball, but our A team showed plenty of potential for the season ahead.
The U11B side produced a strong performance in a tightly fought match. After going 1–0 down, the boys showed resilience and continued to press, with George Craze linking up well with William Brooksbank on the right wing. Their persistence was rewarded when William’s corner found its way into the net for a deserved equaliser, ensuring a 1–1 draw.
The U11C fixture was another end-to-end encounter. Despite conceding in the first half after an unlucky rebound, Holmewood dominated possession and created numerous chances. St Michael’s looked dangerous on the counter, but Noah eventually powered through to score a well-earned equaliser in an entertaining game.
Finally, the U11D team put in a superb display, controlling their match from start to finish and running out convincing 5–0 winners. Their attacking play was clinical, and their defensive organisation ensured a clean sheet — an excellent team performance.
U10 Boy’s Football
The U10A team hosted St Michael’s for their first regular fixture of the season. Playing a year up, the boys showed great energy in attack, forcing the opposition goalkeeper into several saves from long-range efforts. Defensively, they were tested as St Michael’s moved the ball well and scored just before half-time. After a few adjustments at the break, Holmewood looked much more solid and battled superbly in difficult conditions. Their hard work paid off when Tommy C finished neatly to level the scores, and although St Michael’s had a late chance to steal the win, the game ended 1–1 — a fair result and a promising start to the season.
The U10C team, combining with the D squad, also began their campaign in fine style. In wet conditions, they started brightly with Oliver W finishing well from a superb cross. With Theo and Max standing firm in defence, St Michael’s struggled to create chances. After half-time, the visitors found a way through to equalise, setting up a tense finale. In the closing moments, Holmewood strung together a flowing move involving Mansfield, Wright, and Rosemont, which ended with a dramatic last-minute winner. Oliver W was voted Players’ Player, while Freddy R was named MVP — a fitting reward for a fantastic all-round team effort.
Both matches were played in great spirit and showed the boys’ determination, teamwork, and potential for the season ahead.
U9s
U9 Football Tournament at Hawthorns
The U9s travelled to Hawthorns last Friday and produced a series of spirited performances to come away with bronze medals in the Cup competition.
They began with a dramatic opening match against Milbourne, which went to penalties after a tight contest. The boys held their nerve superbly, winning 3–2 in the shootout to book their place in the Cup tournament.
Next came a tough test against an exceptionally strong Danes Hill side. Despite their best efforts, Holmewood slipped to a 2–0 defeat but took plenty of credit for their determination and attitude.
The following two games both ended in draws. Against New Beacon, Holmewood dominated possession and went 1–0 up, only to be pegged back by a through-ball after a moment of indecision at the back, finishing 1–1. They then matched Hoe Bridge in another competitive contest that ended goalless.
A narrow defeat followed against Bickley Park, with an unlucky own goal proving the difference between the sides. However, Holmewood finished strongly with a deserved win over Downsend in their final game, showing great character to end the tournament on a high.
With two wins and two draws from a tough set of fixtures, the U9s were rewarded with bronze medals — a brilliant achievement. The boys should be proud of their resilience, teamwork, and progress throughout the tournament.
U9 Boy’s Triangular – Saint Ronan’s and Rose Hill
All of the Year 4 boys travelled to play in a football triangular against St Ronan’s and Rose Hill. It was a fantastic afternoon with plenty of match play, giving every pupil the chance to develop their skills in a competitive yet enjoyable setting.
The improvement across the groups was clear to see, and the boys should be proud of their progress. Well done to all involved — a great start to the term and plenty of encouragement to keep working hard at their football!
U8 Boy’s Triangular – Saint Ronan’s and Rose Hill
The U8 boys hosted a football triangular against St Ronan’s and Rose Hill, enjoying a brilliant afternoon of matches on home soil. With plenty of game time for everyone, the boys had the chance to put their skills into practice in a fun but competitive environment.
There was lots of improvement on show across the groups, with the boys growing in confidence as the afternoon went on. Well done to all involved — a great start to the season and a positive platform to build on in their football.
