Another Saturday morning! This time it brought with it  the Cannock Year 3/4 Football Tounrament, as usual to be held at Gorsemoor Primary, Cannock.

The weather was cold. Very cold, but fortunately not wet! The team was keen, having played well in training during the week, and all were  on time for our 8.30am rendezvous at school, before setting off to Cannock.

Parking places were scarce with 18 teams, and their supporters, all converging on the one school. The pitches were small, but appropriate to the year group. Three leagues of six would play each other, with the top team from each going on to a round robin final stage.

First up for us was our local rivals, St. Joseph's. Again the only other Rugeley school, in this predominately Cannock tournament. A close affair with solid tackles and an over the bar shot from Matthew Cooper ( year 2 ) made for an exciting, but goaless draw.

All the other teams seemed much larger physically than Churchfield, presuming them to be mostly year 4's, unlike our mix of 3,4 and a year 2 players. Still not not to be out done they next tackled the host school, Gorsemoor, who had looked very good in their first game. Victory ultimately went to them, with a convincing performance.

The team started to look cold despite warm up sessions by Mr Cooper, and although battled well in the remaining three games, failed to convert any of their chances into goals, seemingly lacking the power of their opponents.

However, the team showed an enthusiasm and willingness not to give up, despite the conditions, and demonstrated that they have promise for the future, when they gain a little bit more composure and shooting strength to attack the goal.

We all eventually left at about 12.30 with mixed feelings but positive thoughts for the future.

Thanks to all the parents and supporters who came along, and who, if anything like me, probably took the rest of the day to thaw out.

Squad

Matthew Sage, Megan Sage, Ben Crossley, Liam Cook, Patrick Hawkins, Rhaheim Uddin and Matthew Cooper.