Greneway School U13 4 Priory School 3 GRENEWAY became the first Royston School to win the North Herts Schools Championships for 15 years. Both teams came into the game with unbeaten records and impressive results in the previous rounds. It was Greneway w

Greneway School U13 4 Priory School 3

GRENEWAY became the first Royston School to win the North Herts Schools' Championships for 15 years.

Both teams came into the game with unbeaten records and impressive results in the previous rounds.

It was Greneway who were initially on the back foot, but with captain Liam Purkiss at sweeper they looked well organised and strong at the back.

Once the nerves had started to pass Greneway were looking the more likely to score with some sharp counter attacking football.

They were eventually able to transfer this pressure into the first goal of the game after the keeper had only managed to parry a well struck shot and it was left for Ellis King to react first and side foot into an empty net.

Greneway added a second shortly after with Kieran Willis-Wright pouncing on a bouncing ball in the box to finish competently to put Greneway in a strong position.

Priory's players kept their heads up and created some chances of their own and managed to find the net after some initial brave goalkeeping from Conor Long.

Priory were now high in confidence and were able to draw the game level with a well-struck shot from the edge of the area.

It was Priory who carried on where they left off and took the lead with a powerful header from a well-delivered corner.

This would now be a real test of Greneway's spirit. They responded positively managing to turn the Priory defence on a number of occasions and it was Ryan Bowels who managed to find the net after some neat football between Matt Brennan and Ashley Chapman in the centre of midfield.

With the game close and the weather making conditions very tough Greneway were able to call on some quality substitutes in Jacob Leighton, Jamie Seabrook, Sam Cooper, Kyle Pearman and Max McClean who contributed well to the team.

With the scores level and only 10 minutes remaining both teams knew that the next goal was going to be crucial.

It was Greneway who managed to regain their lead with Brennan being in the right place at the right time to finish neatly into the bottom corner after some good link up play between Harry Stafford and Jacob Leighton.

Greneway rocked Priory with another quick fire goal at the back post from Bowels who had met King's looping cross.

It looked beyond Priory now but they set the game up for a grand slam finish when they struck a fine volley from the edge of the box, which found its way in off a post.

For the remaining five minutes Greneway had to defend well with some saving last-ditch tackles from Michael Vieria-Roodenburg and William Silverosa.

The final whistle was blown and Greneway were able to celebrate a very hard fought victory meaning that they could be crowned champions of North Herts for the first time and after four previous final appearances at this level.

Greneway: C. Long, M. Vieria-Roodenburg, L. Purkiss,, W. Silverosa, H. Stafford, M. Brennan, A. Chapman, E. King, R. Bowels, K. Wills-Wright, M. McClean, K. Pearman, J. Seabrook, J. Leighton, J. Hall, S. Cooper.

- Roysia School hosted Greneway in two very entertaining Year 6 football matches last week.

In very sunny and warm weather conditions both teams played skilful, committed and sporting football.

Both games showed schools' football at its best with incisive, one-touch passing and moving creating many good scoring chances, resulting in many quality goals being scored.

Many of the North Herts schools' representative squad, managed by Roysia's Mr Davenport were on show, demonstrating the abundance of talent in Royston's schools.

Their higher level skills and understanding were clear to see and fully appreciated by the large crowd.

It is clear that both schools have much to be proud of in terms of their players' abilities, team play and application of fair play.

There were hardly any stoppages, no dissent and exemplary behaviour - a superb advert and lesson for the adults in how the game should be played - with a smile and with enjoyment.

The league match was won by Greneway 3-0 with goals from Joe Reddan, Guy Curtis and Anthony Lane.

Roysia fought well in the match and deserved more for their efforts. The friendly game was also won by Greneway, this time 5-1, with four goals from Eleanor Bishop and a superb solo dribble rounding the goalkeeper by Rob Brumby.

Once again the hosts deserved to get more from the game. The team defensive play by both Greneway teams was a particularly impressive feature.

Greneway Reds: Max Cooper, Luke Bailey, Joe Walsh , Callum Turner, Athony Lane, Fergus Campbell, Joe Reddan, Guy Curtis

Greneway Blues: Kier Robinson, Amy Cooper, Luke Bunker, Megan Pinner, Rob Brumby, Megan Kabba, Eleanor Bishop, Lara Gibson