House Match Football

A new format to this year's House Match Football provided a feast of football and an early opportunity for those who have just joined the house to shine in Week Two of the Michaelmas Term. With each house playing the other five boys' houses, with the top two houses qualifying for finals which will be held in the final week of term, there was a real buzz around the pitches on Monday and Tuesday afternoon.

The Senior team, captained by Matthew Jones, ultimately fell short of qualification for their final but there were some impressive performances from individuals such as new arrival Joe Mansfield, who commanded the midfield with calm authority.

The Reserves had a lot of fun and played some very entertaining football. Three draws and two narrow defeats, however, were not enough to secure their progression in the competition, unfortunately.

It was left to the Juniors, therefore, to lead the way. After an early shock, with a 2-0 defeat to New House, captain Joel Atkin galvanised a very talented squad and The Cross finished top of the group stage on goal difference, scoring a massive thirty-three goals and conceding only one in the remaining four fixtures. In spite of defeat for New House in their final game against plucky Priory, The Cross will have their chance to avenge that opening day defeat against the New House boys in December.

Win, lose or draw, however, it was great to see the boys in Red and Black play with such enthusiasm and commitment in what turned out to be a most enjoyable festival of football.