Binfield Junior Tournament

Date: Sun 11th May 2008. 

Venue : Stubbs Lane.

Conditions :  Hot. Sunny. Pitch firm.

Binfield Players : Adriano, Billy, Brandon, Jamie, Josh, Louie, Michael,  Seb, Steven.

In past tournaments the Torpedoes have played brilliantly only to stutter in the closing stages to end up with nothing to show for all their efforts. Playing some great attacking and entertaining football over the last two years, but no silverware in the trophy cabinet...... too often the bridesmaid, never the bride. The day of the first ever Binfield Tournament was the day the boys finally and emotionally ended their barren spell.

The group stages were full of wonderful football. The first game was a close affair separated by the narrowest of margins, a penalty coolly slotted home by Steven. The win was exactly the confidence boost the Torpedoes needed and they continued in the same attacking style over the next three games. Major highlights being Jamie's fantastic save against Holyport to stop the Torpedoes going a goal behind, and Adriano's defensive header that set up Billy and Josh to create the best team goal of the day, scored by Steven, who was fast turning into the goal machine that we always knew he was.

The boys seemed very relaxed as they produced a quarter final win over Camberley,  then it was crunch time, a semi final meeting with the current under 10 league champions and undoubtedly the best team in the East Berks League.... Ascot Royals. With the Torpedoes supporters fearing another gallant exit and already preparing their speeches of consolation the boys produced their best ever tournament performance, scoring two great goals and defending as thought their lives depended on it, epitomised by Brandon's fantastic touchline tackle that made the whole team believe they could do it. Josh and Billy were brilliant in midfield and both played with a coolness that was unexpected in the furnace of a semi final situation.  The whistle went, the boys were through to their first ever final where they were to come face to face with their village rivals and nemesis - the Binfield Arrows.

The boys success in the final was not just due to another great solo goal from Steven. Throughout the whole tournament the team had only conceded one goal, the defensive performances of  Michael, Louie, Seb and Adriano were the platform the attacking players needed to create the goals and all four should take great pride in their displays, especially in the final where all were magnificent in repelling the Arrows' attacks. When the whistle went to end a remarkable day the boys justifiably celebrated their victory. Mums, and a few Dads were close to tears, such is the roller coaster of a ride as a Torpedoes' supporter.

Special mention must go to Steven, scoring seven goals was just the icing on the cake for one of the best footballing displays in a tournament. Finally, the management tactics, substitutions and team selections were also a major contribution to a successful day and both Steve and Trevor deserve this victory as much as the boys.

Binfield Torpedoes 1 - 0 Bracknell Town Pumas.

Binfield Torpedoes 2 - 0 Ascot United Aces.

Binfield Torpedoes 2 - 1 FC Holyport.

Binfield Torpedoes 0 - 0 California.

Quarter Final :-  Binfield Torpedoes 2 - 0 Camberley Town Youth.

Semi Final :-      Binfield Torpedoes 2 - 0 Ascot United Royals.

Final :-              Binfield Torpedoes 1 - 0 Binfield Arrows.