5-Star Performance

The Imberhorne Playa Cup again served up 5-aside Football at its best, with all competing teams showing a real desire to show their silky skills for their school. 12 of the 13 Primaries in the East Grinstead area were represented in this mixed Year 5 Tournament with 2 teams providing 'B' teams to make it a really competitive festival of football.

The 14 teams were split into 2 leagues, which meant that each team played 6 games of quick-fire 6 minute matches. Not surprisingly, stamina was going to play an important role in who was going to win through to the knock-out stages.

After the league phase had been completed the semi finalists were confirmed as Copthorne (who won League 1), Halsford Park, Estcots and St. Mary's (who won League 2).

In the first semi-final a close encounter was won 2-0 by St. Mary's against a strong Estcots side. The same score-line was recorded by Copthorne in the second semi-final who overcame the challenge of defending champions Halsford Park.

The final proved to be a cracking match, full of individual skill, good team play and determination. Both sides looked strong and created a number of chances, with both goalkeepers producing great saves. The deadlock was finally broken just before half-time with a well-worked goal by St. Mary's. This seemed to give them a real confidence boost and they came out for the second half and played some brilliant attacking football. By the end of the game, super striker, Matt Turner, had helped himself to a hat-trick and helped St. Mary's to a 4-0 victory. Copthorne did themselves and their school proud and played their part in what was a very exciting final.

Winning team: St. Mary's