Dene Grab Title at Death!

As the sun shone brightly at Yardley 5's on Tuesday afternoon, the Year 5 tournament went down to the wire with both holders, Short Heath and league leaders, Mapledene, both in with a chance of winning the trophy. And, in a crazy final game in which six goals were shared between Mapledene and SS Peter and Paul, Mapledene secured the point that meant they would be Year 5 champs this season.

Eight schools rolled up on a glorious, if a little breezy, afternoon all with high hopes of a trophy win. Mapledene lay down an early marker with a 4-1 win over Timberley whilst defending champs, Short Heath saw off SS Peter and Paul, 2-0. T
The second round of matches saw Mapledene play Short Heath in what turned out to be a decisive fixture. Heath raced into a 2-0 lead but 'dene suddenly clicked into gear to snatch a dramatic and ultimately telling, 3-2 win.

Abbey and Lea Forest were both keeping pace but Mapledene's round three win over the latter set them back whilst the former saw off Paget, 3-0.

The 'dene, Short Heath and Abbey all won in round four before, in round five, Mapledene secured another crucial three points downing Abbey, 2-0. Short Heath kept their hopes alive defeating St Bernadette's 4-0. SSPP were also beginning to get up a head of steam as they defeated Lea Forest, 2-0.

The penultimate round then saw Mapledene go to within a point of the trophy with a 4-1 win over St Bernadette's; Short Heath however, ensured it would go down to the final round of games as they eased passed Paget, 3-0.

And so to the final round of games with the scenario that a point would mean Mapledene were champs but if they were to lose and Short Heath win, Heath would take the crown due to a slightly superior goal difference. Heath did their part beating Abbey 3-1 but that mayhemic 3-3 draw with SSPP was enough for Mapledene to take the trophy to Cranes Park for the first time.

Full credit to all of the teams and children who, once again, represented their schools with pride, passion and enthusiasm and made the tournament such an enjoyable and entertaining one.