In the under 11 competition the players also had to kick the frost off the pitch and the cold and slippery conditions made for some interesting games.

In the first game it was probably the frost which helped squeeze a shot by Lewis Rinaldi through the keeper’s hands to give Forest an early lead in their game against Strikers. After that it was honours even as both teams were very strong on the ball; Patrick Fitzgerald was everywhere for Strikers while Sarah Cudmore played at the back and had a brilliant defensive game. Mason Norton was also in the middle of the action, while for Forest Nick Fleming returned to play a part and Nathan Maddison and Kristy Clark, playing her defensive position well, were also outstanding.

Saints and Rangers could not find the goal, but competed really well in an even game. Hannah Walter, Teagan Noonan and Eruwera Lancaster all had plenty of the ball while Emily Kayes return to the Saints defence was a bonus. Rangers’ runner was Tom Roughead, while Chelsea Carter and Isaac Roberts defended stoutly and ensured that there were no goals to separate the teams. In the end the spectators were happy with the result and agreed that both sides had given everything.

Gunners were too strong for Wolves in the second half to run out 4-1 winners. Initially Andreas Doslea started the game with a fine goal and then added a second which was a little more fortunate, but Wolves struck back with a strong run from Will Collicoat who finished well. The second half was even until the last 3 minutes when Mitchell Bench scored a neat goal followed by a rocket from Kade Bench. Tyler Neill played well for Wolves and Matt Davies had his best game working really hard all over the ground. Connor Sweeney and Daniel LeTisser showed that Gunners has a strong squad and will push many teams in the second half of the year.

The best game of the round was a 2-2 draw between Celtic and Spurs. Conor O’Shea opened the scoring for Spurs with his ability to shoot on sight as Spurs dominated the first period but Jackson Solomano evened the scores with a terrific goal. In the second, Brandon Petersen returning to the team, made a strong run and scored, but Celtic were not to be denied and Amy Kelly finished a great move with her first goal. Jonah Healey played an outstanding game for Celtic, setting up both goals, while Brandon Solomano was a tower of strength in defence. Spurs’ Melody Pollock was very creative and Tyson Beamish was also very prominent.

City started the game a little undermanned but still proved too strong for a smaller United side to win 2-0 with both goals from Coby Perry. He was the outstanding player, starting in defence but surging forward with the ball, he well supported by Kellan Maffescioni and Ashleigh Forrester. In fact, City seemed to revel in the extra space they found with fewer players. United’s small squad acquitted themselves well with Dylin Leist doing everything his coach asked of him breaking up many attacks. Mitchell Carrod put

his head down and followed the ball while Jayden Hartwell again impressed running himself into the ground to support his teammates. Captain Kodi Healey had his best game of the year and appears to be a talented recruit for United.