FOOTBALL REPORT: SJB V. ST PAUL’S

Match Report by Mr Gibbons (Head of English)

SJB v. St Paul’s on 2nd February 2022

The First XI boys continued their excellent form with an outstanding victory over St Paul’s.  This opponent is a historically very strong one and St Paul’s has hundreds more boys on roll than our school does. Nevertheless, all of our sides showed skill and commitment to achieve some very pleasing results.

The Firsts took a very early lead through captain Jack B. only for an uncharacteristic defensive error allowed St Paul’s to equalize. Luke B. reasserted St Johns’ lead with a high-quality piece of work that saw him create space for himself, leave suffering defenders in his wake and then finish with aplomb past a hapless custodian. The half-time team talk had contained one or two pointers about getting on the front foot in all parts of the team and now Joshua N. came to life to notch a second-half hat trick in quick time. When this boy delivers a hit from his thunderous right foot the ball stays hit! Once again, whilst some of the goals were spectacular, deeper satisfaction came from high-quality team play.

Ryan in goal continues to belie his modest stature with assured shot-stopping whilst In front of him Ivan and Jero have performed heroics at full-back, frequently turning defence into attack. Geronimo and Rufus the ‘Beaumont Baresi’ faced up and faced off some tough opponents who stretched the laws of the game to their limits. Daniel dominated proceedings once again with modesty and capability which is both becoming and hugely impressive in one so young. Bailey and Sean have worked tirelessly once more to gain and retain the possession that those in front of them have used to such telling effect. 

Man of the match, Luke, ran skillfully and tirelessly all game; delivering crosses, corners and passes which invariably find a teammate and open up the opposing defence. 

I would like to thank the many parents who have turned out to watch the boys at all of our games. The boys continue to weave their magic, underpinned by great team spirit and impressive resilience for boys so young. Please do come along to watch if you can. 

St Johns is showing strength across all teams this season.

This week’s fixtures versus the St Paul’s showed our strength in depth with victories achieved by the Firsts and Thirds whilst the Seconds and Sixths lost only narrowly. Special shout outs for Harry who scored a hat trick for the 6ths in a seven-goal thriller, Michalis who bulged the onion bag with a brace whilst Holly scored a magnificent OG as he practices and polishes his heading skills.