THE successful group of girls from Crompton House who fought their way to the final of the English Schools’ Cup earlier this year continued to fly the flag this month.
They were invited by the Schools’ Association Football International Board to be part of the Under 14’s British Isles Tournament played at the Lilleshall Centre of Sporting Excellence in Shropshire.
The House girls competed for the Rod Houston Cup together with their conquerors at The Hawthorns last May – current English champions Sheffield High School from Essex – Welsh champions Ysgol Glan Clwyd, and Republic of Ireland champions Carndonagh Community School from Donegal.
To be part of such a high-level competition was an honour for the girls who, with three games in three days, had their work cut out.
They opened their tournament against Carndonagh. In an excellent game the scoreline was 2-2 before the Irish secured a 4-2 victory.
On day two, Crompton House tackled the Welsh champions and went 1-0 down early on in the first half.
However, they drew level just before half time with Izzy Jones curling an excellent left footed shot into the top corner.
The second half saw some exciting end to end football. Just when it seemed the game would end up even, Cora Belle broke free and netted with 60 seconds left to clinch victory.
A rematch with Shenfield High on the last day was probably a day to early as the girls do not normally play 11-a-side.
After a spirited start and with Cora opening the scoring, the more experienced Shenfield managed their subs well with a stronger squad and ended up 3-1 winners.
Carndonagh finished worthy champions and the CHS girls finished third and had a great experience at a superb facility.