Sunday 4th April – Lipson – U13 Regional Tournament

The two U13 teams from the Southern Region met at Lipson on Sunday for the “local derby”. Team 1, Herne Bay United, have been dominating the SECRHA Minors this season, but went into this game fully expecting difficult opponents. Team 2 was based around a core of Farnham player, who stepped in when SAT’s exams decimated the Plymouth team that was originally the core of the side.

From the start, this was a game played flat out, with both teams giving it everything. By half time, the teams were absolutely even at 3 goals each. As one of the referees of this game, I will say that I could not believe how quickly the first half passed. It was one of those games that was simply absorbing to watch, and a pleasure to referee.

Obviously something of significance was said to the HBU team at half time, because within 5 minutes of the restart they were 3 goals up, leaving the opposition playing catch up. As the half progressed, the team skills of HBU showed more and more, eventually running out winners by 10 goals to three.

Congratulations to both teams for some superb and highly entertaining play, worthy of a regional tournament.