Soham – 8th May 2004

The U13 regional winners for 2003/2004 are Southern Counties 1, better known as Herne Bay United to most of us. With a win over Southern 2 under their belts, they began with a win over Eastern 1. Two games later, Northern 1 overcame Eastern 1, and it became clear the tournament winner would probably come from these two teams, Southern 1 or Northern 1.

The game between these two teams lived up to expectation. It was fast and furious with plenty of end-to-end play, and the one sending off of the day. Once Southern 1 had their noses in front they stayed ahead, sneaking the game 4-2.

Special mention must go to Southern 2, a team put together to allow better players from other clubs to take part in a national tournament. They lost every match, but fought to the bitter end. Sadly, several players offered the chance to play at national level declined to take part. It is worth singling out Mayflower(Plymouth) goalkeeper Dave Cudmore-Rae, who played an outstanding series of games, saving too many “certain” goals to count. It is difficult to understand why other players of a calibre good enough to play at this level should decline to do so.

Finally, congratulations to organizers ECRHA for a well run tournament.