HUNDREDS of South London pupils had the chance to show off their footie skills at an annual sports fest involving Lambeth and Southwark schools. Dulwich Sports Ground played host to Lambeth and Southwark Primary Schools Football tournament. More than 200 boys and girls took part in the 7-a-side competition for three trophies.The tournament is now in its nineteenth year.
Brixton’s Hill Mead School enjoyed success with a thrilling derby victory over local rivals Sudbourne Primary. They defeated Sudbourne on penalties after their match finished 1-1 after extra time. The Brixton Hill-based school took an early lead through Ryan Daley before Hill Mead pegged them back late in the game, with a goal from Israel Kabengle.
In an enthralling penalty shoot out Hill Mead scored all four of their goals from the spot, while Sudbourne scored two. Hill Mead were rewarded with The Newcomen and Collett Shield, their first trophy win since entering the ‘A’ Division and seven-a-side tournament four seasons ago. “Our team have had a great season”, said Hill Mead Coach Ishola Elusade. “We finished as runners up in the ‘B’ Division of the League and now we have taken the 7-a side shield from Sudbourne who were the holders from last season.”
Top prize for the tournament’s most successful team was The Walcot Foundation’s Walcot Cup, an honour that went to Peckham Park School. They overcame Rosendale Primary pupils with goals from Yacou Traore and Millwall junior player Tyrese Bailey. A solitary goal from Dexter Lembikisa helped Rosendale Primary get onto the score sheet. However the West Dulwich-based school were unable to increase their tally and were beaten 2-1 by their Peckham-based rivals.
Prior to the tournament Peckham Park were unbeaten in the season long primary schools football league. They finished second to Rosendale in the recently completed A Division Championship. Peckham Park coach Daniel Hamilton praised his players’ efforts. “My team overcame a very strong Rosendale side”, said Hamilton. “I’m also extremely proud the team won the League Fair Play award for the A Division, averaging 9.6 out of 10 over the season from marks awarded after every game by their referees.”
The St Olave’s and St Saviour’s Plate went to Clapham-based primary school St Mary’s, who beat a spirited Immanuel & St Andrew team 4-0 in their clash. St Mary’s goals included a brace from Niccolo Robertson and goals from Michael Curtis and Pepe Manez.
