Chailey out-fox foes in TV clash

CHAILEY School are the toast of Sussex after they clinched the South East Fox Kids U12 six-a-side regional title last Wednesday at Slough. Chailey now play in the national finals at the JJB Soccer Dome in Manchester on Sunday March 30 and then, if successful, the world finals in Holland in June.

The fast attacking football proved popular and the school fully deserved their title as they were also the top scorers in the tournament and conceded the least goals.

Sussex football is in good shape and the school now look forward to taking on the other nine regional winners in Manchester. As the tournament is sponsored by a major TV channel (Fox Kids) the boys will have the opportunity to progress to the world finals in Holland.

In the opening group game Chailey's passing and movement was excellent as they overcame Chiswick 6-0 thanks to four goals from Steven Brinkhurst and two from Josh Hawkes.

The next game proved their toughest encounter against Bitterne Park (Southampton) who took an early lead before James Barnes levelled as the game finished all square at 1-1.Goalkeeper Shane Turner played well in a tight game and there were impressive displays in defence from Fred Stanley and Matt Tovey.

The last group game resulted in a 4-0 win against the previously unbeaten Southfields thanks to a hat trick from Brinkhurst and a well taken effort from Ryan Garnham.

Chailey then progressed through their next game and met Southfields again in the quarter final, winning 3-0 with two goals from Brinkhurst and a further strike from Hawkes.

The semi final saw Chailey overcome the unbeaten team from Charles Dickens School with a well deserved 2-1 win with goals from Brinkhurst and Hawkes.

The boys were once again matched with Bitterne Park in the final, and Chailey scored midway through the first half thanks to Brinkhurst and then defended in depth to win 1-0. Hawkes missed a good chance in the second half and, despite late pressure, Chailey held on to win with good defensive displays from Fred Stanley, Tovey, Turner and Garnham.

Coach Danny Simmonds was pleased with the performance of the boys who had far exceeded his expectations and they now look forward to enjoying the finals in Manchester.