The Old Walcountians tournament was a welcome opportunity for the boys to cut their teeth on the 9 a-side rules and pitches. The team went to the tournament full of hope for the new season and eager to play on the bigger pitches.
In a six team league format there would be no room for errors. The games were six minutes each way meaning the first goal would be vital.
Brockham Badgers v Twickenham Sharks
The badgers had a long wait for their first game. And for a very brief spell Twickenham passed the ball around nicely and had The Badgers pinned back.
A breakaway on the left started by Lucas Woolley and ending with him striking a superb shot was The Badger's first real threat. It was the save of the day. It was great to see Lucas back in black-and-white stripes. His running, tackling and shooting were even better than the fans could remember.
This set the tone for the rest of the game as Brockham got closer and close to scoring but just couldn't quite get the goal.
Zain looked very composed at the back. He intercepted well and his passing was spot on. He looks ready to have a terrific season.
Henry Lucas was exemplary as ever, reading the angles like an Oxbridge Geometrist. Henry seemed two moves ahead of the opposition and was able to set up a lot of attacks by cutting out the through balls.
Despite many chances Brockham couldn't find the net. The team just ran out of time.
Full Time: Brockham Badgers 0 Twickenham Sharks 0
Brockham Badgers v Kingswood Falcons
Brockham started where they left off. They applied all the pressure in the game but the new offside rule began to bite.
Debutant Lucas Collins had a great start to his Brockham career. Reminiscent of Didier Deschamps, Lucas was the ultimate team player: covering any holes at the back; supporting the striker; making all the right decisions for the team. You could feel the team growing in confidence and Lucas had a big part to play in it.
Morgan held the right back position really well. The coaches' 4-3-1 seemed like an inspired formation and Morgan's strength and running was helping to make it work. He gave everything down the right flank and had the opposition pinned back.
Adam Bower slotted in at left back and put in a very disciplined performance. He kept his defensive duties and never stopped hassling the man he was marking. Adam also brought his left foot into play with some excellent crosses.
The Badgers were unlucky with an offside decision or two but once again they ran out of time despite dominating.
Full Time: Brockham Badgers 0 Kingswood Falcons 0
Brockham Badgers v AFC Old Walcountians
Brockham needed a bit of luck after controlling their first two games but now they'd be up against the hosts.
Josh Oram, another new signing, showed some great vision and awareness with his passing. Josh looked like a polished performer who looks likely to score lots of assists in the coming season. He started this game in fine form.
Alfie Carson was committed and full of running for his team mates. Strong and decisive in the challenge, Alfie looks like he'll be giving a lot of strikers sleepless nights this season.
The goal we needed eventually came. Adam Bower and Lucas Woolley were all over the opposition and when the ball finally broke for George Lees he made a tricky finish look easy. George had run his heart out and was using his strength really well. His keeping had been without a fault and his outfield play was skilful and effective.
Badgers might have had more but were happy to get their win.
Full-Time: Brockham Badgers 1 AFC Old Walcountians 0
Brockham Badgers V Oxshott Royals Colts
Oxshott needed a draw to win the tournament. They were the favourites going into the tournament and were always considered to be the team to beat.
While Oxshott started well it was only a matter of time before Jack Duncan, The Badger's Iron Man, ran them down. Jack was superb. Once he got a grip on the game he wouldn't let it go. Jack made sure that The badgers slowly took over.
Ezra Charles had been a whisker away with headers and shots in the previous games and was determined to score. With chances coming and going Ezra kept to the task. Nice close control saw him link with Lucas and Lucas again and again. Eventually it was great work by Lucas Woolley who crossed the ball for Ezra to come in at the back post and slot home.
It all looked to be going Borckham's way until the team were caught out looking for the second goal. Oxshott found themselves through on goal with Toby Evans with no chance of catching their striker…
But somehow he did catch him. Toby had a fine game and a great tournament. He saved the day with tackles. He played intelligently throughout. Always in the right place. A constant nuisance to the opposition's man on the ball. And always looking to pass and hold his position. And when the final whistle sounded the boys had a lot to thank him for.
Full-Time: Brockham Badgers 1 Oxshott Royals Colts 0
A little bit of maths later and Brockham were proclaimed the winners. It was a deserved victory for the players, who came together as a team, and the coaches, who got their tactics right every time.
First week of September and silverware already I the cabinet! Get in!
Match Report: Jason Charles
Squad: George Lees, Morgan Hamilton, Lucas Woolley, Jack Duncan, Henry Lucas, Zain Khan, Toby Evans, Josh Oram, Ezra Charles, Lucas Collins, Alfie Carson and Adam Bower
