THE rearranged large schools football tournament took place at Bickleigh Down Church of England Primary School.
This tournament highlights how thrilling youth football is in this area, with two schools having no problem in fielding an A and B side.
Bickleigh Down are currently the holding county champions at their age group and possess a squad full of talented youngsters. The team played with fluent passing football and showed tactics and positioning of a more advanced football team. It was simply a pleasure to watch.
Bickleigh are national finalists and were split into two teams to make the competition fair.
In the group stages it was obvious to see the two Bickleigh teams were strong; however, they did receive a big challenge from St Peter's School, Tavistock.
The game produced an excellent quality of football, with lots of chances and some fantastic saves by both keepers. However, St Peter's came out victorious with a last ditch winner scored by Barney Tossell, who latched on to a loose ball on the edge of the area and smashed it past the Bickleigh keeper.
In the games that followed, Bickleigh came back to form playing good football and winning. Both Bickleigh teams clashed in the first group stages. Whitchurch Primary were in the same group, and also had a team full of good players, one that stood out was a skilful Reece Watters. Whitchurch were a well organised team that simply played basic football.
St Andrew's of Buckland Monachorum also fielded a squad of nne players, who all showed their love for the game. George Hilson and Brady Workman both seemed very comfortable on the ball
Tavistock Primary had a strong team that worked hard throughout, but were placed in a relatively hard opening group with Bickleigh A, Bickleigh B and St Peter's. However they stood their ground and battled hard and played well as a team.
All in all, every team involved seemed to enjoy the event and the standard of football shown was fantastic to see. It was a pleasure to see every player, playing with a smile on their face. As well as witnessing some great play and fantastic goals.
Bickleigh Down A ended up winning the premiership group, with their B team coming close in second on goal difference.
St Peter's won the championship group with Tavistock Primary runners up.