2/7/16 – Evans-Moore Plate

RODING PRIMARY SECURED victory in the Evans Moore Plate. The Hewett Road school saw of last year’s winner Rush Green to win their second title in four years.

Both teams had started off the day in Group A where goals were in short supply. Rush Green beat William Bellamy (2-1) in the only victory of the group stages which only saw just seven goals in the six games. Green followed up their victory with draws against Roding (2-2) and Five Elms (0-0) to finish top of the group. Roding drew both their remaining games 0-0 (with Five Elms and William Bellamy) to progress on goals scored, edging out Five Elms by the narrowest of margins.

Group B saw more goals as Dorothy Barley secured top spot. After being held to a 1-1 draw in their opening game against Ripple, Barley beat Monteagle (2-1) and Roding Cannington (1-0) to go through to the last four. They were joined by Ripple in the knockout stages after they beat Roding Cannington in their final game to finish as runners-up.The semi-finals saw two exciting games as the competition reached the business end. Rush Green saw off the challenge of Ripple in the first semi final; a narrow 1-0 win was enough to see them through to the final.

Roding Hewett and Barley then played out a thrilling draw with both sides having chances to win the game. However, penalties were needed after the teams remained level after extra time. Both sides had chances to win the shoot-out but Roding held their nerve to progress.

The final was played at a frantic pace but Roding edged in front early and never looked like relinquishing their lead. They added a second to cap an impressive performance as they secured the title once again.