Young Lionesses on Fire! Hamstel Roar to Second Place

 After weeks of enthusiastic training and giving up their precious lunchtimes to practise, Team Hamstel were thrilled to take part in the KS1 Girls’ Football Tournament held at Len Forge Centre involving schools from across Southend-on-Sea. Eight talented teams from across the area gathered for a fantastic morning of football and Team Hamstel were determined to give their very best.

The team’s first match was against Greenways and Hamstel made a superb start. Strong tackling and excellent teamwork kept the opposition at bay, while Safiye produced a brilliant performance in goal, confidently stopping every shot that came her way to keep a well-deserved clean sheet. A quick breakaway attack saw Summer calmly finish to score the winning goal, giving Hamstel a fantastic 1–0 victory to start the tournament.

There was barely time to catch their breath before the team were back on the pitch to face Our Lady of Lourdes. This time Ruby E took her turn between the sticks and continued the team’s outstanding goalkeeping displays. Safiye fired Hamstel into the lead with a well-taken goal but Our Lady of Lourdes responded with a strong shot to equalise. Refusing to give up, Hamstel worked tirelessly together and their determination paid off when Hollie scored a superb winning goal, sealing a 2–1 victory and keeping the team unbeaten.

Once again the team went straight into their next match, this time against Chalkwell. Hamstel were rock solid at the back, with Ruby A stepping up in goal and excellent defending from Gracie and Layla. Despite several promising attacks, the team just couldn’t find the finishing touch, and the match ended in a hard-fought 0–0 draw.

Next came a quick pitch swap to face Fairways. Building on their exceptionally strong defence, Hamstel gave Fairways very few chances. At the other end of the pitch, Summer delivered some clinical finishing, scoring an incredible four goals to lead the team to a commanding 4–0 win.

Confidence was high as Hamstel took on St George’s in the next game. Once again Summer was unstoppable, adding two more excellent goals to both her personal tally and the team’s growing total. Joanie worked tirelessly in midfield, breaking up play and helping drive the ball forward for the team in a fantastic all-round performance.

Still unbeaten, Hamstel then faced a tough challenge against West Leigh. The match was incredibly close and fiercely contested. Hamstel created several chances but an outstanding goalkeeping performance from the West Leigh goalkeeper, who later received the Player of the Tournament award, kept their shots out. A quick West Leigh counter-attack and a well-taken finish unfortunately handed Hamstel their first defeat, 1–0.

In their final match against Thorpe Hall, Hamstel were determined to finish strongly. Their defence was once again in magnificent form, refusing to give the opposition any opportunities. At the other end, Summer struck twice more to secure a confident 2–0 victory.

With all matches complete, the teams gathered to hear the final standings. As the results were announced, Hamstel waited eagerly to discover where they had finished. To huge cheers and excited applause, it was revealed that Team Hamstel had finished in a fantastic second place overall!

Every player played an important role in this wonderful achievement. Their teamwork, determination and positive spirit were clear to see throughout the tournament.

A huge well done to Ruby A, Ruby E, Gracie, Safiye, Summer, Joanie, Layla and Hollie, who represented the team brilliantly. Thank you as well to all the parents and supporters who came along to cheer the team on throughout the day.

Team Hamstel should be incredibly proud of their brilliant performances and well-deserved silver medals!