By: Samuel Rowe
Framlingham College’s U18 Boys have joined the U16 Girls this weekend on being crowned East Indoor Champions and by doing so securing their place at the National Schools Indoor Finals after a successful day at the University of East Anglia.
After being crowned County Champions back in November, the boys faced fellow champions from Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Lincolnshire and Bedfordshire – with the top two sides qualifying.
In their opening game, the boys faced a familiar Bedford side, who proved a challenging affair having taken a 1-0 lead; but, Framlingham were eventually able to assert their authority on the game and record a 3-1 win and start the day with 3 points. A tough Stamford side awaited in their second match; however, the boys stepped up their levels and recorded an impressive 3-0 win.
Next up was The Perse who like Bedford, Framlingham had already played this season in a warm-up tournament. In a real cagey affair, where neither side allowed their opponent much opportunity – resulting in a 1-1 draw.
With two games remaining, all was still to play for and Essex champions Bancroft’s School were next. With pressure mounting, Framlingham being reduced to 5 players on two separate occasions; yet, they overcame these setbacks and ran out as 6-1 victors.
Other results in the tournament meant that a draw in Framlingham’s last game versus Bishop’s Stortford College would be enough to see them qualify. However, Bishop’s Stortford also had the possibility to qualify – so the stakes were high to say the least. Framlingham found themselves 0-1 down and then 1-2 down at half time, but an impressive second half performance from the whole squad saw Framlingham score 4 unanswered goals to end as 5-2 winners, finish the day as East Indoor Champions and qualify for the National Schools Indoor Finals in 2020.
This sees a second squad qualify for the National Finals and be crowned East Champions; which, for the U18 Boys will be held at Whitgift School, Croydon on the 10th & 11th January 2020.
