REINDEER RUN- 19th December

REINDEER'S SPOTTED AT CHS

Today (Wednesday 19^th December) over 450 reindeer were spotted at CHS, as students and staff braved the December chill and rain and donned their antlers and flashing red noses to take part in a ‘reindeer run’, organised by Mr Cross and Mrs Salt, to raise money for Cheshire East Hospice. Before the reindeer set off the PE staff led a warm-up to Gangman Style. After the warm-up the  25 minutes and 12 seconds run/walk around the school grounds commenced while festive music was played to motivate the reindeer's who were shown the way by elves (year 12). The event was a huge success and will hopefully raise much needed funds for this important local charity. Thanks go to all of the PE Staff along with everybody who took part or were involved in the run.

Written by Adam Bailey

BASKETBALL- October and November

 

NEW STRIP INSPIRES CHS BASKETBALL TEAM

On Friday 30^th November CHS’ new basketball team wore their brand new, black and purple, kit with pride when they successfully defeated St Thomas More 38:25 in the national U16 basketball championships.

The game started slowly with very few points scored in the first quarter. However, by half time CHS had opened up a lead of 12 points thanks to some excellent shooting from Paddy McGovern and Alfie Stone. George Blinkhorn and Luke Richards played a key role in handling the ball and creating fast break opportunities. Mathew Finley, Matthew Jones, Owen Gough, Tom Spender, Ryan Merrill and Bibo Webb (from Year 10) made excellent contributions to secure a memorable victory.

Coach, Mr Hermitt said "The team played well together, working hard to defend and showing some flair on offence.”"
On Friday 12^th October, CHS captain Paddy McGovern gave a dominating performance against Kings School when he scored 29 out of CHS’ 38 points during a 38:21 win. Alfie Stone was the leading rebounder with11 points. Special mention goes to Matt Jones and Luke Richards who provided excellent defence.

RUGBY WEEK 3- 6th December

CHS BOUNCE BACK

 A combined year 7&8 team travelled to Nantwich to play in a round robin tournament on Thursday 6^th December. Despite the cold, they all performed admirably with some standout performances from Jonny Adderley, Jarrard Bradley, Sam Cosgrove and Lewis Bent.

The quality of the CHS passing was noted by the RFU coach Jules Gilding, and all credit to the boys especially to Finley Noakes and Thomasz McNulty as they endeavoured to play rugby the right way by using their teammates at every opportunity.

The first game didn't go to plan with Brine Lees running out clear winners, only pride could be salvaged by our CHS boys in their second game versus an equally inexperienced year 8/9 side from Malbank.

 Their second game was a very physical affair with some awesome tacking from both sides no more so than the display from Logan Clowes, Kyle Taylor (year 9) and the talisman Alfie Tarrant. Again the boys grew through the game and developed their play to bounce back from their earlier defeat with a 15-10 win.

Special mention to Troy Whitehurst, Elliott Darman, Ali Abid, Harry Johnson and Ethan Whitehurst as they were unable to travel due to the vast numbers of rugby talent on offer at CHS and the fact we only had 16 spaces on the minibus! But not to worry, they will all be involved next week in the final round-robin for year 7. I look forward to that one with an eager anticipation.

Written by Mr Cross

 

HOCKEY WEEK 4- 28th November

YEARS 7 AND 8 WIN COMFORTABLY WHILST YEAR 10 HOLD ON FOR WIN

On Wednesday 28^th November years 7, 8 and 10 took on St Thomas More. The year 10 were up first and Rebecca Barlow, who is actually in year 8, guided her shot into the back of the net from close range. However, CHS were extremely unlucky not to extend their lead on several occasions as the ball was either kept out by the woodwork or cleared off the line. Thomas More only threatened CHS’ defence a few times but nothing the CHS back line couldn’t handle. CHS also had to face some dubious decisions from the referee. A good win for CHS by a single goal.

Next up were the year 8’s. Having just finished the year 10 game Rebecca Barlow returned to the pitch with her usual teammates and it wasn’t long before her name was on the score sheet again when she advanced before putting it beyond the STM keeper into the back of the net. Barlow then added her second when she scored from close range after a chain of good saves from the STM keeper. It was soon 3-0 when Barlow completed her hatrick after calmly and cleverly skilling the STM defence before slotting it home. Somehow a shot trickled into the back of the net to make it 4-0 to CHS. Hollie Massey then added CHS’ fifth when Massey dribbled before shooting between the posts and beyond the goalkeeper. The match finished 6-0 after Chloe Forster scored. CHS totally dominated whilst STM struggled to get out of their own half and only managed it a few times but they didn’t enter CHS’ defensive third or have a shot at goal.

Year 7 also won thanks to goals from Charlotte Stanley, Lydia Eardley and Kiya with a brace. The game eventually finished 4-1.

Written by Adam Bailey

RUGBY WEEK 2- 22nd November

YEAR 10 BATTLE THROUGH THE RAIN

The year 10 boy’s rugby team played their first fixtures of the season against a well drilled side from Brine Lees and a novice side from Ruskin. It was no surprise that the first game vs Brine Lees was a low scoring game, with both teams dominating in different areas of the park, CHS showed excellence  when going forward with powerful running from Oscar Neeves and Robert Kirkwood but Brine Lees were showing greater skill in the ruck, as well as scoring the first try with some poor tackling from CHS. CHS came back strongly with their own score from Neeves, however the surge that promised came more from the rain rather than the scores. Brine Lees scored again through poor tackling, but this only spurred more of CHS’ boys to step up to the mark with some great lines and running from deep, Josh Kneeshaw going over for a well deserved equaliser. CHS started to dominate at this point but as the rain started to get more prominent, the game became a stalemate of handling errors and scrums.

 

So into the second game. A complete alter ego shown from CHS, from the kick-off, the boys dominated every area, only a couple of well timed tackles saved Ruskin from a greater score line. CHS went over for at least 9 trys the best coming from the wings. Notable praise deserved for all the team through the style of play; keeping the ball alive and making good decisions, but especially Kyle Johnson for selflessly offering to play for Brine Lees for the game. CHS came out overall winner by one try. Onward to Tuesday and getting down to training to build on the success of today.

Written by Adam Bailey and Mr Cross (AKA Stuart Lancaster)

 

RUGBY WEEK 1- 14th November

YEAR 7 START WITH A DRAW

 
The first rugby fixture took place this week which saw year 7 go up against Wellington. By the middle of the first half both teams had scored a try but not long after this saw Lewis Haliday touchdown for another try for CHS. It started from a tap and go penalty, the ball reached Haliday and he powered forward and touched the ball down to see CHS go into the half way stage winning 10-5. However, during the latter stages of the half CHS were put under pressure and struggled to break out of their half but when they did they looked threatening. At the begiining of the second half CHS moved 10 points clear when Tomasz McNulty successfully broke through the Wellington backs, after the ball was played to him from CHS’ scrum. Wellington soon pulled a try back when they found gaps in the CHS defensive line from a tap and go penalty. CHS didn’t learn from Wellington’s previous try as from another tap and go penalty they found gaps in the flat line and touched the ball down by the right touchline to draw level. A strong tackle from one of the CHS' backs prevented CHS from conceding another try, but 20 seconds later and after a few passes and a few short runs Wellington scored a try by the right touchline. From leading by 10 points CHS now found themselves behind.

Wellington’s lead didn’t last long as CHS were soon back on level terms when Tomasz McNulty ran the length of the pitch with the majority of Wellington’s players chasing his every footstep but they might as well have not tried as it always looked like McNulty would secure his second try of the match. The only thing he needed to work on was his celebration as it was the perfect time to perform Chris Ashton’s signature swan dive but other than that it was a move which any rugby player, professional or amateur would be proud of. Neither side could claim a decisive late winner and the match finished 20-20.

 

Written by Adam Bailey

HOCKEY WEEK 3- 8th November

YEAR 8 AND 10 WIN WHILST ONE A PIECE FOR YEAR 11

Years 8, 10 and 11 were all in action on Thursday 8^th November against Malbank. Up first were year 11 who had three year 10’s playing, Charlotte Ingle, Emily Hamand and goalkeeper Emma Ingle. The first half saw no goals with the best chance falling to CHS. It came from Ella Baskerville’s penalty corner which she passed too Nina Bennet, who advanced into the area before taking a shot which was deflected. CHS couldn’t get the ball through the Malbank defenders. Charlotte Ingle eventually got it through the defence with her shot but put it wide of the post by a few yards. Neither of the goalies had to make a save in the first half. However, minutes into the second half, saw what the first half was missing a goal but unfortunately it went to the away side. Malbank advanced into CHS’ half and the defence plus Emma Ingle, in goal, couldn’t keep it out. It wasn’t long until Chloe Turner drew the scores level. Nina Bennet’s deflected shot fell into the path of Turner who placed it between Malbank’s two defenders and keeper into the net. From this point on CHS put Malbank on the back foot especially in their defensive third. The match finished 1-1.

Next onto the pitch were year 10. Robyn Houston made the most of a mistake by Malbank’s goalkeeper slotting home from a couple of metres out. It was soon 2-0 when Louise Forster drilled a low shot into the bottom corner from around 10 metres out. Malbank then drew one back after a mistake from the CHS keeper but Emma Ingle made it 3-1 after she successfully found teh back of the net with her powerful shot. After the restart, Emma Ingle scored another after she swivelled and had her shot went beyond the Malbank keeper into the far corner. Malbank then pulled another back but the game finished 4-2 to CHS.

For the year 8’s Rebecca Barlow gave another solid performance and her brace and player of the match performance along with the assistance of Caitlin Green and Francesca Bibby secured a comfortable 4-0 win over Malbank.

Written by Adam Bailey

FOOTBALL WEEK 5- 31st October and 1st November

YEAR 7 SING“WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS” WHILST YEAR 10 ALSO WIN*

Congratulations to year 7 who have won CHS’ first silverware of the year after they beat Shavington and Alsager this week, to win the district champions after remaining unbeaten all season. Wednesday 31^st October saw year 7 head to Shavington. They returned knowing that a win the day after would see them winning the district champions thanks to goals from Finlay Jackson, Harry Gregg and Harry Pointon as well as a superb performance from Josh Brinley who received the man of the match award. So on Thursday 1^st November Mr De Souza’s team needed a win to secure the district champions title. If CHS wanted to lift the trophy they would have to come from behind to win after Josh Robertson, was slow to come off his line when Alsager broke through CHS’ back four before Alsager put it past Robertson into his net. Things were looking better when Josh Brinley took the responsibility of making it 1-1, after CHS strung together a few passes on the edge of the area. However, CHS went into the crucial half-time point leading after Logan Clowes was played through and put it beyond the Alsager keeper. On the other side of half-time Finlay Jackson was tripped inside the area and hit the deck that led to the referee blowing his whistle and pointing to the penalty spot. Mr De Souza gave Josh Brinley the nod, to step up and make it 3-1 but Brinley put the ball the wrong side of the post. Brinley then made up for his miss when he put the ball past the Alsager keeper for the second time. It was soon 4-1 when a great tackle from one of Alsager’s defenders, denied Harry Pointon a clear shot at goal, but the ball only went as far as Finlay Jackson, on the edge of the area who guided it into the top corner. The result meant that year 7 are the district champions and remain unbeaten this season. After the game Mr de Souza said “I want to praise the entire squad as all of them have contributed to our success.” The success of the year 7 has also made an impact on the number of students who go to training regularly, as usually a remarkable 45 year 7’s have been attending.  The PE department are expecting a lot more silverware come the end of the year.

Year 10 also won against Alsager on Thursday thanks to Adam McHale, Liam Evans and a brace from Sam Lynn.

*Other match reports to follow*

Written by Adam Bailey

 

FOOTBALL UPPER SCHOOL: AUTUMN HALF TERM September to October

FOOTBALL: AUTUMN HALF TERM

(SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER)

UPPER SCHOOL

The first half term at CHS has come to an end and here are all the results along with the manager’s thoughts on the upper school this half-term.

 

Year 10-

Won 10-1 v Eaton Bank
Won 4-1 v Reddish Vale (Cup)
Won 4-2 v Shavington
Lost 5-3 v All Hallows (Cup)

Manager Mr Baxendale’s thoughts on what has been a positive start in the league and positive performances in the cup. “Our passing, movement and application have been outstanding in all of our games this half-term. The boys have shown great composure on the ball, passed it quickly and kept the ball moving extremely fluidly and well. Special mention to Kieron Wilton, Lewis Dunn, Brian Barton and Liam Evans for being consistently excellent in every game they've played. There have also been some notable fantastic performances in games by Sam Lynn, Hallam Carslake, Max Berkeley, Adam Mchale and Danny Ihoya.”

So what do year 10 need to improve on next half-term? “Although we have scored many goals so far (14 in the first 2 games) we must be much more clinical in front of goal as we have wasted many easy chances in recent games. We have dominated possession and chances in every game, but have not ensured that we have closed out the game more comfortably. We have conceded quite a few soft goals due to a lack of concentration, silly individual mistakes and poor positioning caused by having too many players ahead of the ball, when we should be controlling the game. If we can erase these mistakes then I'm sure the boys will do brilliantly during the rest of the season.”

 Year 11-

Won 6-2 v Eaton Bank

Won 3-2 v Trinity (Cup)
Won 4-0 v Shavington
Lost 2-1 v Wolstanton (Cup)

Manager Mr Naylor says “The year 11 team have made a really positive start to the season. They have had a good run in the English Schools Cup and are undefeated in the South Cheshire League.”

“Special mentions should go to Joey Griffiths who is now living up to the potential he had shown as a younger student. Also a mention too captain Tom Hampton. Tom has lead by example throughout the season so far. He has been a rock in the centre of defence and has chipped in with some important goals.”

 Written by Adam Bailey

 

 

FOOTBALL LOWER SCHOOL: AUTUMN HALF TERM REVIEW- September to October

FOOTBALL: AUTUMN HALF TERM

(SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER)

LOWER SCHOOL

The first half term at CHS has come to an end and here are all the results along with the manager’s thoughts on the lower school this half-term.

Year 7-

Won 7-2 v Eaton Bank

Won 5-0 v Holmes Chapel

The newcomers at CHS have had a fantastic start to high school football. Here’s what manager Mr De Sousa had to say. “I have learned lots about the year 7 footballers so far this year, I am especially impressed by the number of dedicated students that turn up to training on a Thursday evening which has been consistently over 45 students and this is something I would like to continue.”

“In the competitive league fixtures the year 7’s have been successful. The first fixture was against our local rivals Eaton Bank, all the players involved gave a great account of themselves. Special mentions need to go out to Matt Needham who came off the bench to score 4 goals and also to Elliot Darmon who gave an impressive display on his debut gaining a man of the match accolade. The students’ games against Shavington and Alsager had to be postponed due to the year 7 trip to Kingswood. The final game before half term was against Holmes Chapel, another local rival. The match produced another fine display from the newly formed team, there was some great build up play from both the flanks and also through the centre of midfield where man of the match Finlay Jackson was very influential.”

“Over the rest of the year I will be moulding the team into a new formation and getting them to play to their strengths. If all goes well we will have a successful season and future here at Congleton High School!”

Year 8-

Won 3-0 v Eaton Bank

Lost 4-0 v Shavington

Lost 4-2 v Holmes Chapel

Manager’s Mr Franklin and Mr Cross’ thoughts on what has been a mixed start for year 8. Mr Franklin said “We started tremendously with a hard fought win over our rivals, Eaton Bank. The subsequent losses have taught Mr Cross and I as much about the team as the win did. There are clear strengths in the side - when focussed, they demonstrate excellent team spirit and their passing game is a pleasure to watch. If the team improves its speed - both in fitness, thought and passing this will lead to further victories.” Mr Cross added “We want to build and develop players so they are fitter/faster/stronger/more technical/improved systems and teamwork so then we are ready for a cup run in February!”

 Year 9-

Abandoned at 3-2 v Eaton Bank

Won 4-1 v Shavington

Won 3-2 v Holmes Chapel

Written by Adam Bailey

FOOTBALL WEEK 4- 15th and 18th October

 

THRILLER SEE’S UNLUCKY YEAR 10 KNOCKED OUT OF CUP AND YEAR 11 ALSO KNOCKED OUT IN TRECHUROUS CONDITIONS

On Monday 15^th year 10 were in action against All Hallows in the second round of the Cheshire cup. The first ten minutes saw both teams having chances to take the lead.  However in the 20^th minute All Hallows took the lead after Tom Wright’s work to keep the ball, ended with him clearing it only as far as an All Hallows player, who after a few passes were clear on goal.  The next five minutes saw All Hallows go three up. They doubled their lead when they strung a few passes together before putting the ball in the back of the net from 10-yards out. All Hallows then made it 3-0 when CHS were slow to track the All Hallows players, and then Lewis Dunn thought he had cleared the danger after he tackled in the box but it only went as far as an opposing player. Hallam Carslake couldn’t prevent it from going in after his touch. Liam Evans then gave CHS a glimmer of hope when he rolled it into the corner after some good work on the right by Max Berkeley and Kieran Wilton. This is the first time this season that the year 10’s have been behind at half time. It was soon 3-2 when Danny Iohya’s head was on the end of a 25 yard looping cross from Brian Barton on the left touchline. But moments later, it was 4-2 after Carslake’s challenge couldn’t get the ball off the All Hallows player, who took it around Carslake and the legs of Sam Spooner couldn’t stop it from rolling in. Brian Barton then brought All Hallows lead to just one after a goal you would see from the likes of Leoni Messi! Barton picked the ball up on the left before skipping past three defenders and firing the ball like a bullet into the top corner. 4-3 All Hallows. The fight back was short lived as It was soon 5-3 when All Hallows advanced, which meant that Carslake had to come out of his net to shorten the angle but was sent the wrong way. CHS then had chances which summed up their day- UNLUCKY! First chance was an indirect free kick which was rolled into Barton’s path whose powerful shot was lifted over the crossbar by a deflection. Next, after a few attempts were saved by legs, the post stood in the way of Lewis Dunn’s shot. After that, saw Adam McHale going one on one with the keeper but lifted the ball over the crossbar. 5-3 it finished which saw CHS bow out of the cup with their heads held high.

With the eventful night in Warsaw only a couple of nights before CHS’ year 11 made the trip south to Wolstanton on Thursday 18th in the English National Schools Cup. The year 11 faced similar conditions to those that saw the England game abandoned but both teams battled on despite the weather. The pitch was waterlogged and certain areas were difficult to play in right from the start which made it very difficult for the year 11’s to play, but the conditions didn’t dampen their spirit. Wolstanton started brightly but CHS defended well in the early stages, as well as creating a few chances for themselves.  Joey Griffiths was causing their left back lots of problems down the right wing. CHS then took the lead midway through the first half thanks to Paddy McGovern pouncing on a throughball. His first attempt was saved but McGovern reacted quickly and headed it into the back of the net, 1-0 CHS. Before that, CHS looked dangerous attacking wise with the pace of the first goalscorer, McGovern and Ollie Conroy. However CHS weren’t able to go into the crucial half time break with the lead when Wolstanton used a counter attack to bring the game back level.  They broke down the right and CHS’ back four and keeper didn’t react quickly enough to this attack and were left watching a neat finish hit the back of the net which saw their team lose the lead. 1-1 GAME ON! The second half was difficult for both teams as the constant rain of the first half had seen the pitch deteriorate into a quagmire. Wolstanton scored their second goal early in the half with a well worked corner. The ball being delivered to the front post and the centre forward making a well timed run across the face of goal to finish with a well placed header. CHS pushed hard in the final twenty minutes, with Mr Naylor deciding to increase his attacking options when he went with four strikers to try to force extra time, but some questionable officiating denied this opportunity to take advantage of some good chances around the edge of Wolstanton’s penalty area. The game ended 2-1 to Wolstanton which saw CHS’ year 11’s cup run come to an end.

Written by Adam Bailey and Mr Naylor

HOCKEY WEEK 2- 18th October

 

BARLOW SHINES THROUGH THE RAIN FOR YEAR 8 AND YEAR 7 ALSO WIN

On Thursday, despite the rain, Rebecca Barlow scored a double hatrick which helped thrash Holmes Chapel 9-0. Hollie Massey and a Katie Archer double also got onto the score sheet.

The year 7’s were also in action but didn’t quite manage to put nine goals past the Holmes Chapel keeper when they beat them 2-0.

Written by Adam Bailey

HOCKEY WEEK 1- 11th October

 

YEAR 11 SHOW THE YEAR 10’S HOW IT’S DONE

Year 10 and 11 played hockey on Thursday against Holmes Chapel. Up first was the year 11’s. Nina Bennet got CHS off to a good start when she placed her shot perfectly past the Holmes Chapel goalkeeper. It was soon 2-0 when Witney Plant took advantage of an organised short corner when she received the ball and finished the attack off. CHS went into half time 2-0 after truly dominating the first half, with CHS goalkeeper having nothing to do as with the defence (apart from sweeping up the odd loose ball). After the restart, Chloe Turner made it 3-0 when she reclaimed the ball after she had lost on the half way line before dribbling the ball the entire length of Holmes Chapel’s half. When Turner neared the arc, CHS’ first goal scorer, Bennet shouted “It’s yours, take a shot.” Turner took this advice and advanced before taking a shot which was kept out by the goalkeeper’s foot, but only as far as Turner who made sure she didn’t let the goalkeeper near her shot this time. 3-0 CHS. Jess Archer then added a fourth when she received a pass from the right. Archer then advanced a short distance before putting it into the net and made the goalkeeper pick the ball out of the net for the fourth time. She was definitely happy to score which reflected on her celebration! Nina Bennet received the player of the match with a great performance as well as getting on the score sheet. The fixture finished 4-0.

The question was could the year 10’s follow in the footsteps of the year above? In the early stages it looked like they couldn’t but it looked even more unlikely when Holmes Chapel scored the opening goal. The stretched body of Catherine Mulligan couldn’t stop Holmes Chapel from taking the lead. But, at half-time Mulligan and the rest of CHS’ defence said that they were convinced that the goal didn’t go in. But, it still stood and CHS were behind. CHS’ best chance of the game developed from a short corner, when Emma Ingle rifled her shot inches wide. With CHS trailing by a goal at half-time, the CHS coach, Mrs Henderson told her team “I WANT A GOAL”. It wasn’t long until Mrs Henderson saw this and saw her team draw level when Emma Ingle’s shot was deflected into Hannah Tatton’s path who made sure CHS drew level. Tatton’s celebration definitely showed how much it meant to her and her team. 1-1 GAME ON! However, former CHS player, Meagan Jackson, on her return, made it a day to remember for her but a day to learn from for CHS, when she scored.  It got worse for CHS when minutes later Homes Chapel added a third with only two minutes remaining which put the game out of CHS’ reach. The game finished 3-1. Millie Henderson received the player of the match award after her strong performance as sweeper. One thing’s for sure the year 10’s have got to hold their heads up high as there were positives from the game.

Written by Adam Bailey

 

FOOTBALL WEEK 3- 10th and 11th October

YEAR 7 AND 9 REMAIN UNBEATBLE WHILST YEAR 8 FACE ANOTHER DEAFEAT

The third week of fixtures took place this week against Holmes Chapel. Year 7,8 and 9 were all in action on Wednesday at CHS. Before the year 9’s kicked off their manager, Mr Donnelly, predicted a score of 5-1 to CHS which would see him and his team remain unbeaten this season. It looked like CHS were going to score more than five when AJ Eardley, scored an early goal for CHS after they dominated the first few minutes. Conner Docherty added a second when he scored directly from his corner. Was it meant to go in is another question. Reece Carbutt then scored a blinder from 25 yards out, when he guided the ball into the top right corner which left the goalkeeper diving. 3-0 CHS. Both teams had a few chances but CHS made theirs count, which saw them lead 3-0 at half time. Holmes Chapel then put one past Morgan Buckley after the ball was passed into the centre and then was pushed past him by a stretched leg. 3-1 CHS. Holmes Chapel then missed chances. However, Holmes Chapel then made sure they didn’t miss another chance when they made it 3-2 which put even more pressure on CHS. CHS saw out the game with Morgan Buckley having to make a few saves which saw the year 9’s stay unbeaten.

After a week off at Kingswood, the year 7’s were back in action on Wednesday. The first half saw Matt Needham get onto the score sheet as well as Josh Brinley who scored two which saw CHS go into half time leading comfortably. Logan Clowes and George Johnson then scored one each to complete the goal rout in the second half. 5-0 CHS.

The year 8’s have had a mixed start too the season with a win and a loss. But, were they going to make it two wins and one loss? Bradley Oliver received the man of the match after an outstanding display as well as getting on the score sheet when he scored a great goal. Jake Rowley then added a second when Ramtin Musah slotted through Rowley who finished the attack off. But two wasn’t enough as Holmes Chapel successfully put four past David Speed. The year 8’s have now won one and lost two but Mr Franklin and Mr Cross can take positives from the game as CHS had Holmes Chapel on the back foot in the second half.

Written by Adam Bailey

 

FOOTBALL WEEK 2- 2nd, 3rd and 4th October

YEAR 10 and 11 THROUGH IN CUP WHILST MIXED RESULTS IN OTHER YEARS

The first cup fixture took place this week at Congleton High School which saw the year 11’s face Trinity on Tuesday. Harry Gilfoyle scored the first, Tom Hampton made it 2-0 with his free kick and Joey Griffths scored CHS’ third.  Trinity nearly made it go to extra time but could only manage two goals. The match ended 3-2 which saw CHS’ year 11 through into the next round.

Our year 10 were also in cup action when they entertained Reddish Vale on Wednesday.  CHS won the toss and decided to change ends which put Vale’s goalkeeper facing into the sun in the first half. Within, a few minutes Adam McHale took advantage when he headed home, at the back post, from Danny Iohya’s cross from the right. Come next July, perhaps CHS’ second goal will be one of the contenders for goal of the season as Brian Barton ran the length of the field, when he claimed the ball inside his 18 yard box before he sprinted with the ball to Vale’s box where he coolly put it into the left corner to make it 2-0. But, CHS payed for not clearing a vale free kick when vale shortened the deficit to 2-1. George Hooper soon made it 3-1 when Danny Iohya progressed down the left side before he centred it too Hooper who finished the attack off. CHS goalkeeper, Hallam Carslake, made sure he defended CHS’ two goal lead when he tipped over a free kick. Which made sure CHS went into half time 3-1 up. Ten minutes into the second half and Hooper had his second of the game when Barton played him through which meant all he had to do was chip the ball over the goalkeeper. 4-1 CHS. Carslake again tipped a Vale shot over the crossbar which made sure CHS progress in the Cheshire Cup.

It wasn’t only a cup game on the pitches at CHS on Wednesday, as the year 8 and 9 were in action in the league against Shavington. The year 8’s were 2-0 behind at half time. But, luck was against them when Ben Oakley hit the crossbar with his shot, before it bounced on the line and returned back into the 18 yard box. Against the run of play, Shavington scored a third before adding a fourth when they lobbed CHS keeper, David Speed. The year 9’s also hosted Shavington which saw CHS win 4-1 with Morgan Bratt scoring twice as well Jack O’Gara and Josh Dempsey, with a header, getting on the score sheet.

On Thursday it saw our year 10 and year 11 travel to Shavington after they both reached the next round of the Cheshire Cup. Both teams took their confidence into their games as the year 11’s won 4-0 thanks to an Ollie Conroy hatrick and a goal from Joey Griffths. The year 10 also won comfortably, with Brian Barton and Danny Needham scoring before Adam McHale scored a brace. Shavington scored two consolations but nothing more. The game ended 4-2.

Written by Adam Bailey

FOOTBALL WEEK 1- 19th and 20th September

 

A GREAT START FROM ALL YEARS AGAINST ARCH RIVALS

This week saw the opening days of the school’s football season. The year 8’s and 10’s kicked off on Wednesday 19^th September which saw both teams win comfortably.  Their opening games were against local rivals Eaton Bank, which some people would say is the equivalent to the Merseyside and Manchester derby. Even though the football may not be the same, each team from the whistle only gave the opposing players a few seconds on the ball. However, in the 5^th minute Brian Barton, year 10, went one on one with Eaton Bank’s goalkeeper and calmly put the ball into his net. 1-0 to Congleton High. It wasn’t long until Max Berkeley carried out the same move as Barton did and put the year 10’s 2-0 up. From this point Congleton looked safe and in the 25^th minute Berkeley headed home for his second of the game, which made it 3-0. Minutes late Brian Barton added to his previous goal which made sure Congleton went into the break with a four goal advantage. 

Barton nearly scored another two goals in the opening minutes of the second half as his powerful header had to be lifted over the cross-bar before minutes later he hit the post. Barton and Berkeley were still both on a brace but who was going to get their hatrick first? The answer was Max as he made it 5-0. However, it wasn’t long before Barton got his hatrick which made it 6-0. But from the restart Eaton Bank found a gap on the left and played that to their advantage, Sam Wilson left Hallam Carslake diving in mid air with his shot. 6-1 Congleton. Wilson’s goal definitely didn’t have an effect on Congleton as Adam McHale won it on the left touchline and centred it to Barton who slotted it to Berkeley who put it above the keeper. 7-1 Congleton. The goal galore continued when Adam McHale’s corner made its way too Kieran Wilton who made sure he got on the score sheet. Then Barton scored his fourth of the game which made sure Max Berkeley and him go into the next game as Congleton High School’s top scorers. The last kick of the game saw Adam McHale score a well deserved goal. McHale found himself in open space and played a one two with Brian Barton before putting it between the posts. The match ended 10-1 to the Year 10’s at Congleton High School, who under a new manager, Mr Baxendale, showed that they are not like Premier League clubs who need weeks to solve the transition between managers.

On the other side of the field, the Year 8’s hosted Eaton Bank’s. Congleton took the lead with Jake Rowley before Amy Rodgers, volleyed home from the edge of the area to make it 2-0 to Congleton High School.  James Reid then rifled his shot into the back of the net with his left foot to make it 3-0. Eaton Bank pulled one back to make the final result 3-1 to Congleton High School.

On Thursday 20^th September it was the other year’s (7,9 and 11) time to kick off their season when they all hosted Eaton Bank. The Congleton boys must have been in full confidence after finding out about the previous night’s results as Tom Summerfield got Congleton’s year 11’s off to a flyer when he scored early on. Then Louis Hartles, halted the party, when he pulled one back from the penalty spot which saw him calmly, place the ball past Alfie Stone. Minutes later Congleton High’s year 11’s got the ball in the back of the net but the referee, Mr Naylor ruled it offside. There was even more controversy when Mr Naylor’s whistle blew seconds before Joey Griffiths’ cross somehow drifted over the Eaton Bank goalkeeper into the net. However in the 28^th minute Congleton’s bad luck made way to good luck as Ollie Conroy took advantage of the CHS counter attack when a cross from the right found Conroy in space in the middle of the box. Conroy then scored his second when he leapt above the defenders to score with his head. Five minutes before the end of the first half a long ball found Conroy who turned and got a shot off but this was blocked and parried by the keeper, which rolled into the path of Paddy McGovern who made it 4-1 at half time. Tom Hampton made it 5-1 ten minutes after the break from close range. That was soon 6-1 when Hampton slotted in his brace at the far post following a deflected shot from a corner. Eaton Bank scored a consolation but couldn’t add to their score and the match finished 6-2 to CHS.

The year 7’s played their first competitive match at high school when they thrashed Eaton Bank’s year 7’s 7-2. The game was 1-1 at half time but shortly after the restart Eaton Bank took the lead through a short corner which turned into a goal mouth scramble with the ball ending up beyond Congleton’s goalkeeper, Josh Riley. The year 7’s manager, Mr Da Souza inspired his team when he bellowed “switch on Congleton” from the sideline as moments later CHS had the ball in the net twice to make it 4-2 to Congleton. The new pupils at Congleton High School went on to score another three before the final whistle. The PE staff are expecting a good season for the year 7’s.

Unfortunately, the year 9’s game was abandoned in the second half with the score at 3-2 due to a serious injury too one of Congleton High’s players, AJ Eardley. We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the pitch soon.

One thing’s for sure all of CHS’ players will go into next week’s games full of confidence.

Written by Adam Bailey