King's 1st XI vs Otago Boys' 1st XI

Going into this game we knew it would be a physical and mental challenge. With the team full of confidence after beating Otago Boys' High School (OBHS) twice already this year we knew we had a great chance of winning. At the start of the game we applied early pressure earning us corners and throw-ins high up the pitch. The first half saw both teams creating decent chances and applying pressure with OBHS steadily building into the game and playing well.

After another inspiring half time talk from Mr McPhail, we knew it was only a matter of time before one team would crack the deadlock, and we also knew it had to be us. The second half saw heart and fight from every King’s player on the pitch. Adam Dunlop with composed and exceptional keeping. Quinn Mair with solid defensive moments. Jonty Davidson with many trademark challenges. Sean McCabe with some excellent tackling and composed distribution. Danny Moore with immaculately timed tackles. Paddy Tyrrell winning every header possible. Ben Wood defending and distributing like Casemiro. Zak Chisholm creating multiple chances and opportunities. Hugh Jack with unbelievable work rate and flair. Sam Mitchell with raw speed and determination, and Joshua Scott bringing his unmatched fitness and desire to help us finish off the game. One advancement into the OBHS half saw us win a corner. Hugh Jack whipped a delightful ball toward the back post and a powerful header by Ben Wood put us 1-0 up halfway through the second half.

Now we just had to hold on. We continued to apply pressure up the field but as the game dragged on we had to resort to long balls away from our half whenever possible. Quality defending, fight and attitude won us the second half and when the whistle eventually blew there was utter jubilation. To take the trophy back after all these years felt too good to be true. 

Credit to everyone in the team who gave their all. Mrs Jopson for managing and organising us and creating such positivity. Mr McPhail for his inspiring coaching and leadership, and the supporters of course for getting behind us and helping us get over the line. Credit also to OBHS who played a fantastic game, contributing greatly to what was a great showcase of local school Football.

The 1st XI now look ahead to the National Tournament in Christchurch next week. We are wanting to play the best possible Football we can and hopefully make it out of our group and into the Top 16.