October 2024 Sports News
Tuesday 1st October
A group of Year 3 and 4 pupils travelled to Swanmore College to compete in a Cross Country Event against over 10 local schools. For many, it was the first time they had represented our school and they did so with great determination. We are awaiting results of the events but all children should feel very proud of their efforts. A special mention to Margo from Ross Class who came third in the Year 3 Girls Race. Well done to all who competed!
Wednesday 2nd October
Today our boys football team had their first round game in the Hampshire Cup against Harrison Primary. Last year, we were knocked out in round 1 but went on to win the Hampshire Plate. The goal this year is to progress further in the Hampshire Cup.
The boys made a positive start and some quick passing allowed them to progress up the pitch quickly. We had several half chances but were not able to score. Most of the first half was played in the Harrison half but we still could not create any clear cut chances. Eventually they came but the goalkeeper made some exceptional saves and closed down well any one v one opportunities.
Towards the end of the half, Harrison caught us on the counter attack and a midfielder burst into the area. In trying to tackle, one of our defenders pushed him in the back and penalty was awarded. Evan got a hand to it but was unable to prevent the ball hitting the net to make the score 0-1 to them. Soon after, the same player picked the ball up outside of the area and with some exceptional skill and quick feet; beat 3 defenders before scoring his second goal. This meant we were more than unlucky to come in at half time 0-2 down.
At half time, we talked about the opportunities we had had and how we had dominated for large parts. We also talked about the character needed now to come back into the game. If we continued to play as we had, then we would get more chances.
The second half saw us have half chance after half chance but the Harrison defence were immense and the goalie seemed unbeatable. It looked as if it would just be one of those days before Odhran was able to score from a tight angle after the keeper parried Blake’s shot. Time was ticking down and we still needed to find an equaliser. We substituted a defender to bring on an extra attacker and nearly scored straight away from a corner but again, the keeper made an excellent reflex save.
Finally, with a minute to go, Alfie, who was lively all game, quickly pressed a goal kick; forcing a defender into a mistake before scoring a well-deserved equaliser and send us into extra time.
In the first half of extra time, Odhran carried the ball up the pitch before beating the last defender and scoring the third goal to give us the lead for the first time. This was ultimately enough to see us win the game. On another day we could have scored 10 goals but it was incredibly pleasing to see the determination of everyone in the team to come back from 0-2 down to win 3-2 and earn ourselves a spot in the second round.
Tuesday 15th October
Today Fair Oak hosted a Cluster Football Tournament for Year 5 and 6. We were very proud of the 35 pupils who represented our school so well, demonstrating a high level of football and sportsmanship. It was Fair Oak Green and Fair Oak Yellow who came in first and second place, meaning they will go on to represent the school cluster in the next round, against school from the wider local area. A huge well done to every pupil who attended the event. It was wonderful to see 35 of our Year 5 and 6's enjoying themselves and competing so well for their teams.
On Tuesday 22nd October
Our girls football team travelled to Botley Recreational Ground to compete against schools from the local area. As the heavy rain smashed down, the girls played some fantastic football and didn’t stop running, passing and working hard for their team. We took two teams along and it was brilliant to see so many girls with huge smiles on their faces (despite the very wet conditions!) doing their best for their teammates and enjoying every second. Fair Oak 2 played some super football and ended the afternoon with one win, two draws and two defeats.
Congratulations to Fair Oak 1 who won the tournament! They scored fifteen goals and conceded just one goal the whole afternoon. The team will now go through to the next round to be held at Stoneham Lane Football Complex in March. Well done girls!