It was an early start for the Year 6 Boys' football team as they made the long journey to Thamesmead in a minibus. As Mrs Copus drove, the boys enjoyed breakfast on the go before arriving just after 9:00 on a beautiful early spring day for the South East Regional Finals. Having been crowned the Sussex Champions back in January, the boys were now competing against the best school teams from their respective counties across the region. They were completely undaunted by the fact that they were not only representing St Mary's, but also the county of Sussex.

The boys got off to the perfect start with a 2-0 victory over Etonbury of Bedfordshire with two stunning goals from Olly G and Oscar D. The winning streak continued with back-to-back 1-0 victories over Toftwood of Norfolk and Cannonbury of Inner London with Eric K and Olly G netting in each game respectively. Three wins out of three meant the boys were group champions and would now play the winners of the two other groups knowing that the top two teams would advance to the National Finals. Excitement and tension were really starting to build.

As the midday sun shone down, the boys battled hard against Barr Hill of Cambridgeshire and came away with a decent 0-0 draw. After a quick turnaround, they were back on again for their final match against Wolfson Hillel of Middlesex. The boys gave absolutely everything they had, but were well beaten 3-0, their first defeat in 18 games since their journey began at Tanbridge House back in September.

The boys were absolutely brilliant and to finish third in the whole of the South East region is really an exceptional achievement. They have shown a togetherness and sense of resilience as well as earning high praise from opposition managers, referees and supporters along the way. They will all be able to look back one day with great pride and affection on what they have achieved together. We couldn't be prouder of them. Very well done to the whole squad - Olly G (c), Toby H, Eric K, Noah J, Jack B, Rex E, Seb H, Freddie B and Oscar D. Also to Beau L and Spencer N, who also played their parts in getting the boys to this stage.

Thank you also to Mr Coomber for his leadership with this team – what an inspiration he has been!