Steve Tuck - Tournaments 2006 as U12's

REPORT
Reffley Rangers got off to a flying start in their opening encounter against Fakenham 'A'. A tight game of few chances saw a Matthew Pearson strike secure all three points with a 1-0 win.

In their next three games, Rangers played some truly stylist and eye-catching football. First they dispatched Nelson's Nannas 3-0, with a quick fire brace from Searle and a third by Tuck. Then Morley Youth were beaten by the same score 3-0 with goals from Rowe, Pearson and Searle. Finally, East Lynn A were put to the sword, 2-0, with goals from Tuck and Rowe. Indeed, Rowe might have had a spectacular second, unleashing a fantastic swerving, dipping left-footed volley only to be thwarted by a tremendous one-handed save by the East Lynn 'keeper.

In their final group game, with qualification already certain, Reffley played out a comfortable 0-0 draw against Sheringham 'B'.

For reasons best known to the organisers, the Q/F's were drawn 'out of the hat' and Fakenham 'A' again stood between Rangers and further progress to the semis. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be as a jaded looking Rangers conceded their first goal of the day, succumbing 0-1. Despite rallying in the second half, that goal, which was a result of loose defending, came at a crucial time and was enough to dump a shell-shocked Reffley out of the tournament. The reaction of the Fakenham players and managers at the final whistle suggested that they knew they had just beaten one of, if not, the best team in the competition.

RESULTS

Group 2	Reffley	W 1-0	Fakenham A	Pearson
Group 2	Reffley	W 3-0	Nelson's Nannas	Searle (2), Tuck
Group 2	Reffley	W 3-0	Morley Youth	Rowe, Pearson, Searle
Group 2	Reffley	W 2-0	East Lynn A	Tuck, Rowe
Group 2	Reffley	D 0-0	Sheringham B
Q/F	Reffley	L 0-1	Fakenham A

RANGER'S GROUP 2 - FINAL TABLE

	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts	GD
Reffley Rangers	5	4	1	0	9	0	13	+9
Fakenham A	5	3	1	1	5	2	10	+3
East Lynn A	5	2	1	2	8	6	7	+2
Nelson's Nannas	5	1	2	2	9	7	5	+2
Sheringham B	5	1	1	3	3	6	4	-3
Morley Youth	5	1	0	4	1	15	3	-14

REFFLEY ROVERS (James Stork, Alistair Farthing, Jack Hayes (Capt.), Jake Eglen, Craig Elvin, James Martin)

REPORT
Reffley Rovers made a sound start, coming from behind against St Andrews Whites to secure a 1-1 opening draw, with an equaliser from Craig Elvin.

Unfortunately, despite some good all-round performances, Rovers lost their next two games by the closest of margins, going down 0-1 against East Lynn B and 1-2 against Morley Saints, with James Martin scoring Rovers only goal.

The next game meant a win was crucial if they were to progress, but Rovers were unlucky to lose 0-3 against Rocklands Youth. The scoreline flattered to deceive, with Rovers going close on several occasions. James Stork played magnificently in goal during this game.

In their final game, with little to play for Rovers lost 0-2 against Old Catton.

If proved a difficult day for Rovers, who were unable to emulate their last year's appearance in the final.

RESULTS

Group 4	Reffley	D 1-1	St Andrews Whites	Elvin
Group 4	Reffley	L 0-1	East Lynn B
Group 4	Reffley	L 1-2	Morley Saints	Martin
Group 4	Reffley	L 0-3	Rocklands Youth
Group 4	Reffley	L 0-2	Old Catton

ROVER'S GROUP 4 - FINAL TABLE

	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts	GD
Rocklands Youth	5	3	2	0	5	0	11	+5
Old Catton	5	3	1	1	4	1	10	+3
St Andrews Whites	5	2	2	1	3	2	8	1
Morley Saints	5	2	0	3	3	4	6	-1
East Lynn B	5	1	2	2	1	2	5	-1
Reffley Rovers	5	0	1	4	2	9	1	-7

Stoke Ferry U12's Mini-Soccer Tournament
(Format: Group only, 10 mins straight through)

21 May 2006

REFFLEY (Blake Hewitt, Alex Tuck, Ben Coote (Capt.) Alistair Farthing, Gareth Searle, Jake Eglen, Josh Rowe, Craig Elvin)

REPORT

Reffley U12's came into this competition as defending champions fielding an immensely strong eight man squad, with high expectations of doing very well. In their opening game against Watlington, Reffley soon settled and duly took the lead through a rasping left-footed drive from Josh Rowe, which flew into the top far corner giving the Watlington 'keeper little chance. Unfortunately, Reffley went to sleep defensively and Watlington equalised from a headed corner. Reffley pushed hard and could have scored three or four more times, but for poor finishing in front of goal. Most notably, in the last couple of minutes, Gareth Searle was only inches from converting a Josh Rowe cross right in the goal mouth and so Reffley ran out of time in their search for a victory (1-1). Was this a return to their notoriously slow starting...?

In their second game Reffley carved out a valuable win and three points against their old adversaries, Downham Reds 'A' to get their campaign up and running. Craig Elvin reacted quickest as the ball broke free in the Downham area and his close range shot hit the back of the net (1-0).

Next Reffley came up against a newly formed Dersingham side. Although dominating the game with some crisp passing football Reffley found the goals hard to come by. Indeed, a Dersingham own goal from a low, driven Searle corner was the only score of the game. Farthing came on for Eglen in the last couple of minutes to steady and strengthen the Reffley defence and the Lynn side played down the clock for another valuable three points (1-0).

Now the search for goals was on, Reffley changed formation against Hilgay. With Ben Coote pushed into midfield alongside an on-form Rowe, Alex Tuck and Alistair Farthing came together to form the defensive partnership, with Jake Eglen now playing up front as a lone striker. Predictably, it was the highly motivated Eglen who set the tone, adding aggression and movement up front to keep the Hilgay defence on the back foot. Ben Coote's commanding presence in the centre also spiced-up to Reffley's potency going forward. In possession, Reffley now looked very, very dangerous. Indeed, Coote opened the scoring and Eglen soon added a second as Reffley looked comfortable. However, disaster struck as a suicidal pass from Alex Tuck across his own goal area, let Hilgay in to pull one back. Predictably, it was Rowe who came to the rescue late on to restore Reffley's two-goal lead (3-1).

With Watlington faltering, Reffley went into their penultimate game against Downham Reds 'A', knowing their destiny was now in their own hands. This game proved to be Reffley's best one yet, playing some superbly controlled football as they began to home in on the title. A pair of super strikes by Rowe, sealed victory, the second, a blinding left-footed shot on the turn, having beaten two Downham defenders. Elvin came on for Eglen to freshen up the attack and Searle replaced Rowe to bolster the defence, as Reffley ran out worthy winners (2-0).

In their final game, Reffley came up against Walpole, knowing that a victory would clinch them the title. Persevering with a formation that had worked well, Coote took the game by the 'scuff of the neck' inspiring his team mates to dig-in in search for victory. Tuck and Farthing's partnership now looked rock steady and Eglen looked transformed, given the responsibility of carrying the attack. Rowe, always dangerous, was once more the Reffley talisman, as he found the net yet again, for the third successive match. With victory in sight, Searle and Elvin re-entered the fray and seamlessly worked hard with their team-mates to see the Lynn side to victory (1-0).

Overall this Reffley team were worthy winners, opening their tournament account in their second outing of the summer and in doing so, retaining the title they captured last year. Thanks to all the parents and families who supported the Reffley players in the mud and the rain. Special mention goes to 'keeper Blake Hewitt, who, although not over-worked, consistently produced a safe pair of hands when called upon in difficult conditions; to Jake Eglen for a rejuvenated performance up front; to Ben Coote for playing a captain's role throughout; and, to Alistair Farthing who played with confidence and poise on the left side of defence.

However, the Man of the Tournament goes to Josh Rowe, who, despite carrying an injury, played some super football and was without doubt, the main factor which separated this Reffley team from the rest of the field on the day.

RESULTS

Group	Reffley	D 1-1	Watlington	Rowe
Group	Reffley	W 1-0	Downham Reds 'B'	Elvin
Group	Reffley	W 1-0	Dersingham	og
Group	Reffley	W 3-1	Hilgay	Coote, Eglen, Rowe
Group	Reffley	W 2-0	Downham Reds 'A'	Rowe (2)
Group	Reffley	W 1-0	Walpole	Rowe

GROUP - FINAL TABLE

	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts	GD
Reffley	6	5	1	0	9	2	16	+7
Downham Reds 'B'	6	5	0	1	6	1	15	+5
Watlington	6	3	1	2	6	4	10	+2
Walpole	6	2	1	3	2	3	7	-1
Downham Reds 'A'	6	1	2	3	2	5	5	-3
Dersingham	6	1	1	4	3	7	4	-4
Hilgay	6	0	2	4	1	7	2	-6


Reffley U12's	Winners -2006

Soccer on the Sands U12's Tournament
(Format: Four groups of four, top two qualify, 5 mins each way)

4 June 2006

REFFLEY RANGERS - IVORY COAST (James Stork, Alex Tuck, Alistair Farthing, Gareth Searle, James Martin, Nathan Bloodworth, Matthew Pearson, Manager: Matthew Farthing)

REPORT

This was truly a journey into the unknown... Rangers, in their bright Ivory Coast orange shirts, started cautiously with a scoreless draw against Shefford Saints B, aka BRAZIL. A couple of half chances fell the Nathan Bloodworth and Matthew Pearson, but neither could find the back of the net. (0-0)

In their second outing, Rangers earned a valuable 3 pts stealing a march on St Andrews Blues, aka FRANCE, with a well taken strike from Matty Pearson. (1-0)

With another 3 pts from a w/o against the non-showing Downham Blues (PORTUGAL), Rangers place in the top two was guaranteed along with a place in the Q/F's, as other results in the group went their way.

In the quarters, Rovers were draw against a strong Shrublands Irons side, aka SOUTH KOREA. Rangers got of the a great start, with Nathan Bloodworth bundling the ball over the line after just a few seconds - what a start. James Martin flashed a volley stright from the 'keeper's throw out past his right hand post. However, it was not to be as Shrublands scored in each half to take the tie by the narrowest of margins. (1-2)

James Stork again stated his goal-keeping credentials, making two or three tremendous saves. Alex Tuck and Alistair Farthing did well in defence and Gareth Searle and 'Midgy' Martin worked hard in mid-field, whilst Bloodworth and Pearson always looked dangerous up front.

In all, Rangers gave a good show despite the difficulties of playing on the sand. It was hard work and so different from anything the players have played on before. In the end, it was a lottery and unfortunately, when it mattered, Rangers didn't draw a winning ticket.

RESULTS

Group B	IVORY COAST (Reffley Rangers)	D 0-0	BRAZIL (Shefford Saints B)
Group B	IVORY COAST (Reffley Rangers)	W 1-0	FRANCE (St Andrews Blues)	Pearson
Group B	IVORY COAST (Reffley Rangers)	0-0 w/o IVO	PORTUGAL (Downham Blues)
Q/F	IVORY COAST (Reffley Rangers)	L 1-2	SOUTH KOREA (Shrublands Irons)	Bloodworth

RANGER'S GROUP B - FINAL TABLE

	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts	GD
IVORY COAST Reffley Rangers	3	2	1	0	1	0	7	+1
BRAZIL (Shefford Saints B)	3	1	2	0	1	1	5	0
FRANCE (St Andrews Blues)	3	1	1	1	1	2	4	-1
PORTUGAL (Downham Blues)	3	0	0	3	0	0	0	0

REFFLEY ROVERS (Blake Hewitt, Ben Coote (did not play), Jack Hayes, Jake Eglen, Josh Rowe, Craig Elvin, Jon Hammond, Managers: Steve Tuck & David Eglen)

REPORT

Rovers faced enormous uncertainty about playing on the beach, especially since losing their captain Ben Coote through illness. Wearing the vivid yellow of AUSTRALIA, they were caught on the hop in their opening game despite being warned to expect the unexpected. Hellesdon Youth B, aka SPAIN, took the points with a 0-2 win, despite Rovers trying their hardest to get back into the game, but unfortunately, time wasn't on their side.

In their second game against Gorleston Rangers Whites, aka GERMANY, Rovers showed a lot of improvement and went quickly into the lead with Craig Elvin firing home from close range, following good work on the left by Josh Rowe. However, it was not to last as almost immediately, goalkeeper Hewitt was foxed by a cruel bounce as a Gorleston shot kept in under his body. (1-1)

Despite having accumulated only 1 pt from two games, it all came down to the wire. With other results going their way, any sort of win for Rovers in their final group game against Shefford Saints A, aka ITALY, would have seen them through as group runners-up. In a tense affair, Rovers went into the lead through Jon Hammond. Despite there being onlly a few minutes in which to hold out, Rovers were unable to keep the door shut, a Shefford scored twice to take them into the Q/F's at Rovers expense. (1-2)

It was a day at the sea-side, fun for the players, a prestigious event and certainly an interesting experience, but not one from a footballing point of view that may be repeated. It was a lottery and almost impossible to play with any sort of style, let alone the type of football these Reffley players are capable of playing. Roll on next week and a chance to get back on the grass!

RESULTS

Group C	AUSTRALIA Reffley Rovers	L 0-2	SPAIN (Hellesdon Youth B)
Group C	AUSTRALIA Reffley Rovers	D 1-1	GERMANY (Gorleston Rangers Whites)	Elvin
Group C	AUSTRALIA Reffley Rovers	L 1-2	ITALY (Shefford Saints A)	Hammond

ROVER'S GROUP 4 - FINAL TABLE

	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts	GD
ITALY (Shefford Saints A)	3	1	2	0	4	2	5	+2
SPAIN (Hellesdon Youth B)	3	1	1	1	3	1	4	+2
GERMANY (Gorleston Rangers Whites)	3	0	3	0	2	2	3	0
AUSTRALIA Reffley Rovers	3	0	1	2	2	5	1	-3

Fakenham U12's 5-a-side Tournament
(Format: Three groups of seven, top one qualify, plus best r/u for S/F's, five mins each way)

11 June 2006

REFFLEY RANGERS (Blake Hewitt, Alex Tuck (Capt), Alistair Farthing, Josh Rowe, Jonathan Hammond, Craig Elvin)

REPORT

Rangers again started well against Drayton Devils. A sound performance, playing some good, solid, 6-a-side football saw them claim all three points with goals from Josh Rowe and Craig Elvin. (2-0)

In their second match, Reffley continued their winning run with a victory over Morley Saints. Even though Reffley conceded a late goal, the team looked very comfortable, cruising to a win with a brace of strikes from Jon Hammond, whose return to the squad after injury has been long awaited. (2-1)

The third game was a bad tempered affair against local rivals Downham Reds B. Much of Reffley's ability to play was stifled, as the Lynn side dug in and battled for everything. A close range effort from Hammond just before the break, kept the momentum going. Even though Downham tried everything in the second half, Reffley's Tuck and Farthing held firm in defence and kept Downham at bay. (1-0)

Reffley dropped their only points of the group games in the next one against East Lynn B, whose line-up provided huge incentive for Reffley to put them to bed once again. Despite working hard throughout, the opening didn't come and Reffley took the draw to remain unbeaten. (0-0)

With the qualifying slot already in sight, Reffley took on a strong Rocklands side in their penultimate game. The teams were locked together at half time, but in the second half, a moment of sheer, unadulterated class was enough to divide the teams. Reffley's Josh Rowe won the ball deep in his own half at right back with a well timed tackle. Surrounded by three opposition players, a double drag back, spin and step over all in the blink of an eye, saw his break free to move forward. As he advanced into the centre circle, he beat a defender on the outside by a dynamic burst of speed and moved quickly into the Rocklands' half. As the opposing 'keeper came of his line, Rowe let fly with a fierce, rising drive from about 18 yards which flew into the roof of the Rocklands' net like an arrow. The cheer that went up from the Reffley supporters said everything. It was a mixture of relief and disbelief - relief at winning the group with a game to spare and disbelief at the total speed and control shown by this young player. (1-0)

In the final group game, Reffley turned on the style against Heacham. The opponents from up the coast could not live with Reffley, who now played with a confidence and freedom we all know they are capable of. Alex Tuck score what must have been the quickest goal of the day, taking a touch from Hammond before unleashing an unstoppable low drive into the Heacham net in about three seconds. Another pair from Hammond (taking his total for the day to five) and one apiece from Rowe and Elvin saw Reffley comfortably through into the semi-finals. (5-0)

In the semi-final, Reffley came up against Woottons A. Reffley kept to the system that had been so successful all day. The aim was to start quick, to compete and run for everything and to keep Woottons on their back foot. Reffley did just that, having the lion's share of possession and territory in the first half. Rowe, always threatening probed constantly. Tuck and Farthing remained solid at the back and Hammond and Elvin shared the duty up front. Reffley forced a succession of corners and were unlucky not to make their pressure tell.

At half time, Reffley were reminded of their superior first half display and that they were only one goal and five minutes away from the final. If Reffley had the edge in the first half, they overwhelmed Woottons in the second. Much of the period was played in the Woottons penalty area. Corner after corner was conceded to Reffley and numerous times, Rowe launched a long throw into the very heart of the Wootton's defence right in the goal mouth. With much the superior height advantage, one felt that sooner or later a Reffley head would make contact, but remarkably it didn't happen. The teams were locked together at full time (0-0).

Extra time was the same story as the second half. Reffley continued their aerial bombardment of the Wootton' s goal but could not force the winning goal. Blake Hewitt kept his team in it with seconds to go, defying Woottons from close range. The the final whistle it remained scoreless.

Penalties followed. Reffley's first three spot kicks, scored by Tuck, Farthing and Rowe, matched the Woottons first three. Woottons scored their fourth and then came the turning point as Wootton's 'keeper Walker denied Elvin, only for Walker himself to then score the winning fifth penalty. It was a cruel end yet again. Wootton's must know they were put under the severest of pressure and got out of jail to land a spot in the final. For Reffley, the team could only reflect on another magnificent day, where they played some truly memorable football.

RESULTS

Group B	Rangers	W 2-0	Drayton Devils	Rowe, Elvin
Group B	Rangers	W 2-1	Morley Saints	Hammond (2)
Group B	Rangers	W 1-0	Downham Reds B	Hammond
Group B	Rangers	D 0-0	East Lynn B
Group B	Rangers	W 1-0	Rocklands A	Rowe
Group B	Rangers	W 5-0	Heacham Minors	Hammond (2), Tuck, Rowe, Elvin
S/F	Rangers	L 0-0 aet 3-5 pens	Woottons A

RANGER'S GROUP B - FINAL TABLE

	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts	GD
Reffley Rangers	6	5	1	0	11	1	16	+10
Downham Reds B	6	3	0	3	7	4	9	+3
Drayton Devils	6	2	2	1	5	6	8	-1
East Lynn B	6	1	4	1	4	4	7	0
Heacham Minors	6	2	1	3	4	11	7	-7
Rocklands A	6	1	2	3	5	4	5	+1
Morley Saints	6	1	2	3	4	7	5	-3

REFFLEY ROVERS (Liam Taylor, Jake Eglen, Jack Hayes, Gareth Searle, James Martin, Matthew Pearson, Nathan Bloodworth)

REPORT

Rovers opened their account with a great win against Rocklands B, with goals from Matthew Pearson and James Martin. (2-0)

In their second Reffley worked hard for a well-deserved draw against local rivals East Lynn A. (0-0)

Their third game saw Reffley take the lead against Toftwood with a well taken goal from Martin, following good work from Hayes and Searle. Despite having the upper hand for much of the remaining time, Toftwood managed to grab a late equaliser and shared of the points. (1-1)

In the next outing, Reffley befell in similar circumstances. A strong Horsford team who had swept all before, found Reffley a different proposition. A well taken free kick from Gareth Searle found a gap and gave Rovers the lead. It looked all over until Horsford managed to scrape an equaliser with virtually the last kick of the game. (1-1)

Rovers seemed to struggle a little in the next game, not surprisingly following the disappointment of the previous one. Even a rasping drive from Jake Eglen was not enough to prevent hosts Fakenham A finding the net twice to take the points. (1-2)

Rovers did well in their final game to take three points from rivals Woottons B with a typical strike from Pearson.

Despite some good football and some battling performances, Rovers lost out on qualification. They left with a proud record containing only one defeat, having held the eventual winners (Horsford) to a draw and the knowledge that they did themselves proud.

RESULTS

Group C	Rovers	W 2-0	Rocklands B	Pearson, Martin
Group C	Rovers	D 0-0	East Lynn A
Group C	Rovers	D 1-1	Toftwood	Martin
Group C	Rovers	D 1-1	Horsford	Searle
Group C	Rovers	L 1-2	Fakenham A	Eglen
Group C	Rovers	W 1-0	Woottons B	Pearson

ROVER'S GROUP 4 - FINAL TABLE

	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts	GD
Horsford	6	4	2	0	9	2	14	+7
Fakenham A	6	3	3	0	12	4	12	+8
East Lynn A	6	3	1	2	5	5	10	0
Reffley Rovers	6	2	3	1	6	4	9	+2
Wootton B	6	2	1	3	8	8	7	0
Toftwood	6	0	1	5	3	13	1	-10

Litcham U12's Mini-Soccer Tournament
(Format: 2 Groups, top 2 qualify for S/F, only, 10 mins straight through)

2 July 2006

REFFLEY (Blake Hewitt, Ben Coote (Capt.), Alistair Farthing, Jake Eglen, Josh Rowe, Jon Hammond, Joe Roof, Craig Elvin)

REPORT

Reffley U12's travelled to Litcham on a boiling hot summer Sunday afternoon as defending champions. Unfortunately it proved to be a bit of a rollercoaster afternoon, with a sting in the tail.

Reffley started off poorly, going down 0-1 to Morely Saints with a questionable goal. The shot came into the Reffley goal mouth, hard and low from the right side and somehow squirmed underneath 'keeper Blake Hewitt's body. Despite Hewitt's quick reactions, turning and grabbing the ball in an instant, the referee awarded the goal, which, given that he was standing close to the centre spot at the time, spoke volumes about the quality of his eyesight. Despite valiant attempts, Reffley were unable to recover before the final whistle (0-1).

Despite it being the same for everyone, the rock hard pitch was devoid of grass in places and the over inflated ball bounced very high, making conditions hard in which to play good football. In their second game, Reffley shared a scoreless game with hosts Litcham, with chances few and far between (0-0).

In their next game, Reffley seemed to settle a little and played much better against Mattishall 'A'. Craig Elvin shot Reffley into the lead before Mattishall equalised soon after. As Reffley, now desperate for three points, pressed forward, defender Alistair Farthing popped up in the opponent's box to steer home the winner from close range (2-1).

In their penultimate game, sensing qualification through the back door, Reffley comfortably swept aside Fakenham 'B' in their best display of the afternoon. Goals from Craig Elvin and Joe Roof, on his debut in a Reffley shirt, saw the Lynn side take the points (2-0).

Going into the last game of the group, Reffley faced the group "whipping boys", Fordham, who had recorded four losses thus far. Starting back in fourth place, any win would have seen Reffley leap over the three teams in front to win the group on goal difference and qualify for the semis. With only a minute gone, Reffley took the lead through Craig Elvin. Unfortunately, Reffley uncharacteristically made a number of mistakes, which lead to Fordham scoring three time, for their first win of the afternoon, and in doing so, sending Reffley home prematurely (1-3).

RESULTS

Group	Reffley	L 0-1	Morley Saints
Group	Reffley	D 0-0	Litcham
Group	Reffley	W 2-1	Mattishall 'A'	Elvin, Farthing
Group	Reffley	W 2-0	Fakenham 'B'	Elvin, Roof
Group	Reffley	L 1-3	Fordham	Elvin