Baths first ever entry into the National U12 8 a side tournament

This was a big risk, the U12s don't have much experience, and there is always a danger of them being demoralised if they get blown off the pitch by stronger opposition. After much soul searching the decision was made to for it. A squad of 9 was chosen, and they all made their way to the Agricultural College near Cirencester to meet the other 7 teams in the tournament. Bath's group was Brooklands, Heaton Mersey Guild and Portsmouth. In the first game against Brooklands confusion reigned, and the squad didn't really get it together, although there were signs, and as the game wore on the Bath team was definitely more competitive, losing 8:0 but towards the end matching their much stronger opposition. Against Heaton Mersey Guild the team started to think better and movement and possession was in abundance, the last pass was all that was letting them down, losing only 4:0, by now the team were starting to gravitate to their natural positions, Sam King outfield (Matt chose goals this time) began to get to grips with facing, and the defensive pairing of James Filipiat and Matthew Almond was showing some signs of understanding and with some outstanding goalkeeping from Matt King keeping the scores within reach.Against Portsmouth the improvement continued, and finally the goals started, Joe Noonan (1) and Mark Lane (2) scoring to get the team so close to registering on the table, losing 4:3 was a huge improvement. Coming bottom of the group meant playing against Welwyn from Group B for the 7th/8th position. For this the boys really turned it on, winning plenty of groundball, communicating, passing well and shooting on target, a superb 3:1 (goals from Jack Coward, Mark Lane and Joe Brickel) victory brought a smile to all the faces (even coaches Nik Roberts and Mike Brand). For all the cold weather and heavy results, the boys played brilliantly with great spirit, never letting their heads drop. With a few additions in the summer Bath have the making of a really good squad which will move into theU14 division with ease. Was it worth the risk? Most definitely.Squad: Jack Coward (1), Joe Brickel (1), Joe Noonan (1), Mark Lane (3), Tom Lane, Matt King, Sam King, Matthew Almond, James Filipiat.