WELLINGTON Wildcats took three youth teams to the Wincanton Girls Tournament and enjoyed an outstanding day, competing in 28 rapid fire games, using 26 players.

The U12s’ Panthers and Pumas overcame early nerves and both teams rose to the challenge and played some good flowing football. It was a terrific environment to develop their skills and play in different positions.

The Pumas won 2, drew 4, lost 3 and only conceded 5 goals and two players scored their first goals for the club. The Panthers won 2, drew 2 and lost 5, only conceded 9 goals which was a sterling effort, and hats off to a winning goal in one game from the halfway line.

The U13s went into their tournament knowing there were some strong teams on show. The early games were very tightly contested with plenty of draws but as the morning progressed and players adapted, they became a danger on the counter attack to every team and started getting wins and scoring more goals, including a 6-0 win.

After the final game the Wildcats ended with 3 wins and 6 draws, finishing second and setting up a semi final with Midsomer Norton. 

With the full support of the U12s players and parents, the Wildcats had an electric start, the attacking play of Emilia, India and Lleya linking up selflessly, was superb, Norton, who had conceded the least number of goals (2), found themselves 2-0 down in 4 minutes effectively sealing the tie.

The U13s final was played against Sporting Weston Vixens who won the group stage by a single point, and who we had a 1-1 draw against previously.

The final was very physical, and chances initially were very few and far between. Sophie in goal, with Frankie and Immy in defense, had their best performances of the season and were able to keep everything at bay.

The second half saw the introduction of Jess and Isla, and this helped create more pressure further up the pitch. After a good opportunity Weston pulled off a composed counter attack to open the scoring. The Wildcats made another change and subsequently hit the post.

They had a couple of good chances and with the last play of the game, won a free kick on the edge of the box. Unfortunately, this wasn’t converted and the full-time whistle went. 

The 8 girls were superb. Winning a runners up trophy against well drilled teams, scoring the most goals (14) and conceding only 4 in 11 games, is a true testament to the squads abilities and their reward was well deserved. 

It was a superb day of girls grassroots football in every aspect and the parents need a huge thank you for getting there for such an early start.

STEPH