This week, some children from Year 5 and 6 travelled to St Ives to compete in the Under 11’s Mixed Pokemon Cup. Sixteen schools from around the district were competing to take home the trophy and win a chance to represent Huntingdonshire in the regional finals. Each school was placed into a group of four teams, with Little Paxton facing Thorndown, Buckden and Crosshall.
In the first round of fixtures the Panthers were up against Thorndown Primary School. A slow start to the game meant that the team found themselves 2-0 down in a matter of minutes. Soon after, Thorndown scored two goals from long range to make it 4-0. After battling hard to get back into the game, Little Paxton couldn’t work out a way to get through the dominant Thorndown defence.
Our second game against Buckden Primary School didn’t go ahead because Buckden couldn’t make it on the day. Paxton were awarded a 3-0 victory. The team decided to play a friendly fixture against Alconbury instead. The team battled hard and played good football but in the end Alconbury were too strong and ended up winning the game 2-0.
In our final group game, the Panthers were up against Crosshall Primary School in a local derby fixture. A win would mean that Little Paxton would finish second in the group and progress to the finals. The Panthers kicked off and within seconds a shot from Ethan hit the back of the net. Some super saves from Bodhi and great defensive work from Albert meant the Panthers kept the lead for most of the game. Unfortunately, they conceded in the dying moments of the game and it ended all square, 1-1. This result meant that the team finished third in the group.
After the group stage we played two more friendly matches against Cromwell and Westfield Primary School. In the first game, a super Paxton move ended up with Robbie scoring from close range. It ended 1-0 with the Panthers picking up their first win. In the second game, Little Paxton played well with Marcus making three brillaint saves to keep the game level. However, some late defensive errors meant Westfield ended up 2-0 winners.
The children had a great afternoon and are already looking forward to the next football tournament. Well done to Paige, Penny, Robbie, Ethan, Bodhi, Evan, Dami, Marcus, Albert and George.
