COUGARS UNDER14’S FINISH IN STYLE
Buntingford Cougars U14 Whites celebrated becoming 3rd Division champions on Sunday with a resounding 7 – 1 victory over Fairlands Youth. With a game in hand and an unassailable two point lead on their closest rivals, Cougars cemented their place at the top of the table. Offensively, the penetrating runs of Will Roads were the highlight of the game and the spread of goals throughout the Cougars team demonstrated depth in attack. Despite the scoreline it was Cougars stalwart defence of Ben Hawthorne, Matthew Baker, James Hart and goalkeeper Ewan White who deserve greatest credit for their season-long solid performances on which the offence could build. Scenes of the boys spraying (non-alcoholic!) champagne over their coach, Bobby White, provided a fitting climax to the post-match celebrations for the new Division 3 champions.
Meanwhile Cougars Under14’s Blues in the top division secured a second placed finish as they won 3-1 away at their rivals for runners up spot Baldock Town.
COUGARS UNDER10’S BLUES SHINE AT SHILLINGTON
Cougars Under10’s Blues were away at sunny Shillington and started well with Jake Lemay causing trouble down the flank. Early on Spencer Sendall was linking up well with Finlay Walker but the home keeper leapt into action well to deny the visitors an early goal. As the half progressed Cougars started to dominate with Lucas Reay bossing the midfield and Freddie Arnold and Joseph ‘Rocky’ Mckinley keeping the defence tight. The deadlock was broken with a defensive mistake, leapt upon by the in form Walker who ran at the keeper and slotted the ball into the bottom corner. After the break the home team started to raise their game and have more possession. Cougars keeper Luca Rigolli made a string of fine saves to keep Cougars in the game. Shillington’s possession paid off with 5 minutes to go as a well worked goal got them back on level terms. The final minutes were end to end but the game ended level with both teams happy with their performance. Coach Dudley ‘Duds’ Sendall told Sky sports Jonathan Pearce “the boys battled well today, we had our chances to win it but overall I’m happy. Some great individual battles took place and Cougars Blues were a credit to the Cougars badge.”
BUNTINGFORD’S UNDER11’S BLUES
Cougars Under11’s blues hosted Whitethorn Wanderers on Sunday and delivered an impressive display of passing and goal scoring. Samuel Miles hit the post 3 times and had several attempts saved. Rocco Douglas, Sam Maley, Freddie Bentley & Jack Hedge were all strong and Ethan Vater did well when called on to make a couple of saves. In attacking positions Stan Wennington, Olly Baker, Dexter Cumberland and Ben Maley caused the visitors trouble throughout the game with penetrating attacking runs. Goalscorers for Cougars were man of the match Stan Wennington with four, Olly Baker with a brace and Dexter Cumberland and Ben Maley with one each.
COUGARS UNDER12’S DO IT HOWARDS WAY
Buntingford’s Under12’s travelled to West Hertfordshire to play out a very even match with Harpenden Hurricanes. There were some fine performances from Tom Carter and Evan Howard early on that dominated the first half but despite chances falling for Carter, Kameron Weston and Max Young both sides went into the interval goalless. Cougars opened the scoring in the second half when some fine interplay between Carter, Sam Daly and Tom Ryman released Archie O Connor who slotted home from ten yards. The hosts scored late in the second half to even up the score and then twice in the dying minutes. Cougars players of the match were Tom Ryman and Evan Howard.
