Dutch delight for Bassett footballers (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Dutch delight for Bassett footballers

Wootton Bassett Town's young players have returned from another highly successful tour of Holland, led by Chris Kirkland.

The under 12, 13 and 14-year age groups travelled to hosts FC Dordrecht and SV Loosduinen.

Kirkland said: "It has been a pleasure to organise and be involved in this annual event, which is now firmly established on the Wootton Bassett Town under 12,13, and 14 calendars."

As well as playing in a six-a-side tournament, the Wootton Bassett School students also watched Feyenoord play AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch Premier League.

The Under 14s won their first game 4-1 with goals from Matt Buckingham, Brett Carr, Ben Curtis and Harry Fitzwilliams.

In their second they cruised to a 4-0 win with goals from Tom Deane, Fitzwilliams and a double from Curtis. And this result meant that Bassett retained the Jan Niemeyer Shield.

In their final game they lost 5-0 against FC Dordrecht with Hammond winning the man of the match award.

The Under 13s won their first game 6-0 before going down 5-2 in their second while the Under 12s drew 2-2, won 1-0 and lost 9-0 in their games.

FC Dordrecht retained the Olav Ouwerkerk Shield during the tournament.

Individual awards for attitude, commitment and effort went to: Matt Buckingham (under 14s), Martyn Plaistow (under 13s) and Dominic Gordon (under 12s)

Awards for performance, effort and progress went to: Craig Kelly (under 14s), Joe Brown (under 13s) and Adam Topping (under 12s).

Ben Curtis won the award for overall contribution to the tour.