Relaxed Bluebirds finally make it count (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Relaxed Bluebirds finally make it count

1:46pm Friday 22nd June 2007 in Football By Nick Mashiter

Relaxation was the key for Chippenham Town Youth U11 as they sneaked victory in the Bromham six-a-side.

The event, in its fourth year, attracted teams from all around the region, from U7 to U16 age groups over Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The young Bluebirds squeezed into the knockout stages with a 1-0 win over Melksham Town in their final group game.

They then edged out Trowbridge Town 1-0 in the final thanks to an Adam Gerrard goal.

"We have gone into every tournament hoping to do really well but never quite made it," said manager Stuart Wright.

"This time we told them to enjoy it and this is probably why they played so well, because they relaxed."

Devizes Town Youth U9 held their nerve to beat Castle Combe Colts 6-5 on penalties in the final, after a nailbiting 0-0 draw, to win their first tournament.

"I am extremely proud of them," said manager Adam Bewley.

"They have won after being knocked out in the semi finals of their last two tournaments on penalties.

"It was great getting through to the final without conceding a goal and I think they had the psychological edge and the determination after losing on penalties before."

Bewley, who plays for Bromham in the Wiltshire League, also refereed at the tournament and was impressed with what he saw- both on and off the pitch.

"It was a high standard and very well organised and there were some very good sides from Castle Combe and Trowbridge," he said.

"The managers of all the teams were really friendly and made the referees feel they could do their jobs without any interference."

Co-organiser Carol Cross praised players like Bewley who took the time to help.

"Senior footballers gave up time to support the tournament which was absolutely fabulous and they worked really hard to make it a success," she said.

"It has taken five months of preparation but it is well worth it, despite the bad back and all the aches."

ROLL OF HONOUR

U9 Devizes Tn U10 Melksham Prk U11 Chippenham Tn U12 Trowbridge Tn U13 Amesbury U14 Melksham Prk U15 FC Chippenham U16 Trowbridge Tn

To see our picture gallery from the event - Click here