Last weekend, South Berkshire’s sporting community was treated to an exhilarating series of matches that unfolded in just a remarkable 15-minute burst of action. All 11 South Berkshire teams took to the field in league action within the South Central League, providing a weekend of intense competition and unforgettable moments.
At Birch Hill, the Ladies 4th team continued their unbeaten streak this season with a convincing 3-0 victory over Maidenhead. Claire Owen, Kyna Will, and Sophie McCulloch, who notched her tenth goal of the season, were the standout performers, ensuring their team’s position at the top of the division with a three-point lead.
However, the day was not without its share of challenges for South Berkshire. The Ladies third team suffered a 0-3 defeat against Staines, while the Men’s Fifth team faced their first loss of the season with a scoreline of 1-6 against Phoenix Reading.
Cantley Park became the stage for high drama and an abundance of goals. The Men’s fourth team, facing Marlow, secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory, with goals from Tom Scott and Duncan Clarke in a captivating match.
The Men’s first team, in a much-anticipated clash against Henley, witnessed a tumultuous start as Henley was awarded an early penalty stroke, putting Berkshire a goal down and a player short due to a yellow card. Despite further challenges and another Henley goal, Berkshire displayed resilience and managed to pull one back, closing the first half at 1-3.
The second half mirrored the intensity of the first, with Henley extending their lead to 1-4. Unfavorable decisions from the umpires saw Berkshire players receiving green cards, but they persevered. In a remarkable turn of events, Berkshire mounted a stunning comeback with a series of goals from Alex Sykes, Sam Fox Harvey, and Jack Baveystock, culminating in an astonishing 15-minute sequence that propelled Berkshire to a 6-4 victory.
The Ladies 2nd team took the field against Milton Keynes in a match filled with missed opportunities in the first half. However, the second half belonged to Eve Kelly, who netted four goals, leading her team to a resounding 5-0 win, with an additional goal from Pippa Longfield.
Away fixtures had the Ladies 1st team securing a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Portsmouth, thanks to Liz Zutshi’s second consecutive goal, maintaining their unbeaten season. The Men’s second team had an impressive outing at Sonning, winning 7-3 with contributions from Calum Miller, Ben Fryatt, Rob Pace, Joe Hayes, and Pat Diplock.
Meanwhile, the Men’s 3rd team faced a challenging trip to Milton Keynes and returned empty-handed after a 4-3 loss. The Men’s Sixth team also experienced defeat, falling 3-1 away at Phoenix Reading.
However, the Ladies fifth team delivered a stunning performance with an 8-0 away win against Iver Burnham. Laura Woolford, Leila Sanders, Cordelia Dowling, Maddie Windsor, Chloe Hazell, and Isla Sanghani all contributed to the remarkable victory, making it a standout result of the weekend.
In just 15 minutes of breathtaking action, South Berkshire teams demonstrated their resilience, skill, and determination, leaving fans and spectators in awe of their remarkable achievements on the field.
