The fixture schedule was decimated this week with the rain throughout the week putting paid to 90% of the grass pitch fixtures. This left all eyes on the Under 10 Jaguars, competing in their Trophy Event semi final for a place in the cup final!

SATURDAY – BOYS

GNP Under 10 Jaguars were beaten by Khalsa Lions in the Mid Warwickshire Plate semi-finals, but the boys gave it everything. Zion opened the scoring early and put the Jaguars ahead, before Khalsa took advantage of defensive mistakes and counter attacks to turn the game around before half-time. In the second half Khalsa extended their lead, but the Jaguars fought back and Reggie scored to keep hopes alive. More chances followed, but the Khalsa goalkeeper made several great saves to protect their lead. The boys battled to the end, and reaching the semi-finals is something to be proud of. Well done Jaguars!

Under 10 Pumas

GNP Tigers Under 8s vs Lilllington Juniors. The boys came into this game in high spirits following their recent performances and started strong, forcing a power play within 5 minutes. But it was a game of 4 quarters and it showed as the team rotated and the opposition exploited "on the day" weaknesses. Each-line up held their own but struggled to put the game to bed until the last quarter when they forced another power-play and finished up with a comfortable win. It was a bit of an on off day for the boys with all showing great skill at times and switching off a bit at others, but still they looked the better side throughout and any other outcome would have felt unfair. Goals came from Naod, Petru, Rhys, Akram and Lucas. Good effort all round team, Go Tigers!!!

SATURDAY – GIRLS

GNP Under 9 Panthers hosted Starz Academy on a rainy morning, facing a well-organised and determined Starz side. The Panthers struggled to get going in the first half and went into half-time behind. After regrouping and making a few changes, the Panthers returned to the pitch with more determination. Their improved intensity paid off when Jaye opened the scoring, giving the team a lift. Mihar followed later in the game with another well-taken goal, helping to build confidence and spark a fightback. Despite the fightback, the Panthers were unable to overcome the opposition, and the match ended in defeat. Plenty to learn from and more games still to come before the Xmas break.

SUNDAY - BOYS

Under 9 Lions played a home match on the 3G pitch against Warwick Stars. The teams were on an even keel for their skills and ball control, but the Lions were able to show how they are great as a team with a strong defence. The whole team played well with Sam, Balraj and Dayal forming an impenetrable defence strategy. The attack were persistent and capitalised on their opportunities. In the first half we saw a brace from Harnam and goals from Harvey and Anwar. These goals were assisted by Aaron, Rohan and Harnam. The second half increased in intensity from both sides with continuous back and forth between the teams. More goals followed from Anwar, Aaron and Harvey. With the Lions heading for a clean sheet, a fumble in the last few minutes provided Warwick a goal. Well done to the boys for giving their all and having a great game.

Under 9 Pumas played away against Coventrians. Having played them at home recently, we were ready for what they would throw at us. Unfortunately, we conceded an early goal, but it spurred on the team to push harder. Aside from the early setback, our defence of Guransh and Jwad stood strong, and we had a lot of play down the wings through Kishan and Eemanvir. We had all of the possession, and our pressing play led to us getting a penalty when Hugh was fouled in the box. Although it was missed, we didn’t let our heads go down, and we hit the post three times too. At the other end, Eshaanvir pulled off a couple of amazing saves in goal. In the end, it was a very narrow loss, but it was also one of the best performances of the season so far. The coaches ended the weekend very proud of how far the boys have come.

Under 10 Tigers were away, up against Bedworth United. Bedworth were on the front foot before a wonderful pass by Felix to Rajan who played a brilliant pass to Tyrae who calmly slotted it home to take the lead. Bedworth however drew level a few minutes later and added another before the Tigers got one back with an assist by Arveer to Rajan who scored to level things up again. Felix was an absolute warrior in defence, clearing the ball off the line twice and putting his body on the line. Adam continued his fine form with some excellent passes from defence. Bedworth however then started to take control with the Tigers struggling to clear the ball defensively along with being slow to react to loose balls. The second half saw Bedworth continue to stretch the lead before Veer scored with an excellent shot from outside the box. Rajan earned Player of the Match with his goal and assist on another hard match for the Tigers, however their resilience is truly being strengthened.

Under 11 Tigers played at home against Coventry Phoenix Blaze. The Tigers started well, in particular off the ball, well organised and pressing with intensity. However a defensive slip up from a goal kick gifted the home team the lead. Shortly after, Robert won the ball back in midfield, played through Sohan who excellently crossed for Kiaan to tap in. Following a long ball which we failed deal with, the opposition scored a second. Moments later they were through on goal again from a counter attack. In the second half the Tigers started to create more chances, unfortunately the finish or final pass just wasn't quiet there. The away side pounced again to score two more before a penalty was awarded after Kiaan was clipped when clean through on goal, Sohan stepped up but put the spot kick narrowly wide, Tigers continued to press and after some good work down the right Sohan tapped in to get his goal. Unfortunately, another defeat for the Tigers this season, some positives to take from the opportunities created and general work rate, we just need to iron out the errors.

The Under 17s were hosted by Ambleside Vipers in a wet and boggy affair. The game started sporadically, with neither side able to get a grip on play. The ball was slippy, the pitch was soft and muddy and it was difficult to string a set of passes together. The first bit of action started with a top save from our keeper Julian, diving to his right as the ball travelled through a sea of traffic from a free kick. Shortly after, Ambleside went 1-0 up in an unfortunate event. The ball bobbled around in our box and was cleared, but a ricochet into one of our players directed the ball into our own net. Just a minute later, Ambleside go two up. This time we struggled to clear the ball as it got held up in the mud, it fell to the Ambleside striker who despatched it quite brilliantly. 2 goals conceded in quick succession really woke us up, we applied a lot of pressure, opting for the long ball tactic as possession-based passing was off the cards in these conditions. We created some chances before a corner was whipped in. Their keeper made 3 outstanding back to back saves, before the ball finally fell to Ethan C who made sure to hit the back of the net. 2-1 HT. We went out in the second half and continued to apply pressure. We dominated the whole half, and defended very well. Finally, we broke the seal. A good bit of pressure from Zaid, who is becoming an excellent utility man, played it onto our skipper who cut it back and put away by Archie W. Game finished 2-2, the boys did brilliantly to bring it back from 2-0, but it shows how far we have come, being disappointed with a draw and not coming back home with the 3pts.