The David Anderson and John Garrod football tournament

David Anderson

BGE had two girls teams playing in the David Anderson tournament on Saturday. 

In the group stages, the A team drew against Braeburn Imani 0-0 and Braeside A 1-1, with Shiro scoring a last minute goal. Shiro scored another goal against Braeburn Gitanga Road winning 1-0, and another 1-0 win against the BGE B team with Johanna scoring our late goal.

The A team progressed to the ‘cup’ competition where they were 2 goals down against Braeburn Imani. With only 4 minutes left, they fought hard to end the game in a 2-2 draw, with Mashka scoring both goals (1 penalty). The girls played 5 mins extra time “golden goal” which they drew 0-0. This led them to a penalty shoot-out which they lost 2-1 (Ruth). This unfortunately knocked them out of the competition. 

The U19 B girls drew 1-1 against Braeside B with Immaculate scoring. They also drew 0-0 against Braeburn Imani. Immaculate scored another goal against Braeburn Gitanga Road, but unfortunately lost 2-1. The girls also lost to BGE A team 1-0 and Braeside A 3-0.

The ‘B’ team managed to make it to the finals of the ‘plate’ competition where they drew 0-0. This led them to extra mins “golden goal”, which they lost in the last 30 seconds. They were runners up in this competition. Shout out to all the girls, especially Ruth N who stepped onto goal when Tanya (original GK) got injured.

MVP for the A team was: all of them 

MVP for the B team was: Lea and Immaculate 

John Garrod

BGE entered three U15 boys teams into the first edition of the John Garrod-David Anderson Football tournaments since the beginning of the pandemic.

The A team began their campaign with a game against Braeside B team. They started well, dominating the game with captain, JP, breaking up play in midfield and Saffi demonstrating his characteristic composure in defence. With five minutes to go Matthieu broke the deadlock with a stinging low shot from the edge of the box. Score: BGE 1, Braeside 0.

Next was a game against Imani. Once again the opposition offered little threat and resorted to long balls which our goalkeeper, Sheriff, dealt with calmly. Sivuno started this game, calmly placing several incisive passes. As the game wore-on without a goal, our lads became frustrated and the game became scrappy, finally ending in a nil-nil draw. Our stand out player in this match was Laurens who made some crunching tackles and stepped out of defence with confidence.

In the final game against BGR B, our lads really hit their stride. Karim slotted into defence with a man of the match performance, timing his tackles to perfection, making superb runs up the wing, before delivering pin-point crosses. Isaac, playing as a lone striker, captured a brace with two accurate finishes. And with that dominant display, BGE A were through to the semis. Score BGE: 2, Braeside 0.

By this stage it was clear that BGE A were one of three very talented sides, along with BGR A and Braeside A - any of which could take the trophy. BGE faced BGR A in the semi-final. BGE started the game very well, once again dominating in midfield, with Gus, a big game player, showing excellent strength and guile. Several shots were palmed away by the opposition keeper or crept wide. With 6 minutes to go, a brief lapse in concentration gave BGR a chance which they finished very well. Our lads rallied with Jordan fighting hard and creating a couple of chances. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite enough and BGE's tournament ended in bitter disappointment. It was a tough and fair game and BGE were gracious in defeat.