Forbes

As always Bury Girls entered this well run pre-season tournament in Blackburn, on Saturday 25th August 2007. Both the U12s and U11s entered teams. Due to there being no U11s category both teams had to play in the U12s section, which meant we would have to play against each other.

In true Bury Girls spirit both teams were out to make the most of the tournament, having fun and tweaking the squads ready for the start of the season, giving the opportunity for girls to try different positions and new players to gel with the rest of the team.

The opening game had to be against each other (nice move by the organisers), and as expected the older girls won the match. The U11s didn't make it easy holding the U12s to 0-0 during the first half. Final score 2-0 to the U12s. Both teams encouraged each other to go on and win the remaining games. Hoping we didn't meet until the final.

The next matches saw the U12s against Inter Mill Hill Girls, when a lapse in their concentration allowed Inter Mill Hill to scrape a 1-0 win, a game the U12s should have won. The U11s were against Gt. Harwood Rovers, a great game, with the U11s working hard to win 1-0. (Remember they are a year younger than this team).

Both the Bury teams needed to win their next matches to avoid meeting in the semi- finals. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be even though Bury played some extremely good football. The U12s won their match against Gt. Harwood Rovers 3-0, but the U11s couldn't beat Inter Mill Hill Girls U12s team and lost 3-0. It would seem matches played on pitch 17 (with the slope) were jinxed, both teams have lost to Inter Mill Hill on this pitch. Pitch 16 (nice and flat) seem to have better vibes for us. 'Lets hope the final is on 16'.

So to the semi-finals - a repeat of the opening game with both Bury teams having to play each other. Both teams knowing a win takes them to the finals. All the girls played well, and Graham did a great job of keeping his girls spirits up even though the older team had taken the lead. Final score 4-0 to the U12s. Well done to the U11s who battled right to the final whistle.

The other semi-final's result was a surprise when Gt. Harwood, who hadn't won a game all day some how managed to beat Inter Mill Hill Girls, who hadn't lost a game all day. Final result 2-1.

Bury's U12s went back to pitch 16 for the final, having over heard the tactics of the Gt. Harwood team, they were ready for them coming in hard and maybe a little bit dirty. Not that this bothered the U12s, they continued to play some neat passing football, and having changed formation made it very hard for Gt. Harwood to get possession of the ball. Bury girls went in to half time 3-0 up. With the massive support and cheering from the side lines from the U11s, Bury were determined to go out and get more goals in the second half. And so they did, final score 6-0.

Well done to all the girls who took part in the tournament, you did us proud. Thanks to Ella who took the net for the U12s, in the absence of the usual keeper. A special well done to Katherine, U11s keeper, who played some exceptional football. I am sure all agree Katherine was the 'Player of the Day'.

Pictures coming soon

The tournament also had their own photographer present on the day. To view action photos from the event click here to link to their website.