In a tense battle today at Stadium Riviera, the Stormtroopers finally overcame the SuperSnakes and in so doing secured the Beijing League U11A Championship.

It was never going to be easy against the fast improving SuperSnakes, themselves determined to spoil the party as they had done so impressively a few weeks before against BSB. But with BSB only needing to overcome CCF it had to be a win - and in the end a fine win it turned out to be..

The first half opened at a furious pace with the Stormtroopers trying to assert their authority with some neat passing play. After Luc had gone wide and Tommy hit one over, a long range wonder shot from Jordan cannoned back off the crossbar. But we didn’t have to wait long. An excellent passing move down the right involving the very impressive Alexander, was deftly flicked in by Luc on 10 minutes to give the Stormtroopers and early lead. After that the SuperSnakes fought back and it took some excellent keeping once again from Isaac to maintain the lead. Despite some Snake pressure, as in recent weeks the new three man defence, this time Alex, Jacob and Jordan, was holding really firm so there was no way through.

Half Time: SuperSnakes 0 Stormtroopers 1

Early in the second half the Stormtroopers twice came close to extending the lead with both Brendan and Tommy seeing efforts scrambled off the line but these Snakes are dangerous and it was no surprise when Danny was able to cross for Tommy Vavala to smash home the equalizer. Game On. However the lead was short lived as our Tommy was able to stroll forwards unchallenged and drill a great shot into the bottom corner for 2-1. 18 minutes in and Brendan found space in the box to turn and shoot to extend the lead to 3-1 and provide a little breathing space. Towards the end the age difference started to tell as the Snakes tired. A penalty was awarded for handball in the box, duly despatched by Jordan for 4-1 then with seconds left Alex, who had gone close twice already, got his ‘just desserts’ for a fine game overlapping down the right with a goal from distance.

Full Time: SuperSnakes 1 Stormtroopers 5

Man of the Match: 3 way tie today - Tommy - class from the midfield, Isaac - once again a saviour at the back and Alex, effective going forwards and defending.

Team: Isaac, Alex, Jacob, Jordan, Luc, Matthew, Tommy, Haydn, Brendan

Verdict: Great to finish the League season on a high. We have ‘won ugly’ a few times this season but today the Stormtroopers raised their game to a level just out of reach of the fast developing Super Snakes. There were stars all over the pitch today. Defensively we were strong, not much got through and Jacob & Alex regularly raided forwards with effect. Jordan looked assured in the centre and held his ground well. Tommy was a constant menace going forwards well supported by Brendan, Matthew, Haydn and Luc. As for Isaac - if he keeps improving at this rate, Denmark will have found the new Peter Schmeichal !

It all bodes very well for Bangkok....