St Cat's secure Under 14 National Championship title

St Catherine’s claimed the Under 14 National Schools Championship title after defeating Downe House 1-0 in a tense final on Day 4 in Aldershot.

The Surrey school were extremely free scoring throughout the group stages, defeating Queen Margaret’s (10-0), Stowe (4-0), Heathfield (8-0), and Withington (4-3) for a +23 goal difference.

Their form continued as they advanced through to the knockouts with a 5-0 win over St Pauls in the Last 16, followed by a 2-1 win over previously unbeaten St Albans in the quarter final.

A professional 3-0 semi final win set St Cat’s up for a meeting against Downe House in the final who had been equally impressive in their run to the Championships game.

A perfect pool play record matched that of St Cat’s, beating Abbots Hill (6-0), St James (8-0), Bedford (6-0) and St Pauls (5-2) to enter the knockouts with the best record and a +24 goal difference.

A rematch against Bedford in the Last 16 was no trouble with a 4-0 win, before a much tougher quarter final against Queen Anne’s finishing 3-3 and going to overtime, both teams were still unable to be separated, and Downe House were able to advance by virtue of scoring first.

Downe House’s momentum was carried into a tough semi final against Putney High, this time managing to just come out on the right side of a 3-2 scoreline to take on St Cat’s

The final was an extremely tight contest and, with a scoreless first half, it looked as though the match could be decided by a single goal, and that proved to be the case.

A lovely passing move finally cut open the Downe House defence and St Cat’s took with the lead with only a few minutes remaining.

Downe House did have chances to tie the game and take it to overtime but a mix of a resolute defending and good goalkeeping kept them out and St Catherine’s were able to see the game through to the end leading to well-deserved celebrations.

Other Day 4 Finals:

U14 Division 1: St Helen & St Katharine 4-1 Godolphin
U13 Championship: Berkhamsted 6-2 Guildford High
U13 Division 1: Haileybury 2-1 St Helen & St Katharine