ESF Primary Football Tournament at KGV: December 2011

Chilly winter weather greeted teams, supporters and officials at KGV on 10 December for the ESF Primary Football Tournament. Outfield players wore gloves and there was much stamping of feet and blowing on hands along the touchlines.

Play started brightly with Kennedy School, Kowloon Junior School and Glenealy School all looking strong. Quarry Bay School, winners of the ESF Services competition in September boasted a miserly defence that went through the entire tournament without conceding a single goal. Unfortunately they only managed to score one and were eliminated at the group stage.

By mid morning the sun was high enough to lift the temperature a few degrees. Spectators discarded overcoats and team huddles appeared to be more about motivation than simply keeping warm.

Stronger sides began to emerge during the final round of group matches. Coaches used pen and paper to talk tactics and were rewarded with teams that produced fluid passing, solid tackling and good linking play.

In the first of the semi finals, Kennedy took on German Swiss International School (GSIS) who sneaked through thanks to a very late winner. Glenealy were left with the task of trying to beat perennial favourites Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) but despite a very spirited comeback they fell narrowly short. 

The penultimate game saw Hong Lok Yuen International School edge out Kowloon Junior School in an exciting plate final.

The cup final was an even-matched affair decided by the heroics of the GSIS goalkeeper who pulled off an acrobatic save described as one of the best ever by veteran ESF football tournament watchers. Not content with keeping his side in the match, the agile keeper went on to save the deciding penalty in a shootout that ended 6-5 to GSIS.

The event was a resounding success. Teams fought hard but fairly and the quality of football was a credit to all those involved. Special thanks to organiser Luke Schroder of Quarry Bay School. 

Click here to see photos of the day.