Football – Senior Girls

Despite the relatively sparse fixture list for the Senior Girls football team, it has been a successful season. The team has won 2 out of 3 games, however, to describe some of the football as sublime would not be hyperbolic. The first game was against IKNS school, something that due to the geographical proximity of the school could be described as a local derby. On a very small and narrow pitch, the Girls ran out 3-1 winners. What was most impressive about this victory was the skilful, incisive passing that the Girls employed. Each goal involved a number of different touches by a number of different players. In our second match against Bahrain school, we were struggling with injuries and had to call on Year 10 for reinforcement. Unfortunately, in this game, the Girls were overpowered and in a flattering scoreline, lost 5-2. Our final match was also against Bahrain School, and with a full complement revenge was exact, ruthless and at times balletic. With great team organisation and determination Bahrain School were swept aside 5 -1 in a crushing victory.

It has been particularly pleasing to see the Girls evolve a style of football that involved keeping possession and building from the back. Special mention must go to a few players who always gave their all and played with distinction. Kate Searle was consistently excellent; a box to box midfielder with a tough and competitive edge through whom our attacking game flowed. Danni Wilkinson, Player of the Season, was a real competitor who had an eye for goal and excellent vision. As well as this Kia Hanahoe is a player of extremely high skill level and the ability to twist defenders inside out. A special mention must go to Mahanoor Ali who is our Most Improved Player;  a defensive rock who learnt to read the game really well. Finally, Sofia Bicos put an amazing performance in in the last game, only conceding one goal, more often than not putting her body on the line in order to shut Bahrain School out.

Back row  – (L-R) Steffi Hall, Danni Wilkinson, Georgia Sim, Sarah Welch, Kate Searl, Elligh Sissons, Mahanoor Ali

Front row ( L-R) Sofia Bicos, Alison Ross, Kia Hanahoe, Afaf Sidani

Senior Boys Football

As the season has drawn to a close, now is a good time to reflect on the achievements of the Senior Boys Football Team. The season started with the Unity Cup in Dubai. St Christopher’s did extremely well and finished in a respectable 4th place in this tournament following a penalty shoot-out, having come within one minute of reaching the Final itself. After the Unity Cup were league games against BSB, RVIS and Bahrain School in which the St Christopher’s team demonstrated their team spirit, putting in good performances against all teams, achieving one win, one draw and one defeat. The season drew to a close with a tournament hosted by RVIS. Unfortunately, depleted ranks due to examinations and the tournament coinciding with the UCAS evening meant that St Chris lost both of their two games. Nevertheless, the squad was very thankful for the help of several Year 11 guest players. With the added help of just one or two of the regulars, who knows what might have been?

So, 2017-18 has been another good season for the Senior Boys. There is a lot of potential in the squad and they will surely be challenging for trophies next season. We look forward to welcoming some very talented players to the squad who will be moving into Year 11, and we say a very fond farewell to the Year 13 boys who are leaving us for pastures new. Thanks for your huge contribution to our team, and good luck for the future.

Top row (left to right): Mr Pallister, Samer Janahi, Talal Al Saffar, Charlie Sissons, Adam Shamma, Hasan Dailami, Jordan Baker, Mr Davies

First row (left to right): Alex Ballet, Ali Mattar, Hassan Nahle, Sausthava Malakar, Kieran Hanahoe, Aidan Shretta, Mohammad Fazli