After dominating the division and running away with the title the focus today was on the cup final. The boys turned up at Parkfiels ground in buoyant mood. With the warm up done and the team selected the boys started the match well on top. Dominating the game from a solid defence, creative midfield they continued to create chances up front. Striker Ben Poole went close from some glancing headers from some excellent corners from the industrious Owen Chantry. Josh Harnett, Jack Tomkins also went close with shots from distance. St. Joesph’s were limited to only one opportunity which keeper Ryan Fox smothered.
Into the second half and Ruislip continued to press and from yet another corner Josh Harnett found space in the bow to glance his header into the bottom corner. With all the chances Ruislip really should have been out of sight as St. Joesphs were only threatening now and again on the counter attack. Some Heavy handed defending allowed St Joesphs a few free kicks around the box and one was surely going to count and it did to make it all square. With the lottery of penalties looming Ruislip went all out attack to win the game which unfortunately played into the hands of St. Joesphs counter attack methods which they are good at. With just two minutes remaining St Joesphs broke out of defence into Ruislips half and score the winner. The Ruislip boys continued to press right to the final whistle but just could not take there chances today.
The cup tournament really was a bonus for this team this season as the objective of the season was to win the league which the boys have done. The experience of playing in a cup final will be valuable to these players as most have never experienced a final before.
Ruislip’s team; Ryan Fox, Kinsey Hogg, Martin Thornton, Jordan Cameron (C) Charlie Poole, Daniel Ayres, Alex Wright, Sam Fraser, Owen Chantry, Josh Harnett, Nathan Appleby, Jack Tomkins, Ben Poole, Sash, Ronan Hodgson.