Evans-Moore Cup 2008
Winners - Hunters Hall Primary
HUNTERS HALL EMERGED victorious, claiming the first silverware of the season, in the Evans-Moore Cup at Monteagle. A 3-0 win against St Margaret's in the final saw the Alibon Road side lift the trophy for the first time.
In contrast, the day began with a 2-1 defeat for Hunters Hall in their opening Group D match against Rush Green. However, confident wins over Marsh Green and Becontree saw them join their earlier opponents in progressing to the knock-out stages.
Elsewhere, Bruno Daniel and Arinze Ossai's goals helped Godwin to top Group A. Monteagle finished second, thanks to District star Luke Gelston's cool winner in the final group game against Henry Green to add to their victory over William Bellamy.
Flair, Power, Pace
St Margaret's thundered their way through Group B, beating St Joseph's, Ripple and Richard Alibon with flair, pace and power. Striker Reno Turner's goals ensured that Ripple picked up points against the remaining two sides to book a quarter-final berth.
Finally, in Group C, it was a tense three-way battle with John Perry and St Peter's progressing, and Grafton just missing out despite a 3-0 victory over The Leys in the final match.
In the quarter-finals, 2-1 wins for St Margaret's and Hunters Hall, over Monteagle and John Perry respectively, saw the eventual finalists progress. Whilst St Peter's needed extra-time to overcome Rush Green 1-0 and Godwin crashed out on penalties to Ripple as the tie remained goalless after extra time.
By now Hunters Hall had found their confidence, playing flowing, attacking football right throughout the side. Ripple were eased aside 2-0 after superb strikes by District players Daniel Boyce and Louis Phillips. Ripple battled hard to get back into the game, James McKnight in the Hall goal producing an outstanding save when the scoreline was 1-0.
The second semi final paired St. Peter's, impressive in their group stage, against St Margaret's, who boasted the competitions only 100 % record. The game was a tight affair but St Margaret's edged themselves in front and although they were holding on in the end, they did enough to reach the final.
Supreme
And Hunters Hall's supreme performances continued in the final where they confirmed their status as the borough's top side, winning 3-0 in a match they dominated from first to last. They took the lead, in a fast and furious match, through Daniel Boyce after good work by Louis Phillips and Jesse Amoh. And an individual wonder goal by Billy Savvas saw them double their lead.
St Margaret's tried to get back into the game but Hunters Hall were too strong in all areas of the pitch. With Sam Springall in irresistible form at the heart of the defence, it was all Hunters Hall. The seal was put on the win when Phillips added a third to ensure that Hall were the victors in a competition that was played in a great spirit despite the poor conditions
Both finalists now represent BDSFA in the Essex finals on November 20th.
