Middlesex Briggs Cup Champions

Mr Trattou writes:

HWS U18s Crowned Middlesex Briggs Cup Champions – The Unbeaten Kings of Middlesex

The final whistle blew, and chaos erupted. HWS U18s had done it. An unbeaten run throughout the entire competition, crowned Middlesex Briggs Cup Champions in the most dramatic way possible. This wasn’t just a story of talent—it was one of resilience, unity, and pure determination to be the best.

A Campaign of Dominance and Determination

From the very first match, it was clear that this HWS side was special. They played with intensity, confidence, and an unshakable belief in each other. Every game tested them in different ways—injuries, tough opposition, unpredictable weather—but nothing could break their spirit.

Through tactical brilliance and sheer hard work, they overcame every hurdle, refusing to accept anything less than victory. The closer they got to the final, the more unstoppable they became.

The Road to the Final – A Battle from Start to Finish

From the first whistle of the group stage, HWS U18s made their intentions clear: they weren’t just here to compete—they were here to dominate. They stormed through the opening rounds, playing with intensity, chemistry, and an attacking flair that left teams struggling to keep up.

Their first major test came against Barnet & Southgate College, a well-drilled side with serious firepower. But HWS were relentless, securing a thrilling 5-3 victory in a goal-filled encounter that showcased their attacking prowess. Then came Central Foundation Boys School, where HWS put on a footballing masterclass, dismantling their opponents 12-1 in an utterly ruthless performance. Undefeated in the group stage, they moved on to the knockout rounds with confidence sky-high.

The Last 16 proved to be a true test of character. Up against a strong Nower Hill High School side, HWS found themselves in a battle. A high-intensity clash saw the game end in a dramatic 3-3 draw, forcing a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. The pressure was immense, but HWS held their nerve, showing composure and resilience to win 5-4 on penalties and advance to the quarter-finals.

Against Winchmore School, HWS returned to their free-flowing best, delivering a dominant 5-1 victory that left no doubt about their championship credentials. With their momentum building, they faced Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School in the semi-finals—a side known for their defensive discipline and physicality. HWS, however, were simply unstoppable, blowing them away with a 6-1 win to book their place in the highly anticipated final.

The results spoke for themselves—HWS had fought, battled, and worked relentlessly to earn their spot in the final. But they knew their biggest test was yet to come. Waiting for them was JFS, a team that had proven to be just as hungry for glory. It was time for the ultimate showdown.

The Final – A Game for the Ages

With the Middlesex Briggs Cup on the line, HWS stepped onto the pitch knowing they had 90 minutes to make history. And they wasted no time making their mark.

HWS struck first, delivering a brilliant team goal that set the tone. A beautiful build-up play saw the ball switched to Josh, who took on the right-back in a classy manner before finishing with precision to make it 1-0. The crowd erupted, sensing something special.

However, football is a game of moments, and a split-second lapse in concentration allowed the opposition to equalize. A corner bounced dangerously in the box, and despite HWS’s attempts to clear, the opposition pounced to make it 1-1.

But HWS refused to let the setback shake them. They regained control, showing the same composure and teamwork that had gotten them this far. Their patience paid off when Sam played a masterful through ball to Kiefer, who took on his man and clinically finished to restore the lead—2-1 HWS.

Then came controversy. A scramble in the HWS box led to confusion between the keeper and the defenders. The referee pointed to the spot. A debatable penalty, but the opposition capitalised, levelling the game at 2-2.

A Championship-Winning Moment

With the game on the line and just two minutes remaining, HWS needed something special. And they delivered.

A brilliant move through the middle saw a perfectly weighted through ball sent to Kiefer, who surged forward. Just outside the 18-yard box, he was hacked down—a clear foul. Last kick of the game.

Kiefer turned, looking for guidance. The instructions were simple but crucial:
“Chest over the ball and put your foot through it.”

And that’s exactly what he did.

A clean strike, the ball rocketed off the inside of the crossbar, bounced down, and into the net. Pandemonium. The squad, the crowd, the entire stadium erupted. Before the opposition could even restart, the referee blew for full-time. HWS were champions.

Making History – A Victory for the Team, the School, and Haringey

This wasn’t just any trophy—it was a piece of history. The last time HWS lifted a Middlesex Cup trophy was in 2013, over a decade ago. Now, the Squad of 24/25 season had etched their names into the school’s legacy, bringing the cup home in the most unforgettable way.

It was a massive achievement, not just for the boys, but for the school and the entire borough of Haringey. They had represented their community with pride, proving that hard work, dedication, and teamwork can overcome any obstacle.

Unbeaten. Unbreakable. Unforgettable.

It was more than just a trophy—it was the reward for months of hard work, for pushing through every obstacle, for playing as a team and believing in each other.

HWS U18s have not only become the Middlesex Briggs Cup Champions but have also established themselves as the undefeated kings of Middlesex.

Massive Shout out to the Squad

A huge shout out to all the boys who have made me, as your coach, incredibly proud. It has been a true pleasure to be a part of your development as both a squad and as young men. Your commitment, resilience, and heart on the pitch have been nothing short of inspirational. Shout out to match officials MOTM who was Joshua Gibbons and managers MOTM who was Kiefer Gorman after scoring a brace.

Bring on next season—let’s aim to retain this cup and conquer the others.