Trungle Parc Hosts County Schools Final
A total of 40 children and several dozen spectators enjoyed a spirited afternoon of football despite the cold and windy conditions and the occasional downpour and hailstones.
The main event at 4 pm was the Centenary Shield Final, a competition between small schools across Cornwall who have fewer than 50 pupils aged 8 to 11. This year the two finalists were from the furthest west part of the county, and the winner would have their name on the Shield for the first time.
The game took place on a specially marked-out 7-a-side area centred on the pitch at Trungle Parc, the home of Mousehole AFC who play in the South West Peninsula League West Division.
The children had the use of the club’s home and away dressing rooms and each received an ‘official’ programme designed for the occasion showing their names and details of the Centenary Shield competition.
The match was refereed by Ray Brown, Chairman of Cornwall Schools FA and Cornwall FA Referee Development Officer, and he assisted Tim Richardson, Chairman of Mousehole AFC, in presenting the medals to both sets of players and the Shield to the winners.
All the goals came in the first half, with St Buryan taking an early lead but Sennen coming back with three goals of their own. As the end of the first 15 minutes approached, St Buryan scored again to make it 2-3 and set up an interesting second half.
Despite there being no further goals after the interval, the action continued from end to end with both teams fully committed and spectators kept on their toes, but with St Buryan just failing to get the goal that would have taken this thrilling game into extra time, Sennen were able to take the Shield back in the direction of Lands End, winners by 3-2.
The earlier part of the afternoon was taken up with a series of ‘friendly’ but thoroughly competitive matches between the pupils of Mousehole Primary School, referred by headteacher Chris Roynon, who had been instrumental in selecting Trungle Parc as the venue for the final.
Before presenting the Shield and medals to the Sennen and St Buryan teams, Ray Brown congratulated all the players on a well-fought and entertaining final. Thanking the club for their “fantastic hospitality”, he added: “Despite the weather you put on an excellent occasion that was well enjoyed by all concerned”.
Commenting on the success of the occasion and the prospect of similar ventures in the future, Tim Richardson said: “Thanks to everyone for a great day at Trungle Parc. It was a privilege for us all at the club to host such an event. The standard of the games was superb and the behavior of the children a credit to the schools! The club is seeking to make greater use of Trungle Parc, not only for events such as today’s but also for children’s coaching and fun sessions at weekends and during school holiday periods.”
Malcolm Vian, Competitions Organiser for Cornwall Schools Football Association sent his thanks on behalf of CSFA for putting on the final, adding: “Judging by the arrangements, you really have done Mousehole AFC proud”.
