A squad of 22 mixed age group (12 – 16yrs) players with coaches and supporters from The International School, Brussels were entertained at Spencer on Saturday 27th October. The visit represented the 10th consecutive, annual visit by ISB since the start of their programme. Spencer also welcomed Mathis to their squad – on one of his occasional now that he and his family have returned to live in Paris.

Two games were played – the morning game focused on the younger end of the age spectrum with the afternoon game focusing on the top end.

Our younger age team included a few of the successful u12 six-a-side team fresh from their success at the Holder Trophy last week supported by a few from each of the older age groups – a pretty close match to ISB – at least sizewize.

The ISB group were, on average, probably a little older than our younger team but our basic skills were more secure which, when coupled with a little bit more experience, was sufficient for a comfortable 10 – 2 win. It was great to see Spencer move the ball between the age groups with the younger guys playing a full part – Will X being joint top scorer. A good display and a deserved result.

The Team: Milo, Will X, Dan P, Meghan, Harrison, Guy, Tyler, Joey, Mathis, Jude, Nathan, Dan H & Cam

The younger guys/gals did not play in the afternoon game as more of the u15/u16 group joined the squad. ISB beefed up their team producing a more keenly fought and much closer game. ISB were generally most reliant on driving and shooting but Spencer’s ball movement, a feature of the morning game, was the key to a 7 – 4 win, together with some good finishing by top scorer Nathan (before he and Dad had to whizz home to sort out a plumbing emergency).

The team: Alex, Jude, Milo, Harrison, Ewan, Guy, Harvey, Dan H, Jobey, Joe C, Jude, Nathan, Edward, Will C, Rufus, Mathis & Cam

A THANK YOU to ISB for making the trip – a really worthwhile day with plenty of opportunity for players from both groups to test themselves against each other – and against players we don’t meet regularly.

Our u13 – u17 Groups are now looking forward to the return trip to play in the ISB Tournament over the weekend of 20/21 April 2013. Over the weekend we also received an invitation to take a u12 team to Brussels. At the moment this trip is pencilled in for 23/24 March but ISB need to confirm the availability of facilities.