The England U18 Mens team coached by Andre Alleyne played in France over the weekend.

Cancellation of the ferry crossing due to impending bad weather 24 hours before the England U18 team were due to depart for the annual international tournament in Cherbourg did not detract from their performance. In fact, the change in travel arrangements helped build team spirit as players changed their travel plans from France, Germany, the Canary Islands, the US and England, to arrive 12 hours earlier. The earlier arrival enabled the team to train three times in preparation for their group games v Tunisia, Cherbourg and Romania. Head coach, Andre Alleyne was able to conduct excellent coaching sessions to cater for most eventualities; these sessions brought immediate dividends as England beat the athletic Tunisia 81-61 with Jack Stannard and Bradley Wilkinson top scoring with 18 points each.

Cherbourg, the host club, provided a spirited early encounter, but eventually succumbed to the fast breaking England team; this was reflected in Andrew Lawrence, a guard, being the top scorer with 18 points. A tough encounter was expected from Romania, but they were beaten comfortably 81-61 to ensure that England won their pool, and played Holland, the second placed team from Pool B in the semi-final. In a tight game in which Bradley Wilkinson excelled again, England won, reaching the final for the first time.

The final against Portugal was a close and tense encounter. Portugal raced to an early 13-4 lead, but a time-out by Andre Alleyne change the ‘mind-set’ of the players, who battled back to lead 34-25 lead at half time. Crucial 3 point shots from Josh Houghton and Jack Stannard, rebounds from Jeff Durkin, and tenacious defence from Andrew Wallace ensured a 67-58 win by England, much to the delight of the travelling England supporters. The second half belonged to Jamie Glen whose points and rebounds performed with an unconventional but effective style resulted in him being awarded the game’s MVP.

So for sports aficionados, forget England not qualifying for the European Football Championships, forget England not winning the Six Nations Rugby, the England U18 basketball team have won a highly respected European tournament, and need your support when playing in the European Championships in Hungary between 25th July – 4th August. When the annual accolades are reported in the press, remember the junior programmes and talented athletes emerging for 2012. These players are the stars of today and the future and need your support.

Words by Mr. R. H. Chappell (Team Manager)