Southill Show Swagger and Grit in NASH Cup Competition
After winning this prestigious competition last academic year, Southill were determined to retain their trophy and bring it back to the cabinet once again.
This year’s NASH Cup format was very different. All fourteen teams — both big and small schools — played each other once. The highest-finishing big school and the highest-finishing small school would be crowned winners. More matches? More competition? Why not!
Below are the results from each game, along with goalscorers, key moments and talking points from an unforgettable day.
Game 1 – Southill 2–0 Bincombe
Gurraag x1, Ronnie x1
An inswinging corner from Max led to Gurraag’s goal at the near post, and a long kick from Bryce caught the defence off guard, allowing Ronnie to expertly poke home. Off to a winning start!
Game 2 – Southill 0–0 St Nicholas and St Lawrence
St Nicholas and St Lawrence proved tricky customers. It was a cagey game with few clear chances. Noah’s free kick came dangerously close to claiming all three points, but an excellent save from the St Nics goalkeeper kept the scores level.
Game 3 – Southill 3–0 Atlantic Academy
Jacob x1, Ronnie x1, Max x1
A very convincing performance in the third game. Jacob’s blistering strike from outside the box swerved past the keeper before he had a chance to react. Ronnie hit the crossbar three times but finally found his goal after a superb through ball from Noah gave him a simple finish. Max capped a fine performance with an excellent goal from a tight angle. At the back, there was very little for Ellis, Wills, Gurraag and Bryce to deal with.
Game 4 – Southill 2–0 St Johns
Maxwell x1, Max x1
Despite heavy pressure, Southill initially struggled to find the breakthrough. Finally, after six minutes, Maxwell poached a goal inside the box to calm any nerves. With a minute to go, Max sealed the game with an incredible strike from just outside the area. A comfortable win in the end.
Game 5 – Southill 1–0 Conifers
Ronnie x1
A VERY cagey game. After 7 minutes and 45 seconds of relentless pressure, Conifers looked like a nut too tough to crack. However, perseverance paid off. A ball into the box caused confusion, and Ronnie reacted quickest, smashing the ball past the helpless keeper. ANOTHER WIN FOR THE BOYS IN BLUE.
Game 6 – Holy Trinity 1–3 Southill
Jacob x1, Max x2
An incredible display from the boys. Despite going 1–0 down in the opening minute, the team remained calm and composed, pulling together brilliantly. Jacob levelled the game with another strike from outside the box, lifting spirits and causing Holy Trinity heads to drop.
A crucial save at our end followed by a superb long ball from Bryce saw Max skip past his defender and smash the ball into the top left corner. Max added his second before the final whistle, as clever decoy runs from Noah and Wills created the space he needed to strike again.
Game 7 – Southill 0–0 Chickerell
A very tight contest with good chances for both sides. Wills and Ellis made outstanding last-minute interceptions to keep the scores level. Noah came close with a low drive towards the bottom corner, while Jacob nearly found the net with a free kick. A draw was probably a fair result.
Game 8 – St Georges 1–1 Southill
Ronnie x1
The boys looked understandably tired after playing back-to-back matches. An excellent corner from Max struck a St Georges defender and ricocheted off Ronnie to give us the lead. Unfortunately, we were caught on the counter-attack after committing too many players forward, and St Georges equalised.
Game 9 – Beechcroft 3–1 Southill
Ronnie x1
On paper, we were favourites — but football isn’t played on paper. Two defensive mistakes led to two quick Beechcroft goals. A quick throw-in resulted in a snapshot from Maxwell that cannoned off the post, falling kindly to Ronnie, who adjusted brilliantly and finished to make it 2–1. Pushing for an equaliser left us exposed, and Beechcroft sealed the game with a third.
Game 10 – Southill 2–1 St Augustines
Maxwell x1, Jacob x1
The game of the tournament! Southill took the lead after just two minutes when Maxwell calmly slotted into the bottom corner. St Augustines had been outstanding throughout the tournament and played with great intensity. Their hard work paid off with a superb move down the left resulting in an equaliser.
With only a minute remaining, a fast cross into the box reached Jacob. His first touch flicked the ball over the defender’s head, and his second was a thunderous volley into the top left corner. What a goal. What a win!
Game 11 – Wyke Regis 0–0 Southill
Wyke had won every game before facing Southill. It was a close encounter, with both teams creating half-chances, but a draw was a fair outcome.
Game 12 – Southill 1–2 Radipole
Jacob x1
By this stage, the team were utterly exhausted after a full day of football. Jacob once again provided hope with a jinking run from the left, cutting inside and finishing confidently. However, Radipole had other ideas, scoring twice in the closing moments. It was a tough way to end the day, but the boys had given absolutely everything and earned the respect of every big school they faced.
Final Thoughts
After all results were verified, Wyke Regis deservedly finished top of the group, followed by St Augustines. Southill finished 3rd — narrowly missing out on a trophy by just one point.
Nevertheless, I could not be prouder of the nine boys who competed throughout the day. Their tenacity, energy and enthusiasm were a joy to witness. They gave blood, sweat and tears from start to finish.
A huge thank you to Joe Allen for organising such a fantastic tournament. Thanks also to Steph for her invaluable support throughout the day — the coffee, the conversations and the meticulous record-keeping were greatly appreciated.
To every parent, grandparent and friend of Southill School who came to cheer the team on — thank you. I am sure you were just as proud as I was.
Finally, thank you to Mr Frampton for capturing the magic on camera.
What an incredible tournament.
Tom
NASH CUP - Boys 27/02/26
