AT THE end of a long, wet, windy, disruptive season, feelings of jubilation and success fill the corridors and sports fields at Queen Elizabeth's Community College!

This season students at the college have taken part in more than 35 fixtures all over the South West, involving over 120 pupils from all year groups.

The season kicked off last October with the Year 7 boys travelling to Liskeard School in the National Cup and winning 7-3.

Other impressive results followed and we are hopeful for cup success in future seasons for this up-and-coming team!

After last year's East Devon Cup triumph, QE's Year 10 Boys Team proved to be an ultimate force again - winning the Exeter Schools Championship in March and thus bringing the first piece of silverware back to the QE trophy cabinet. Meanwhile QE's Sixth Form Boys team also notched some excellent results, notably a 5-2 win over Kings School in the Devon County Cup. Sadly, their cup-run came to an end at a cold fixture away at Tavistock.

AMAZING SUCCESS FOR GIRLS TEAM

The Year 8 and 11 Boys also claimed some excellent wins throughout the season, against Kings School and Uffculme to name but a few triumphs. However, by far the greatest loss for the Year 11s was their 2-1 loss against the infamous and unstoppable QE Teachers' Team at the end of the season!

Girls' football at QE has come on rapidly over the past two years for which the college owes thanks to Miss Payne for all her hard work.

The girls had an amazing season with both the Under 13s and Under 16s, making the Devon County Cup finals at the Devon FA headquarters in Newton Abbot. The Under 13 Girls were very unlucky, losing 1-0 in their final against Exmouth. The Under 16 Girls also faced a tough game against Ivybridge, sadly finishing on a 5-0 loss.

Nevertheless, for two of QE's teams to make the Finals is a huge achievement and the college is very proud, and is expecting more shots at the silverware next year.

Enormous congratulations to QE's Year 9 Boys, who, after narrowly missing out to Torquay Boys Grammar School in the Devon County Final last year, came back on top form and had an absolutely outstanding season.

In the early rounds of both the East Devon Cup and Devon County Cup, these boys gained some outrageous results... first came the 15-0 win over Bramdean School, followed by a 17-2 win over Westlands School from Torquay.

The wins continued despite tough Semi Final games against ISCA in the Devon County Cup (3- 2 win) and Exmouth in the East Devon Cup (5-2 win).

The road to the finals was a long one, but on the day, the QE team took up their starting positions against Pilton School from Barnstaple at the Devon F.A headquarters in Newton Abbot.

QE looked in control throughout and finished the game as 5-1 winners (scorers Goss, Kite, Gallagher hat-trick!)

With this trophy under their belts, their was little time for celebration as the following day saw the same team in the final of the East Devon Cup at St James' Park, playing against Okehampton.

With tired legs but high spirits, the team put on a good show, though Okehampton looked strong.

QE led at the interval 1-0 thanks to a good finish from Sam Gallagher.

Then, 15 minutes from the end Okehampton equalised and the threat of extra time loomed.

QE hit the woodwork, twice but it was a yet another fine effort from Gallagher, which clinched both the win and the second trophy in two days for the team! Devon County champions and East Devon champions in one season is surely going to be a difficult record to beat!

Colin Skinner, who teaches PE at QE, said, "After what has been the most successful QE football season in years, we owe thanks to Mr Cole for his experience, words of technical wisdom and superb kit washing capabilities!

"Thanks also to Mr Tearle for his 'Brian Clough style' management of the year 11 team and running of other fixtures throughout the season.

"QE's pupils have been a pleasure to work with and have made the taste of success a good one! Thank you to all involved."

Report from QECC