Pitsea based Bowers United under-13s put forward a performance of pride, commitment, passion and work rate in the prestigious Amsterdam Cup in Holland.
The boys were superb both on and off the pitch and the tournament was played in wet conditions over two days.
The Bowers boys battled throughout and only lost out when a Coventry School of Excellence side beat them 2-0 in the final.
There were round robin groups of four teams with the top two from each going through. In the first group they played two Dutch teams and a Cambridge School of Excellence line-up who they met first and beat 2-0.
They went on to win their next two games to take the group and progress to the following stage.
The next day they found they had been drawn to meet two more Dutch sides and the tournament favourites from the Portsmouth School of Excellence.
The game with Pompey was to be the turning point. They battled to a superb 3-1 win and now started to believe they could win the whole thing.
They drew their next game and showed the British bulldog spirit when beating a tough FC Sranang side 1-0 to make the final and be certain of a trophy.
Despite their final defeat, Bowers embarked on a well deserved celebration before being taken on a guided tour of Ajax's Stadium.
Manager Denis Hickey said: "After a good season, in which we finished third in the league and were beaten in the cup semi-finals, this was the icing on the cake."
Anyone interested in joining the successful line-up should call Denis on 01268 418286 or coach Tony Cross on 07719 377996.
Published Monday, June 16, 2003
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