"they had a sense of purpose that this was their season to achieve" The Brentwood 1st XI had a real enthusiastic 2021 return to playing school football again post covid, and had a sense of purpose that this was their season to achieve. Although making an early exit from the ISFA Cup against Whitgift, solid win displays in the Elgin league against Latymer Upper, City of London, Ibstock and Highgate helped them secure the top position in their division. This winning habit also steered this determined team through to the latter stages of the Essex Cup. With 2022 underway, the 1st XI again faced Whitgift, in the Elgin league semi-final. This time the players emerged victorious and only four days later, would go head on with Aldenham school in the final. This final match had everything, revealed every player’s strengths and weaknesses and provided the opportunity for the brave to take their chance. The tight contest went to penalties and both teams missed early on, however it was Brentwood’s sense of desire to never give up in their quest to achieve that came through, winning the shootout 4-2. This was Brentwood’s first ever Elgin league title since this Independent School competition began. However, the team wanted more winning experiences and the Essex Cup final against St John’s School provided another football rollercoaster ride. Leading 3-1 with 5 minutes remaining, Brentwood allowed this to slip towards the end and the momentum tide in extra time could not be turned. The hopes of a dream league and cup double was not to be. To sum up the season, these players decided at the start that they badly wanted to achieve. They understood, made 1ST XI FOOTBALL 87
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