Bexley Grammar School 1st XI were confirmed as Champions of the league after beating Beths 3-2 on Wednesday 21st February. Thanks to an epic 2-1 win away at Gravesend in January with only 10 men (goals from Kyran Forbes and Liam Hutchings, brilliantly assisted by Riley Woods), BGS had their title chances in their own hands when they travelled to 2nd place Beths. Anything less than 3 points would have meant their bitter rivals walked away with the League instead.

Year 11 North Kent Cup Final (2022)

Having arrived at Beths, there was drama over the kick-off, as the pitches were playable, but it seemed that the opposition was nowhere to be seen. Thankfully, they turned up, slightly late, and the game was on. Beths started strongly and took an early lead, before Obi Igwe curled in a beauty with his left foot (the least he could do after missing a previous game!), before he then set up Riley Boyle to put BGS 2-1 up in a dominant first half display, the defence dealing with the Beths attacks, Dexter Gilchrist and Liam Hutchings putting in crunching tackles, Leo Ridge rampaging down the right-hand side and Miko leading the line like an old-fashioned number 9. Chances came and went, but as the second half started, former BGS student Arinze led Beths revival as they equalised with just over 20 minutes to go, and the title was slipping away from our hands. However, a brilliant interception high up from Riley Woods saw him with a chance to cross for Mason McKenna to scoop the ball home for a well-deserved winner with just under 10 minutes to go. Obi hit the post late on, but the boys comfortably held on, thanks in part to Aidan Wicks’ safe hands and game management, to secure BGS’ first ever 1st XI league title. A brilliant performance, expertly led by captain Oli Knight. Mal Turner was a standout player, causing havoc for the Beths defence with his clever positioning helping to create space for the forwards, but everyone in the squad played their part.

Year 8 North Kent Cup Final (2019)

It’s been a pleasure to have coached the Year 13s since they were in Year 7. They’ve been a fantastic bunch of people, and I’ve enjoyed every high and low with them over the years. We’ve had a number of cup finals (fewer than we should have due to Covid), but this victory is no more than they deserve for their hard work, dedication and attitude over the years. A credit to all the squad, who have contributed to this success throughout the school year!

The following players have made appearances this year: Aidan Wicks (GK), Oli Knight (C), Liam Hutchings, Mason McKenna, Leo Ridge, Dillon Walton, Riley Woods, Tayo Odumusi, Dexter Gilchrist, Jed Baulch, Hayden Ouattara, Mal Turner, Riley Boyle, Obi Igwe, Miko Bielski, Kyran Forbes, Jack Ristow, Sam Hood (GK), George Bell, Loic Ndoutoumou, JJ Adeduntun

Mr Martin, Year 13 Football Coach

 Year 7 (2018)

I cannot believe it’s over already. It seems as if just a couple of days ago I was turning up as a nervous Year 7 to the school football team trials. What a journey we have all come on as a team. I’ve had a great time playing for the school football team and the players, and we would all like to thank Mr Martin for the effort he has put in to make this incredible journey happen for us. From training before school to away matches in Canterbury, Mr Martin has put up with us for 7 Years, and we cannot thank him enough. This league win in our last game was a fantastic way to sign off. We played some of the best football we have ever played, with lots of rotations, clever movement and intricate passes all over the pitch. Now the only thing left we have to win is the Sixth Form vs teachers match later on this year. I think we have it in the bag. I’ve heard rumours round the school saying that we were the Bexley Grammar golden era!

Well done to all the boys who have played this year and, yet again, thank you to Mr Martin!

Oli Knight, Year 13