Champions with two games to spare!

Esher 0 Balham 5

If ever a team deserved to win the league, Balham U16s Class of 2025 did. They have worked so hard for each other across the whole season and all 19 of the squad have played a critical role. To beaming smiles from parents and players alike, the Prosecco was popped as the Whites celebrated securing the title with a comfortable victory against the bottom-placed side.

On an exceptionally early Mother's Day start, made to feel even more brutal by the clock change, the boys were actually sluggish for the first ten minutes. On a horribly bobbly pitch, it took a while for the league leaders to get their passing game going with several moves breaking down and Esher having the best of the first few minutes. The home side hit the post very early on and should have scored from the rebound. It was the wake up call that Balham needed, and they nearly struck a first but for an excellent save from Dylan's effort. Unfortunately that was to be the end of his game as he landed awkwardly after the shot with a badly jarred knee.

After a short delay, the Whites started the match again with a newly found hunger. The first goal was created from an amazing dribble from Max, his lightening pace leaving two or three players for dust. It deserved a goal, but the keeper saved the initial shot, only for Lucas to tap home a simple rebound. The Whites then started to recycle the ball around the back and midfield in a much crisper manner, and soon extended their lead. Jude's cushioned pass found Max at the edge of the box, who curled a shot to perfection into the top corner - a wonderful goal. Having had the privelege to be standing directly behind it, it was clear the ball was going in as soon as it left his foot. The Whites looked to be cruising and pretty much cemented the victory with a lovely third. Several players had a role in the build-up, culminating in a lovely lob over the keeper by Jude for Lucas to volley the ball into an empty net. Igor had a couple of chances before half-time and the home side had another chance after some negligent passing at the back.

The second half was comfortable with Balham spending pretty much all of it in the opposition's half. Wilbur's corner hit the bar early on, and the keeper made a good save from Junior's resulting chance. AJ's chance from a corner was well saved and it looked like he was bundled over in the box a couple of minutes later, but a penalty was not given. Whilst the Whites were in no danger of conceding, they wanted more goals with Luke coming close from both a header and a driven shot. Finally, the fourth came after a lovely switch of play found Wilbur, whose incisive ball took out the defender for Junior to side foot home. A similar goal came shortly afterwards after strong battling from George found the same player for a fifth. Junior was unlucky not to get a hat-trick but unfortunately a fine save prevented it.

It was still before midday, but it wasn't long before the prosecco was out (thank you Nick!) for the boys to celebrate in the goalmouth. With excellent support from the parents, the boys celebrated to the tune of 'Championes' with Wilbur spraying them all like a true professional.

Notes of congratulations have been coming in since, with both the Carshalton and Old Ruts managers writing to us, the latter saying "definitely the best team in the league from the start and thoroughly deserved to be champions." Previous coach of the Colts, Tomasz, has quipped that we should be organising an open-top bus tour around Balham and the club Committee have said that it bodes very well for Youth team football next season.

The Whites still have two matches to play, but they can relax and enjoy them now in the knowledge that no-one can catch them. A brilliant way to finish Sunday Youth football. And now you're going to believe us, we're going to win the league.