The STRS footballers produced another dominant performance, beating Hereford Cathedral School 6 – 1. With seven first team regulars unavailable, Mr Jobson was pleased to be able to use the depth of talent on hand to field a strong side. Some positional changes were needed but every single member of the team played their role perfectly. The STRS machine burst into life from the opening whistle, the home side unable to get a touch of the ball. The constant pressure led to a corner – Price stepped up to take the kick and called a well-drilled near post routine, Chadwick on hand to flick home. The sublime skills on show from Smerdon and Ahmed in midfield had the HCS players chasing shadows, even the opposition substitutes were revelling in the masterclass. It was indeed Smerdon finding Ahmed that provided the second goal, Ahmed comfortably firing home. HCS were looking doomed as Tommies continued to pile forwards, creating chance after chance on the undulating pitch. Chadwick found himself in the area and produced a save from the ‘keeper, only for the ball to fall to the ever-present Price to knock home. The fourth goal saw Chadwick turn provider, sliding the ball expertly down the line for Smerdon to run powerfully goalwards, rounding the ‘keeper with aplomb. There was still time for Tommies to add to the scoring when Englefield found Smerdon in space, who then played the ball to the dangerous Chadwick to fire a left-footed shot across the face of the goal into the side netting. 5 – 0 to STRS at the break. HCS, to their credit, came out fighting and proved to be a much tougher opposition in the second half. Despite the Tommies defence looking totally comfortable, a routine pass back to our ‘keeper saw the ball bobble on the uneven surface, over Holder’s swinging foot and head agonisingly into the empty net. Tommies continued to create chances at the other end but the end product was harder to come by this half. Another goal was on the cards though and it was Smerdon who, again, provided Chadwick with the ball – he rounded two defenders before blasting the ball into the bottom right corner to complete an impressive hat-trick. The final whistle saw the score remain 6 – 1 to STRS. We now travel to Katherine Lady Berkeley’s for the semi-final of the County Cup with every chance of making the final. Good luck boys.