IIL sports are back to business

IIL have once again started the year strongly in sporting competitions.

ADSIR MINIME BOYS CHAMPIONS Tuesday 20th September 

First up was the Minime boys ADSIR football tournament hosted by Institut Florimont.

The boys started off slowly within the group stages, throwing away a 1-0 lead to eventually end their first match 1-1. After a long talk from their coach IIL improved and hit the ground running in their second match, defeating their opposition 3-0.

However, IIL switched off in their 3rd group game and spurned countless chances in front of goal only to be punished in the most cruel manner. The International school of Lausanne barely threatened us for the whole match, only to capitalise on a silly mistake in the last minute, making them 1-0 winners.

With only 4 points on the board IIL’s chances looked slim from qualifying for the semi final stages. However, the boys found a new lease of life and comfortably won their last two group matches leaving them on 10 points. Through sheer luck, other results went IIL’s way and so they were able to progress to the semi finals where they would face LGB.

The boys were fully focused and played some amazing football at times to eventually overcome LGB 3-1 and qualified for the final.

The final was once again a tense affair between IIL and local rivals Florimont.
Florimont took an early lead with a well worked goal, passing around IIL’s defence and finishing one of their only chances in the match. IIL never gave up and managed to equalise late on in the game to take the tie to dreaded penalties.

It was a close encounter at penalties as both teams missed and scored their designated spot kicks. In sudden death, IIL’s central defender stepped up and calmly slotted away his penalty only for Florimont’s keeper to step up and be thwarted by the IIL goalkeeper meaning the Minime boys were crowned champions!

ADISR BENJAMIN BOYS CHAMPIONS Thursday 22nd September 

IIL Benjamin boys took a team to participate in the ADISR Benjamin tournament hosted by the International school of Florimont on Thursday 22nd of September. IIL began the tournament with a match against LGB. The boys were ready and full of energy, showcasing their superiority on the pitch by defeating LGB 4-0. A great start to the tournament was followed by another convincing 4-0 victory against Nations International School.

IIL came across a tough opponent in their third group match as they faced the International school of Florimont. The match was a physical battle with both teams scoring their only opportunities in the match meaning the match ended equally at 1-1.

IIL were eager to return to winning ways in their final group match and push to finish top of the group. IIL faced the International School of ENSR and produced a composed and disciplined display eventually running out 2-0 winners. This confirmed that IIL would top their group in first place and qualify to play in the semi-finals.

IIL were paired with the International school of Haut-Lac and knew that they would have to be at the top of their game if they were to progress to the final. IIL were relentless when attacking Haut-Lac’s defence and took their chances superbly creating a 3-0 early in the match. The boys let their guard down in the final 2 minutes by letting Haut Lac score but it was a mere consolation goal as the final whistle sounded shortly after meaning IIL would compete in the final.

IIL faced an opposition unknown to them as they encountered The International school of La Cote for the first time. The match was a close call as both teams struggled to break each other down and create clear cut chances. IIL’s moment of truth came when Kyle broke through the centre of the pitch and unleashed a bullet of a shot into the opposition’s bottom corner, with the goalkeeper left stranded. IIL kept La Cote out for the final 5 minutes and defended their narrow lead with gut and determination. Eventually the final whistle blew and IIL were crowned ADISR Benjamin boys Champions.

SGIS NETBALL TOURNAMENT Category’s B, C, D and E. Saturday 24th September 

IIL participated in the SGIS Netball tournament on Saturday 24th September hosted by the International School of Lausanne. IIL took four teams to participate in all four categories.

Cat. B 

In Cat.B there were only 3 schools participating and so the teams had to play each other twice to maximise game time and competition. IIL started against a well organised La Châtaigneraie side but were able to eventually finish 7-4 in a very close match. Next up, the girls knew they would up against a very talented ISL side but were determined to match them. The girls were unfortunately not able to match ISL as they proved to be strong and eventually winning 9-2.

IIL were paired once again against the La Chat girls and once again ran away with a win, beating the opposition 11-7. After the heavy defeat to the hands of ISL in their first encounter, the girls wanted to improve on their performance this time around. They improved drastically, and gave ISL a tough battle. They eventually lost 8-13 but could their heads high with pride.

IIL finished 2nd in the category overall.

Cat. C 

In Cat.C , IIL girls were grouped with 3 other teams. IIL began their group stage against ISL and started on the front foot. The girls dominated proceedings with a confident display, moving the ball down court at a fast pace. IIL were dominant throughout and it was reflected in the end result, eventually winning 10-3. In a full confident mood, the girls proceeded to continue their great form into their second match and overcame a stubborn La Châtaigneraie side by winning 8-4. The girls were in pole position to finish first and needed to muster up a strong performance in their final match against LGB to be in with a chance of making the final . IIL started the match nervously and let the occasion get to them as they made several silly mistakes and gave away possession too frequently in the first half. After some reassuring words, the girls came out firing on on cylinders ready to compete and showcase their talents. The match eventually ended 15-7 to IIL and the girls were overcome with joy at the final whistle as they qualified for the final. Once again IIL were matched against La Châtaigneraie whom they had previously beaten in the group stages. However, the girls were told to take nothing for granted and apply themselves once more. After a shaky start the girls found their feet and were able to put on a display that was worthy of winning any match. They had an extra spring in their step as they took chance after chance, and slowly pulled away from their opposition from a scoring perspective. IIL eventually won 13-6 meaning that they were crowned Cat. C champions of 2016.

Cat. D 

In the Cat.D tournament on this occasion, there was few and far between the three schools competing with one another. Once again, because of a small group, each school would play each twice. Each school was capable of beating one another in a competitive group. IIL were set to play ISL in their first match and did not disappoint with a hugely entertaining match that ended with a victory 5-3. The girls then faced stiff competition from La Châtaigneraie in their second match of the day. The girls tried to their best to break down their opposition but were shut out from a well organised unit. In a close match, IIL were unfortunately on the end of a frustrating defeat that ended 6-3 to La Chat.

In the second round of matches, IIL found it a bit difficult to replicate their previous performances. Once again the girls played ISL whom they had previously overcome 5-3. However, this was not to be the case this time as their opposition wanted revenge for their previous defeat. The game was end to end with both teams capitalising on their oppositions mistakes. Unfortunately the girls lost by a slight margin 8-7 but were still high in spirits. In IIL’s final match they played La Châtaigneraie girls once more. After the bitter disappointment of the previous match, the girls tried their best to overcome La Chat but were once more forced to taste defeat 7-3. After the points and goal average had been calculated, it turned out that IIL had finished 2nd overall in Cat.D.
Cat. E 

Going into the tournament, IIL girls were the strongest team at the tournament on paper but it was a question of whether they could apply it on court. They did not disappoint!
The girls talent was unquestionable as they racked up impressive wins against all the other schools competing. Some of the netball played by the girls was breathtaking at times considering how young they are. IIL began their group with a huge 13-0 victory over GES. They continued their form with a comfortable 8-1 victory over La Châtaigneraie. In their 3rd group match IIL were given a bigger test against a tough ISL team but managed to pull away with a 5-1 victory. The girls were full of confidence going into their final group game against LGB and supplied a final 11-1 victory that crowned them champions of Cat.E

Overall a fantastic start to the school year and we hope it continues….

Contact

mclark[at]iil.ch