King James Academy in Royston continue their sporting success

In football, the historic and prestigious Hertfordshire Wix County shield dating back to 1901 was the prize awaiting the winners as the U11s of KJA took on Bovingdon.

The Garden Walk school had come from behind in the quarter-final to beat William Ransom 3-2 before knocking St Columba’s Prep out 6-5 on penalties in the semi-final.

The opening 10 minutes were tight with the first chance coming the way of Bovingdon, a low shot well saved.

That though spurred KJA into action and as they adapted to the slick, wet surface, so too did they create chances, taking three of them before the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern with Bovingdon being reduced to half chances and King James continuing to play with pace and purpose as they extended the lead to an incredible 7-0.

The scoreline was emphatic and maybe didn’t reflect the quality of the game and ability and effort of both teams.

Nevertheless it was King James who were able to lift the mighty shield to once again and add their name to the history books of one of the oldest football competitions in the country.

The U11 boys' football team at King James Academy. Picture: KJA (Image: King James Academy)

King James' Year 10 boys have a date in the English Schools' national final when they face Brooke House College on May 24 at The Hawthorns, home of West Bromwich Albion.

They warmed up for it though with the North Herts District Shield final against Knights Templar School from Baldock.

The final was almost a home affair, played at Royston Town, next door on Garden Walk, and both teams showed some excellent quality on the ball.

It was Knights Templar who took their opportunities in the first period, turning round 2-0 to the good.

However, the second half brought an incredible turnaround.

After only creating half-chances before the break, King James started to carve open their opponents.

Jake Emmett pulled one back in the opening minute and then added three more before Rushaun Cross made it five and completed a comfortable success.

And it isn't just football where they have impressed.

Other recent notable sporting achievements for King James include winning the Year 8 district basketball play-off final against a very good Hitchin Boys.

There has also been athletics success including the Hertfordshire U11 girls' sports hall athletics title, where they were also runners-up in the U11 and U12 boys' and the U12 girls'.

The school have also started their outdoor athletics season with wins in the first North Herts District League meet of the season for both boys and girls in years seven to 10.

Head of PE and school sport, Rob Dowler, said: "It has been fantastic to see so many of our pupils attending our extra curricular clubs and then coming together as a team to represent the school.

"When this then also leads to winning competitions and the pupils getting opportunities to share these moments together, it is a real bonus."