Berks Elite Golds Fall To RTB In 3-1 Defeat At King George V

Berks Elite Golds hosted RTB at King George V Playing Fields on 12 September 2025, with kick-off at 11:30am in a 7-a-side league encounter lasting 50 minutes plus added time. The home side were defeated 3-1 in a match that saw RTB take control early and maintain their advantage throughout.

Berks Elite Golds lined up in a 2-3-1 formation, deploying Max Humphreys in goal to marshal the defence. The central defensive partnership consisted of Oliver Hazzard and Callum Chaffe, tasked with repelling RTB’s attacks. Ahead of them, the midfield trio featured Jasper Harrison on the right, William Reeve centrally, and Vinnie Kirby on the left, expected to link defence and attack while providing width and creativity. Cameron Barr led the line as the lone striker, charged with converting chances. The substitutes available were George Jaricha and Archie Thomson.

The match began with RTB asserting early dominance, and it was no surprise when they opened the scoring in the seventh minute, taking a 1-0 lead. Just one minute later, Berks Elite Golds made an early tactical change, bringing on George Jaricha to replace right midfielder Jasper Harrison, perhaps seeking fresh impetus on the flank.

As the game progressed, Berks Elite Golds struggled to find rhythm, and in the 24th minute, another substitution saw Archie Thomson replace left midfielder Vinnie Kirby, signalling a reshuffle in midfield ahead of the half-time break at 25 minutes.

The second half saw RTB extend their lead in the 34th minute with a goal assisted by Berks Elite Golds’ own William Reeve, an unfortunate moment that doubled RTB’s advantage to 2-0. Berks Elite Golds responded with two substitutions in the 35th minute: Jasper Harrison returned to the field replacing central defender Oliver Hazzard, while Vinnie Kirby was reintroduced on the left wing in place of George Jaricha, indicating a tactical shift to regain control in midfield and defence.

Shortly before the final stages, at 43 minutes, George Jaricha came back on for Archie Thomson, and RTB struck again to make it 3-0, effectively putting the game beyond Berks Elite Golds’ reach.

Despite the uphill battle, Berks Elite Golds earned a penalty late on, and Cameron Barr stepped up to convert in the 49th minute, giving the home side a consolation goal and a final scoreline of 3-1.

William Reeve was named player of the match for his tireless work in central midfield, contributing both defensively and offensively, including the assist that unfortunately led to RTB’s second goal.

In summary, Berks Elite Golds were unable to overcome RTB’s early dominance and clinical finishing, despite several tactical substitutions and a late penalty goal. The home side will look to regroup and build on the positives from this encounter in their upcoming fixtures.