The girls kicked off their new season against Cosby United, a team against which they achieved a win and a loss last season. The team had already experienced some change before the season started, with some experienced players moving on and a new management and coaching team in place.
The game kicked off at midday in unexpectedly sunny conditions and the heat was definitely a factor in the game. In addition to the above changes,the team played in a new formation, playing three at the back as opposed to their usual four at the back.
Cosby started the game more confidently, probably benefiting from the fact that they started their season a week earlier. It took a while for Cosby to break down the Rugby defence, but once they did a couple of further goals followed and Rugby were 3 nil down around the half hour mark. Rugby stuck to the game plan of playing the ball through midfield and Lauren scored an excellent goal before half time.
Half Time Score: Rugby 1 Cosby 3
The second half saw Rugby continue to battle against a strong Cosby team. Lots of substitutions were necessary as some players picked up knocks and some were in need of a rest and rehydration. Cosby scored soon after the half time break which was a big set back as Rugby were hopeful of building on the goal they scored before half time. The constant need to change the team did not help Rugby’s cause and Cosby scored two more goals as Rugby started to tire in the latter stages.
Final Score: Rugby 1 Cosby 6
Always disappointing to suffer a defeat, but well done to the girls for battling hard against a well prepared and solid team on a full size pitch, again something they are not yet used to.
All the girls did well in tough conditions, but special mentions go to:
Rebecca for making some excellent saves on her return to the team.
Alice and Sophie for being the only two outfield players to play the full 80 minutes.
Megan for working tirelessly in attack.
When choosing a player of the match we could not choose between two players so it was a joint award:
Cait, who played in probably every position except goalkeeper, cutting out attacks at one end and carrying the ball forward to create chances at the other end.
Sammie, who made a really impressive and energetic debut in midfield, putting in good tackles and always finding a team mate with her passes.