Rugby Town Girls U12s vs AFC Barwell U12s – Sunday 30th September
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Rugby Town Squad: Elle J (C), Ella, Ellie, Hannah, Kelsey, Sophia, Erin, Izzy, Tash
Rugby Town faced top of the table AFC Barwell. The outcome of the game would decide who would finish the weekend top of table. All to play for and excitement levels were high.
1st Half
Both teams started strong and it was clear from the whistle that this game was not going to be a walk over for either team.
Rugby won an early corner which was picked up by Barwell who proceeded to apply huge pressure on the Rugby goal, seeing a number of shots go wide in the first 5 minutes.
The game started to become quite end to end, with some ferocious work being done in midfield to win and regain possession. A good goal kick from Sophia finally saw Rugby producing a positive break in play.
Elle J, Kelsey and Tash had a great period up front, moving the ball well and working to open up the Barwell defence. Whenever Rugby manage to get a combination play going they look dangerous, and this was no exception. Elle J delivered a sweet pass to Tash who, showing great movement and awareness of her team mates, played a perfect pass to Kelsey, who converted with a great strike!
Rugby Town 1 – 0 AFC Barwell.
Ellie A had a good run up into midfield from her left back position, releasing the ball well to the Rugby forwards. Again, another good spell from Rugby saw them working the ball well towards a scoring position, Kelsey unlucky to hit the left post.
Back down to the Rugby half and Ella made a great clearance with an awesome header. This is not something the Ella is keen to do, so to try and succeed with that move in such a crucial position was excellent!
Barwell continued pushing for the equaliser and a quick and well timed run from them down the right wing saw Rugby a little slow in defence. Barwell beat the Rugby defence and their player released an excellent strike, beating Sophia who just dipped a little early, and the ball shot into the top left hand corner of the Rugby goal.
Rugby Town 1 – 1 AFC Barwell
Barwell now had their sights set on a win and it is fair to say Rugby now had to struggle to hold back a wave of Barwell attacks which saw several strikes in quick succession, saved, or go over the bar. Rugby were now a little rattled and have to concentrate to calm the game down.
Erin and Ellie worked so hard in defence, but making any progress forward was slow. When the ball was cleared, it seemed to be a two player game with the keepers kicking the ball to each other end to end.
Rugby won a couple of corners, well delivered by Tash, but Barwell were proficient in clearing the ball and Rugby failed to convert any chances on goal.
Finally, in the last 5 minutes of the half, again using combination play, Rugby found a space through the Barwell defence with a Kelsey, Elle, Kelsey passing piece allowing Kelsey a shot on target. The shot was straight at the Barwell keeper, who unluckily for them, fumbled the save and saw the ball bobbled into the back of the net.
Rugby Town Girls U12s 2 – 1 AFC Barwell U12s
Second Half
Rugby started the second half in the lead but under no illusions that the next half was going to be easy, they were going to have to dig deep to retain the lead.
Ellie A swapped out for Hannah in the defensive midfield position and Izzy swapped in for Erin in right back. Rugby were certainly going to need fresh defensive legs.
The second half was physical and frantic with too much action going on to right coherent notes. Rugby had a number of throw ins, that although delivered well, could not penetrate the Barwell midfield. Possession passed back and forth continuously between the two teams.
Half way through the second half, Kelsey, Tash and Ellie J finally managed to work some passing play up , Elle J seeing her shot very well saved at the far post.
By now the midfield was a battle area, with both teams determined not to relinquish possession, Barwell desperately chasing an equaliser and Rugby clinging on to the lead.
Sophia did very well to ignore huge pressure from the Barwell forwards and Izzy have a great game in right back, timing her runs well and not letting herself be intimidated by some very proficient Barwell players.
Hannah kept a cool head and knew it was her time to drop back and support the Rugby defenders. All three of them (Izzy, Ella, Hannah) worked so hard to defend and clear. Great communication with Sophia left no confusion about responsibilities at the back.
The final whistle saw an exhausted but triumphant Rugby back at the sideline ruminating on what was arguable their toughest game to date.
Well done girls, you fought to the end and kept cool heads. Team communication was excellent and the goals delivered by perfect teamwork and combination play.
Top of the table with a game in hand, and deservedly so!
Rugby Town Girls U12s 2 – 1 AFC Barwell U12s
Thank you Tony for refereeing our game and to the parents for your support.
Parents Player of the Match – for very committed and brave performance in what was a very physical game: Elle J
Coaches Player of the Match – for displaying a constant desire to push forward and attack, and great teamwork, resulting in the two goals: Kelsey