For the first time ever the Under 10’s had two games on Sunday so we split the large squad into two teams and all descended on Butlin Road for a double header! Instead of the usual seven subs Rugby would only have cameo appearances from the girls playing in the second game to fall back on, so their fitness and determination would be tested to the limit against a Birstall team a year older.
Eleanor was resolute and strong in defence, growing in confidence every week as her positional sense develops and she can always be relied upon to make some brave tackles, even against the older (taller) Birstall girls. Katie showed her customary energy as she covered every inch of the pitch, she displayed great determination and an enormous smile throughout as all of the girls revelled in the additional time on the pitch.
Beth played the whole game up front as Rugby’s focal point in attack and did a fantastic job of pressuring the Birstall defence, she was confident on the ball and got herself in countless scoring positions. Poppy’s footwork and confidence on the ball were a great asset to the Rugby team as she attacked the Birstall defence at pace – she did well to carve out opportunities for her teammates and also had a number of shots on target herself.
Indie put in a relentless shift in the Rugby midfield, getting up and down the wing whilst still managing to break up play effectively and stop Birstall getting forward. Isobel put in a huge shift in central midfield and was rewarded for her persistence and determination with a clinical finish – she doesn’t usually get to play that far up the pitch and she grabbed the opportunity with both hands and took full advantage.
Captain Connie showed great intelligence in the Rugby defence, her positioning is second to none and she shows a maturity and understanding of the game well beyond her years – she always plays it safe and never gave Birstall a chance to get forward. Ria was confident and dependable in the Rugby goal, making some fine saves whilst also distributing the ball with great power and accuracy.
As experiments go it was a resounding success and all of the girls benefitted from far greater playing time, took responsibility for the tasks and positional challenges they were set and showed great confidence and attitude throughout. Every one of the squad put in fantastic individual performances and worked as a team with great determination to get a deserved result playing an age group up – well done girls!
Player of the Match: Beth put in a huge performance up front; showed great determination and energy, held the ball up well and carved out a number of scoring opportunities