The Under 11’s played a new team from Leicester, the St Andrews Panthers, at Butlin Road. A delayed kick off due to an away players flat tyre helped build the tension for the crowd. Panthers dominated the early part of the match with attacking pressure but Olivia and Freya kept a solid defensive shape in protecting Jasmine in goal.
The Friday night crossing practice was clearly being put into play and both Ruby and Sophia began to take the game to the opposition, with a fast break set up by Anya and some great finishing on display from Chloe.
The girls confidence began to grow, and a more attacking approach led to Sophia intercepting a pass, taking on two players and extending the home team’s advantage.
Annabelle came on from the subs bench and the wing play from both the right and left continued. As half time approached, the Panthers had a breakthrough of their own.
Freya took her all-action style in goal for the 2nd half and the team continued to demonstrate some committed defending, good tackling and kept the opposition at bay. With Anya and Annabelle pulling the strings in the centre and breaking at pace, Ruby, Jasmine and Sophia all brought good saves from the goalkeeper.
As the heat of the morning began to impact on the energy levels, Rugby were able to keep the pace up and Sophia showed some clinical finishing once again. Further chances continued to come with some smart saves keeping the girls at bay before the final whistle.
Annabelle was voted Player of the Match for her versatility in playing in every outfield position and all round play. Special mention to new referee Harrison who did an excellent job in overseeing the game.