Squad: Norah, Sophie, Millie, Ellie, Poppy, Bella, Jesmin, Olivia
Sponsor: LightningTools
This week saw the U9s travel to Coalville on a cold but sunny morning. Dan and Kate stepped in and warmed the girls up and prepared them for the game.
Today the girls played their first proper game of 7-a-side. With no preparation and not expecting to play that way the girls took to it fabulously. With a formation of 2-3-1 the girls had to adjust quickly to the added players and the size of the pitch.
The girls were freezing to made sure to put in extra effort which they well and truly did! Rugby had a fairly even match against Coalville with a respectable ending. All the girls had a great game with some fantastic link up play and balls being played forward. The added space on the pitch worked well in Rugby’s favour as Poppy and Jesmin in defence have great big kicks up the pitch so do Norah and Olivia in goal. The 2 goalkeepers preferred the extra options to pass to from goal kicks as well as more space to put the ball into.
On Friday we worked on defending which was evident as the defending as a team on the whole was really good, all players held their positions well especially in midfield. Poppy and Jesmin covered well for each other as did Bella for Millie and Ellie in midfield. In the first half Ellie played some brilliant ball up the line for Olivia upfront. After some link up play and a great run up the pitch by Ellie saw Olivia in the perfect position in the box which saw Rugby celebrate. Sophie was subbed on and followed her instructions to the T which created some great space and chances for her team mates to run into. She also applied pressure on the Coalville defence which forced a lot of throw ins.
In the second half Norah took a turn in midfield and made some great runs up the left wing. Millie had her turn upfront which created a lot of chances for Rugby especially when a long clearance or goal kick came her way.
All the girls ran their socks off up and down the pitch and really worked together as a team.
Managers player – Sophie for some great play in an unfamiliar position and following the instructions.
Parents players – Ellie and Poppy, both for great team play and giving 100% effort throughout the whole match