20th March 2022, KO 10:30
Team – Emilia, Emy-Mae, Esme, Evie, Phoebe, Sienna W.
Sponsor – Lightning Tools
Mid-morning kick-off this week and thank goodness, at last, some long overdue warming sunshine for a match day. At the request of the opposition, we played 4x 10-minute quarters.
Only three weeks ago we played an entertaining away game against today’s opposition, so we had some idea what to expect from their newly formed team. Knowing that Rugby is well drilled and familiar with this setup, the tried and trusted diamond formation was employed once again. The starting line-up was Phoebe in goal, Emilia in defence, Sienna W. in left wing, Emy-Mae in right wing, with Esme taking up the central attacking position.
The first quarter was a tentative display from both teams as they worked themselves into the game. Some high pressing from Rugby was seem and helped Rugby settle those nerves.
Second quarter, Evie replaced Esme in the central attacking position. Rugby now started to take the initiative with a high press and some slick passes deep into the opposition’s half, ensuring the Albert Village were held in defence for most of this quarter. Some solid defending from the ever-dependable Emilia with the occasional backup from Emy-Mae gave confidence that we could hold firm.
Third quarter started in a similar vein to the second, Rugby playing that high line with some great pressing and real hard graft thrown in there. Emilia now moved to the right-hand attacking position with Emy-Mae taking over defensive duties.
Final quarter sees Esme take over defensive duties, with Evie taking a well-earned rest Emilia now takes on the central attacking position. Things really start to click as the girls understood how to affect the game in a positive manner, giving no rest to the opposition.
A solid performance from the team today. It was pleasing to see the girls improve in their positional awareness during this game… for example, our centre forwards staying further up the pitch waiting for that through ball. Also, our wide attacking players gradually understood they should not constantly get drawn away from their zones in an attempt to get the ball.
Managers’ player of the game – Esme. A great performance in that centre forward position with an equally impressive debut in defence. We believe this was Esme’s best performance to date and well worthy of managers player of the game.
Parents’ player of the game – All the girls played well today making this decision hard for the parents. Because of this the parents’ player of the match had to be shared between Emy-Mae, Sienna W. & Evie
A quick thank you to Harrison for taking up referee duties today.