13th March 2022
Venue – Rugby Borough FC
Team – Emilia, Esme, Phoebe, Sienna W, Sienna M, Alexis, Evie, Emy-Mae
Sponsor – Lightning Tools
Rugby Town U8 vs Rugby Borough W&G U8 Wildcats
Our first fixture was against our local Rugby Borough, wearing orange tops and black shorts. Weather was chilly and partly cloudy, with the sun poking through the clouds a few times. Cup matches are limited to 10 minutes each way, forcing each team to really get into the game quickly before time runs out. Rugby Town started with our usual diamond formation, with Phoebe in goal, Emilia in defense, Emy-Mae and Sienna W. in midfield, and Alexis as striker. Evie, Esme, and Sienna M. waited eagerly for their chance to substitute. Being the first game, both teams seemed a little more hesitant to attack than we’ve seen performed in the past. After a few minutes of battling back and forth, we started to see some more passing and controlled play that we are used to. Halftime came quickly, with no goals score yet by either team. Alexis, Evie, and Esme, started the second, giving Alexis, Emy-Mae, and Sienna W. a rest. The second half continued with slightly more energy that we started with, yet Borough showed a few more attacking runs up the wing, with Rugby Town fighting hard to limit their success. Rugby Town had some chances, and shots were taken by both teams, with the final few minutes seeing a goal conceded to Rugby Borough.
Rugby Borough 1 – Rugby Town 0
Rugby Town U8 vs Lutterworth Athletic Youth U8 Hurricanes
Second match of the day, and the girls were now realising the stakes of the cup tournament. While our first match saw us a little slow to get going, now Rugby Town was ready to put forth more energy and effort, hoping to see a goal in the back of the net. Lutterworth played well, wearing green and white stripe, doing a decent job of holding their formation, and making sharp passes. But Rugby Town, now being more on their game, wasn’t going to concede a goal so easily. The first half was well fought, with Rugby demonstrating clever defending, and making runs while also moving to space. Similar to the first match, halftime saw both teams still wanting a goal. With continued determination, and non-stop effort, Rugby Town started to see more possession in the oppositions half. During one of last attacks, which was initially stopped by Lutterworth defense, Emilia tackled the defender and made a quick touch out to the left wing, where Sienna M. dribbled towards the goal. After a quick adjustment for aim, Sienna M. took her shot, which gently ricocheted off the left post and into the back of the net.
Rugby Town 1 – Lutterworth 0
Rugby Town U8 vs Whetstone Juniors U8 Vixens
Final match of the day, against a relatively new team to the league, Whetstone Juniors, who wore red and black. An equally matched opponent, Whetstone was keen off the whistle, with Rugby Town continuing to make their best efforts to control possession. Being the last match, energy wavered a few times, and during one counter attack by Whetstone, Rugby conceded a goal, finding it difficult to make it back in time to prevent it. However, Rugby kept their heads high, and continued to press as a team, determined to find an equaliser. The second half saw Esme step up as keeper to give Phoebe a well-deserved break. Rugby continued the game with increasing power, all very well considering the girls had been running non-stop for nearly an hour. The hard work paid off as we watched a solid strike from Emy-Mae, giving Rugby a reason to celebrate, her shot smoking past the keeper into to the back of the net.
After the final whistle, and with this being a points based cup, there needed to be a winner. So onto penalty kicks for the girls. Up first was Sienna W. who cleanly struck the ball to the right side, hitting the net. Next up Whetstone, their player making a nice strike to finish. Emilia was second for Rugby, confidently placing the ball to the keeper’s left with ease. Whetstone then followed suit with another finish. Third for Rugby was Emy-Mae, who struck the ball hard and well, yet unluckily missing just to the left of the goal. Finally, Whetstone made a powerful strike in the back of the net to come out on top. Tough finish for Rugby, but first time doing penalties, and each one were so brave to do so in front of loads of parents and spectators.
Rugby Town 1 – Whetstone 1
PENALTIES
Whetstone 3 – Town 2
A superb day of football, with some highs and lows, celebrations and disappointments, which all come in sport. Alexis and Sienna M. both pressed the oppositions’ defense, and attacked with strength and determination. Sienna W., Emy-Mae, Evie, and Esme, all worked hard in mid-field, running their hearts out to get the ball forward, while also hustling back to defend. Emilia, and Emy-Mae on occasion, playing defense, were crucial in keeping chances low for the opposing teams. Phoebe, being our last line of defense, made some cracking saves. Esme also kept the ball from our net on more than one occasion during the last half of our third match. Each player should be proud of their effort, as the coaching staff and parents are of them. Thanks to Rugby Borough for hosting, and also to Lutterworth and Whetstone for a great day of footy.
Player of the Match: The entire team deserves to share the award today. Everyone gave a smashing performance, and for completing their first cup tournament.