October 9th, 2022
Kick-off: 9:30am
Squad: Esme, Phoebe, Sienna M., Emilia, Emy-Mae, Alexis, Roisin, Izzy
Rugby Towns U9’s second away match of the season having 8 players to rotate and ready to face Ambleside Diamonds on grass with a nice early start in the October sunshine.
The game started with Phoebe in goal, Emy-Mae, Alexis, Roisin and Sienna M. with Rugby getting the better start with plenty of possession and free flowing attacking play despite playing uphill towards the Ambleside goal. After an excellent block by Phoebe, Rugby Town then played the next 5 minute period mainly in the Ambleside half, resulting in Sienna M. showing successful play. This then followed Ambleside using strong midfield and attacking play with 3 fast-paced counter attacks on the Rugby goal. The Rugby heads did not drop and Emy-Mae, Alexis and Roisin continued to battle for every 50/50 ball in the middle and Rugby then enjoyed a positive end to the last few minutes with Sienna M. producing another strong run around the Ambleside defense.
Substitutions introduced Esme, Izzy and Emilia onto the field, resting Roisin, Alexis and Sienna M. In the first few minutes Emy-Mae pushing forward in a more attacking role hit the post with a thunderbolt shot that deserved so much more. Ambleside then countered back instantly using the slope to good advantage on the break. The next period then followed a similar pattern as the first, with Rugby dominating possession with Phoebe, Esme, Izzy and Emilia working exceedingly hard, providing opportunities for Emy-Mae to give the opposition’s defense some trouble. Ambleside then immediately and quickly swung the play again with the same effective counter attacking style that we saw previously.
Playing downhill and with the extent of possession from the first half meant that confidence was still high from the Rugby team as it entered the second half. Phoebe, Emilia, Alexis, Sienna M. and Emy-Mae started and it was an uncharacteristic slow start to this period for the Rugby U9’s who normally get stronger as the game moves forward. This period was dominated by an entrenched midfield battle by both teams as Rugby adjusted to the pace of the slope that ended eventually saw Ambleside out manoeuvring for a period.
Nearing the last 10 minutes, Esme came on for Phoebe in goal. The final push started with Alexis and Emilia working effectively at the back whilst bringing the ball forward numerous times with strength and purpose. This allowed Emy-Mae space in a wide position to pass perfectly to Sienna M. leaving an open gap. The hardworking Emy-Mae in her best game this season was then rested with Sienna M. for the fresh legs of Roisin and Izzy who both came on and worked extremely hard as the team now faced a determined and strong Ambleside in the final 5 minutes. Esme responded well and had a strong period in goal. Despite the pressure by Ambleside, Rugby Town still showed great determination to defend and counterattack with Emilia, Alexis, Izzy and Roisin working hard for each other as a team.
In summary this was a highly entertaining match with many positives, strong running and attacking combined to deliver an end to end match that was fast-paced and free flowing for both teams. Rugby Town’s possession and work rate continued throughout, with enjoyment and a positive outlook, building an ever strengthening team spirit.
POM: Emy-Mae for her overall match contribution at both ends of the pitch.