November 6th 2022
Sponsor – Lightning Tools
Team: Phoebe, Sienna W., Sienna M. Emilia, Emy-Mae, Roisin, Alexis
This was Rugby Towns U9s return match as an away fixture to face Coalville Ravenettes again for the second time in just 8 days. It was an early start and the players, managers and parents were greeted to an early morning fog in North West Leicestershire. Coaches decided to revert to the traditional diamond formation with Phoebe in goal, Alexis in defence, Emilia and Sienna M. in deeper wide roles and Roisin playing up front and leading the line.
For the first 15 minutes Coalville pressed Rugby Town exceedingly hard and they had numerous linked up plays in the opening period with strength in tackling and possession, which played out mainly in Rugby’s half. It was clear at this early point that this was going to be a very physical match. Phoebe at the start and throughout the game managed to make numerous stops and blocks with some well-made saves.
Alexis playing deeper than her normal position worked hard, made several last minute critical stops and challenges ensuring Rugby kept in the game. Roisin playing in attack for the first time this season grew in confidence with her new position as the game progressed, whilst working hard to find space and support her team mates throughout the match. After the 10 minute break Sienna M. and Roisin were rested for Sienna W. and Emy-Mae. Despite the Rugby endeavour we were still unable to get meaningful traction and grip the game. Despite this fact, Rugby Town still did very well to hold Coalville from advancing, making some excellent defending and goalkeeping. Sienna M. who had just come back on produced a fast paced charge past the Coalville robust defence with a well taken effort. From this moment it seemed to act as the turning point and catalyst for the game sending the girls straight into the half-time break on a high and with real inner self-belief.
The start of the second half and the next 20 mins outlined this game as a game of two halves, dominated by Rugby Town pressure, Coalville were forced into a defensive formation. The Rugby pressure was characterised with positive and exciting midfield and wide running movements by Sienna W. and Emilia showing excellent passing and team understanding. It was one of these moments that allowed Emy-Mae to build on her “business as usual” all round strong end to end performances, by finding some clear space in the Coalville box and receiving a fantastic pass from Sienna M.
As the girls entered the last 10 minutes of the second half and the fog cleared they all showed a real desire to play and compete, highlighting skills and good team work learnt on the training ground. Constant Rugby pressure allowed Emilia an opportunity to find space and deliver one of her trade mark runs. With just a short time left Coalville tried to counter attack but the Rugby girls held out with some solid defending and decent possession.
Managers Players: Roisin – Hardworking and dedication with growing confidence playing in competitive matches, while demonstrating the special awareness we’ve been working on in training.
Parents Player: Sienna M. – Delivering skilful passing and non-stop effort to regain possession.
