Sunday February 5th 2022 KO 10:30
Team: Esme, Phoebe, Sienna W., Sienna M., Emilia, Emy-Mae, Alexis
Team Sponsors: Lightning Tools and Life Investment Estate Agents
A beautiful blue sky and crisp morning greeted both teams in our first away match since November 2022 and our first game on grass in 2023 as we faced Groby Juniors U9 Vixens. As both team’s kits clashed we agreed to wear our pink training bibs with 7 players available to play this game in North East Leicestershire.
It might have been an optical illusion but the pitch looked smaller than usual with long tuffs of grass and furrows which made the playing surface challenging in direct comparison to a free flowing astro pitch. Despite this both teams gave us a very entertaining end to end game that felt equally matched and balanced. The surface ensured most balls became a 50:50 battle preventing our normal flow and effective attacking style. This played out with Groby mastering the surface, the quicker of the two teams, and holding the possession in the Rugby half for the opening 5-7 minutes to our team’s dismay. Rugby Town slowly learnt to adapt to the playing surface with increased possession and the control eventually switching back to Rugby Town with some excellent hard work and activity in front of goal.
The second half played out very much like the first half with Groby dominating early possession with a strong and crisp style. The Rugby defence then seemed to grip the game from the back winning the majority of the 50:50 balls which in turn allowed space to open up in the Groby end. This resulted in increased levels of free flowing football and opportunities whilst managing the challenges of the playing surface. This allowed Rugby to build momentum. All in all, it was a thoroughly enjoyable match between two hardworking teams.
Match Summary:
The team displayed real strength and belief during the game and at no point did any heads drop to ensure they delivered a match that reflected such an equal game. Well done U9s, especially as it was our first away game and on grass since November of last year.
POM: Emy-Mae, for her strength in defence, reading the game and anticipating the opposition’s movements, while also creating lots of opportunities for attack.
PPOM: Esme, for excellent forward strength attacking, and some well taken shots on goal after not having played outfield for some time, as well as some excellent second half goal-keeping.