March 5th 2023 Cup Match KO 9:30am
Team:
Esme
Sienna W.
Sienna M.
Emilia
Emy-Mae
Alexis
Ava
Izzy
Sponsor: Lightning Tools and Life Investments Estate Agency
A cold morning in Burbage greeted both teams in our first cup match of the season as we faced FC Burbage U9 Rojo. Despite the early start and the chill, Rugby Town seemed up for the challenge of this 2nd round fixture (first round was a bye).
Playing on a tight grass pitch Rugby started well with loads of drive and positive forward runs against a well organised Rojo defensive formation. Rugby had several goal opportunities and good possession over the first 20 min period but all attempts failed to record a positive outcome to reward the teams display. This allowed Burbage to build its own momentum and with a good move they managed to take the lead on this tightly fought cup match. This seemed to instantly fire up the Rugby girls with a well taken reply and goal driven from a midfield position to equal the score line in this hard-fought cup match. Then in real cup end-to-end style, Rojo broke just before the half time whistle with an equally impressive and well taken strike. As the teams headed off the pitch for the half time break Rugby was behind by a cat’s whisker!
The second half started in the same manner as the first with Rugby girls making numerous strong runs from deep positions with some excellent defending, passing and team work in the middle of the park to setup some positive chances that deserved greater reward. One of these opportunities produced a lighting strike that bounced off the upright as Rugby entered the final zone with real determination and will to close the gap.
Despite this the stop watch was still counting down and Burbage were still threatening the Rugby goal with breakaway movements. With just the last part of the half remaining the tension was building and eventually the girls were rewarded with a successful strike from the left wing to create equilibrium between both hardworking teams. As the game moved into its final minutes and seconds a final Rugby strike crept over the line to ensure Rugby girls progressed to the 3rd round of the cup, which was energy sapping for both hardworking teams.
Summary: You could see what this match and result meant to the girls at the final whistle and this was driven through 40 mins of pure determination and team work despite being behind for most of the game. Well done team great effort.
POM: Sienna W. for her having creative vision and creating opportunities for the team with precision passing.
PPOM: Sienna M. For her constant energy, leading the line with some excellent passing and a real team ethic at its heart.
