14th January 2024
Sponsors: Kelsy Living and Life Investment Estate Agents
The squad today was Floss, Phoebe, Charlotte, Sophie, Ada, Primrose, Imogen, and Paige.
Having hosted FC Burbage at home only the week before, and having had a fantastic, even match-up between the teams, it was clear this week was going to be the epic sequel.
The fear of frosty conditions on the grass pitch were abated as the winter morning sun came out, taking the edge off the crisp morning chill.
The match kicked off with Floss, Phoebe, Charlotte, and Sophie on the pitch, with Paige taking up her usual goal keeping. From the start Floss got stuck in, making strong, determined tackles, whilst Sophie pressed the up-front attacks at every chance. Phoebe was working well in mid-field, making a few good through-passes to Sophie. Charlotte was a staunch defender, stubbornly getting in the way of the oppositions incoming attacks and putting in a shift with her running and cover.
Paige had the opportunity to showcase her skills, as did opposition keeper. Phoebe showed good awareness during the opposition throw ins to mark the right players and not let them out of her sights. At the end of the of the first period, the match was close.
Lots of changes going into the second period, with Imogen going in goal allowing Paige to play in mid-field. Ada and Primrose came on, with Charlotte sticking to her strong defence Paige really got stuck in making a couple of great tackles and runs, showing some real determination. During this period the opposition really stepped up their game and were putting some real pressure on Rugby.
Ada was showing some lovely footwork and ball control, and Primrose was putting in her usual fast runs to make good coverage. An over-eager push by Rugby meant no-one was left back in defence, so the team were caught off guard by a 3-person break by the opposition.
A lot of hard work was needed in mid-field with the home team putting the pressure on. The grass pitch was quite wet, and the heavy conditions were causing some issue with loose balls and stumbles, but a strong performance by Imogen, and an incredible run by Ada, the girls were showing that they weren’t going to give up. The hard work was paying off but the girls were using all their energy.
Into the second half and Ada was in goal with Sophie, Imogen, Phoebe and Floss out. Imogen really came into her own during this period, making some wonderful strong tackles, and chasing the opposition down with pure determination. Ada showed her knowledge of goalkeeping, by reading the incoming ball so well and anticipating where to be.
Sophie and Floss were working together really well and managed to put together a number of good runs. Every time they were thwarted by the oppositions defence. Burbage had a solid back-line, their best asset in the game, that just kept our attacks back time and again.
The other girls all had an opportunity to play some more throughout the 3rd and 4th periods. Charlotte got back into her strong defending, cleverly putting the ball into touch to blunt the incoming attacks from Burbage allowing the rest of the girls to rally and mark the throw ins.
On a quick break-away by the opposition attack, Imogen ran like the wind to get back and successfully defend, an impressive display of determination.
All in all, another very balanced and tough match, similar to last week. Both teams showing mutual respect for each other. A pleasure to watch, well done to all the girls on a match well-played.
Players of the match:
Coaches – Charlotte for her amazing defending
Parents – Imogen for her determination
Players – Flossie for a great match all round