Today’s match saw the girls travel up to Leicester to face East Goscote U8s. This is a team the girls have played a few times before, and who are well known for being a really strong team, so there was no room for complacency after last week’s star performance.
The wind was blowing heavily across the field, a far cry from the last time we played East Goscote when half-time ice pops were needed. But with a squad at their peak performance, and getting better each week, the girls were ready for anything.
On to start were Sophie, Ada, Maisie F, Primrose, Floss, and Paige taking up her usual start in goal. Keen readers will notice 6 starting names, as today the coaches from the 2 teams agreed to try out 6-a-side as both teams had good squad turnouts and the pitch was the perfect size.
Sophie kicked off at the whistle and the first touches of the game were some beautiful clean passes linking up Maisie F and Primrose to join her on an immediate push against the opposition. This initial display of thoughtful passing, communication and effort was to become a feature of Rugby’s game today. There was a noticeable magic in the air and the team seemed to have ‘levelled-up’ their skills and teamwork – testament to the great coaching they’re getting.
Floss and Ada paired up really well in midfield. Ada showed some great footwork on the ball and Flossie wasn’t holding back with her characteristic tenacity and determination when tackling. In defence Primrose was strong when needed, but also thoughtful in staying back as a last line when Rugby attacked, ensuring we weren’t caught off guard.
After a couple of clashes and tangles towards Rugby’s goal, Ada made the most amazing breakaway run, and at the perfect moment made a square pass across to Floss who had positioned herself perfectly to pick it up. It’s hard to overstate how fantastic this was – really well done.
Sophie then had a couple of moments of magic of here own, with 2 back-to-back attacks.
At this point, it’s only the end of the first period and this match is shaping up to be something special.
Into the second period and we see Phoebe come on to her usual midfield position and Maisie B in defence, replacing Ada and Floss. Maisie F is in goal with Paige joining Phoebe in midfield. Phoebe started out with some lovely tackling, getting more determined each week, followed by a good run and thoughtful pass through to Maisie who then quickly passed through to Sophie. Yet another moment of magic and Rugby are putting real pressure on the opposition defence.
Maisie B will likely find her name alongside “unrelenting” in the dictionary, earned by her absolutely solid determination in defence. Not only was she running hard, but tackling well and never once giving up when the attacks came. This made a massive difference to the period.
You’d also be forgiven for thinking there were two Primroses on the pitch. Her ability to run fast and cover such wide areas was impressive – she was everywhere and never stopped. She also took some nice corners and throw ins without missing a beat.
In midfield, Paige was in the zone with her tackling and running and was able to support Sophie rather well on the attacks. East Goscote weren’t about to give up without a fight. They have an impressive team who also work well together, and they never once stopped putting the pressure on in return. Maisie F was required show her prowess between the sticks.
Into the second half of the game, and the coaches agreed to trial a 7-a-side format. All of our team were on, except for Primrose who was taking a much-deserved break after the massive distance she’d run in the first half.
Floss took a turn in goal and her strength and tenacity outfield translated into an incredible performance in goal. Sophie was able to make nice runs, but the additional players were making for some difficult tangles every now and then, especially towards the opposition’s defence.
The period saw both teams step up the pace and energy noticeably, meaning plenty of action at both ends of the pitch. The teams were locked into an even battle, with so many players on both sides showing nice ball-control, communication and passing.
Into the last quarter and Floss moved into defence after her fantastic period in goal, allowing Ada to take a turn in goal. There was hard work all round with nice link ups between Paige, Maisie F, Sophie and Phoebe. The girls were digging deep into the energy reserves which was paying off. Primrose came on for Phoebe and continued her marathon running and, again, was able to not only race back to defend at the right moments, but also press forward with a nice full-pitch length dribble.
After a wonderful game up-front, Sophie came off with Phoebe back on for the final minutes. The intensity of the game and the strength of the opponents was starting to take a toll on the girls. It was a tough match, but Rugby undoubtedly rose to the challenge and showed they are a force to be reckoned with. Absolutely phenomenal game today, they should be so proud of themselves.
Players of the match:
Coaches – Sophie
Parents – Primrose
Players – Maisie F
