Rugby Town Team: Bella, Ellie, Esme, Millie, Molly, Norah, Olivia, Sophie
It was a crisp bright morning as Rugby Town Lionesses made the trip to Leicester Forest East to face Thurlaston Tigeresses. Pre-match preparations were disrupted as Sophie’s glasses required first aid to tape the arm back on!
A well organised Thurlaston made a fast start to the game and immediately put pressure on the Rugby defence. Some great tackles and clearances from Olivia helped protect the Rugby goal but still the attacks came. The Lionesses started to grow into the game with Millie and Molly battling hard in midfield and Norah working hard to find space up front.
As the second quarter began Bella was added to midfield to add some extra energy. The Lionesses continued to work hard and enjoyed some good possession down the wings leading to some chances from corners. One particularly well worked deep corner routine saw Olivia play a great ball behind the Thurlaston defence that Millie almost got on the end of. However the Thurlaston threat remained and Sophie was required on a number of occasions to marshall her box and make some key interceptions.
At half time Rugby made a number of changes to freshen the side. The Lionesses continued to battle and give 100%. Where it had been M and M in the first half it was now the two Es; Ellie and Esme tenaciously tackling in midfield. Molly was now marshalling the defence and made a number of good tackles to stop dangerous attacks particularly down the left wing. Behind the defence Norah guarded the goal well by getting down quickly to stop a number of shots.
During the final quarter the game really opened up for Rugby. A mesmerising dribble from Millie led to a fine strike from the edge of the box that flew a whisker wide of the post prompting loud gasps from the away crowd. Rugby continued to push forward and Thurlaston were forced into some last ditch defending. One attack panicked the Tigeresses ‘keeper into handling the ball outside her box. A powerful free kick from Olivia flew just wide. As the final whistle blew the Lionesses left the field knowing they had given their all right to the final kick and learnt some valuable lessons against a strong Thurlaston side.
Parents player: Olivia for a strong and committed performance in defence. Olivia was an excellent team captain.
Managers player: Molly for working tirelessly all game and defended brilliantly in the second half despite this being an unfamiliar position for her.
Next match: 25th October home to Thurlaston U8 Magpies – details to follow
