Sunday 17th July
Today was a momentous occasion for Rugby Town Under 7s as they were playing their first ever match against a competitive opposition in Haunchwood Under 7s at a very hot and sunny Butlin Road.
There was a buzz of excitement before the game with the girls, their family and friends, and the coaches all looking forward to watching the girls display some of the skills they have been working on during recent training sessions.
Given this was their first ever game and the hot and humid conditions, it was agreed that the game would comprise of 3 x 10 minutes. Rugby Town started with Paige as goalkeeper, Lorna in defence, Florence and Masie in midfield and Primrose as striker. Both teams started the game with lots of energy and vigour. Rugby Town soon got into their stride with Florence showing early promise with a dazzling run towards the opponent’s goal and Primrose blocking a dangerous counter attack from Haunchwood. Another similar attack quickly resulted in success for Haunchwood. Following a substitution (plenty needed given the heat), Imogen came into defence and another brilliant run by Florence resulted in success for Rugby.
Rugby demonstrated some excellent attacking and forward play during the first 10 minutes and at the opposite end of the pitch, Paige made some impressive saves and showed great positional awareness in goal.
After the break, Florence swapped positions to goalkeeper, with Phoebe in defence, Charlotte and Paige in midfield with Maisie as striker. Haunchwood started very strongly, and Rugby were forced to defend in numbers with Florence making some great saves in goal. Rugby successfully defended several corners but eventually Haunchwood found success in their attack. Rugby then managed to make some promising attacking moves, with some lovely dribbling by Charlotte and Maisie, with Paige and Phoebe providing strong cover in defence. Following a substitution, Lorna also provided lots of energy in midfield with some searching runs. Haunchwood continued to pose a significant attacking threat during this second phase of the game and were rewarded just before the break.
After the second break, Imogen made her debut as goalkeeper, with Primrose in defence, Florence and Charlotte in midfield and Phoebe as striker. Immediately, Rugby robustly defended a couple of corners with Primrose and Florence making some wonderful runs towards goal. Rugby were denied success by some strong defending by Haunchwood. At the other end of the pitch, Imogen followed in the footsteps of Paige and Florence by making several crucial blocks, including one right at the end of the game.
All of the girls did themselves, their families, and their coaches proud. This is the first game they have played together, against an opposition who were well organised. All the girls displayed lots of effort in very humid conditions and continued to try their best right to the end of the game. There are so many positives to take from today and the coaches look forward to working with the girls over the coming weeks.
It was a virtually impossible task picking a coaches’ players of the game, as all the girls could have been selected, but Maisie took the accolade for her super runs, strong tackling and tireless effort.
Parent’s player of the game was awarded to Florence for her dazzling runs, coupled with an impressive stint as goalkeeper. Well done to everyone and see you at training soon!
Well done to our new coaches, Ellie, Pete and James for all the work they have done with the team in training so far.
Thank you to all the parents for the fabulous support.
Thank you to Claire for refereeing.