Sunday, 12TH February 2023 KO 09:30
Team Sponsors: Lightning Tools and Life Investment Estates Agents
Team: Phoebe, Sienna M., Ava, Emilia, Emy-Mae, Alexis, Izzy, Esme
This was Rugby Towns U9’s second away match in a row playing against Anstey Nomad Wildcats, playing on grass with a very early start in North East Leicestershire. The team arrived nice an early for the kick off and the coaching team had a new addition with Ava in her debut game for Rugby Town. It was agreed to play the match over 4 x 10 mins with Rugby playing towards the end with a slight incline.
Rugby Town Girls started at blistering pace with real drive and determination to get the ball forward with wave after wave of fast running attacking moves that started from deep within the Rugby half. Such was the determination and frequency, ensured Rugby remained in control throughout the first half. Despite this fact it has to be mentioned that the Nomads keeper had an outstanding game.
The second period started in a similar fashion with lots of positive play and some great passing, defending and attacking positional play to ensure Rugby kept on top of the game. Slowly Anstey Nomads started to build confidence and gain more momentum into the game. As we moved to the end of the half way point both teams seemed to be each other’s equal as both teams rested at halftime.
The third period was in direct contrast to the first section of the game with the Rugby girls seeming to lose focus and confidence in equal measure as the team endured constant Nomad pressure and in a short space of time. At the end of the 3RD period the coaching team quickly re-grouped the girls for the final quarter of the match.
This seemed to work, with Rugby attacking during several opportunities with Anstey Nomads playing counter attacking football with the Rugby defence always up to the challenge. As the final whistle blew the Rugby girls had worked so hard in what was on reflection a very equal game during three quarters of the match. Overall the girls played some excellent football in large sections of the match with lots of passing, strong defending and exciting attacking football to build on for the next game.
POM: Ava, for a brilliant debut match demonstrating passing and tackling skills, making the right movement into space for support, and non-stop effort on the pitch.
PPOM: Izzy, for hardworking display with real confidence and some critical last minute defensive stops supported with some excellent team work.
