Sunday 12th November 2023
Sponsors: Oxygen Graphics, Big Wave Campers, Ados, Eclipse Clean, Kelsy Living, Life Investments Estate Agency
Squad
Megan, Daisy-May, Izzy, Poppy, Sophie F, Amelia, Jasmine, Caitlin, Louise, Ronniee,Leila, Bianca, Macey
After a successful home victory last week Rugby were away for the reverse fixture against Leicester United. Sometimes we should appreciate how lucky we are to play home games on an astro pitch. Not all clubs have the same facilities and the pitch today could not be described as mud free or flat. It felt at times that the middle of the pitch had been ploughed ready for planting which made it difficult for the girls to pass the ball around. It also contributed to a very slow and difficult game with lots of stoppages for throw ins (40+ for those that were counting).
As it was Remembrance Sunday there was a minutes silence before the game, perfectly observed by both teams and supporters.
Rugby started the game brightly kicking downhill with Sophie having an early shot quickly followed by a shot from Izzy. Rugby were showing their intent to score early and were rewarded shortly after with a goal from Leila the Rugby goal machine.
Poppy then had a good cross which resulted in the second goal with a good finish from Sophie. Leicester started to come back into the game and had a corner that was well defended by Rugby.
Rugby were after more goals whilst they had the advantage of the slope with both Macey and Poppy having shots. Before half time both Sophie and Leila had shots that went just wide.
Half time 2-0
For the second half Jasmine stepped up to go in goal so that Megan could have a run out. There was a slight miscount in the number of players on the pitch at the start of the half, Dave deciding that it was now 10 a side rather than 9!
Rugby now kicking uphill went looking for more goals and Megan joined the list of goalscorers with a good finish to make it 3-0. A quick mention to James at this point who had decided to go for a wander at exactly the same time as Megan scored her goal. Maybe this will become a superstition for future matches?
It was not all one way traffic with Leicester coming back into the game and the Rugby defence having to be alert at all times to clear the danger. Leicester then had a good chance to score but put the ball over with just Jasmine to beat.
Macey then made it 4-0 with a good finish after a cross from Leila, shortly after she nearly made it 5 after a good run.
Right at the end of the game Bianca came close with a well hit shot that hit the post, it was touch and go if the goal would fall down after the shot as it was hit so hard.
Full Time 4-0
Coaches player Macey, never gives up even when her confidence is a bit down and was rewarded with a goal.
Thanks to Dave and Dave for all their support during the match, thanks to Leicester United for a second good game of the season, the referee, the linesmen (especially Dean for his excellent flag work, he could easily get a job at the CBS for Coventry games), the team photographer and to the parents for their encouragement and positive comments.