The u10s went away to Kibworth today and were in good spirits despite the tough start to the season. The squad was looking much healthier in terms of player numbers today. It was also clear that today’s opponents were similar in physical size and playing experience. This was in contrast to previous fixtures. Both teams agreed to play 7 v 7 due to having sufficient players to do so.
Both teams started brightly, but it was soon very clear that Rugby were on top. The Rugby girls clearly glad not to be out matched physically for a change in this older league. They were passing the ball nicely and not bunching up.
Sofia and Poppy were linking up extremely well and already showing signs of being able to make runs off the ball for each other. Sofia was leading the line and was a constant threat, and Poppy who played off Sofia with a fantastic work rate was rightly rewarded.
In defence Sophie and Connie also made a great partnership, and were dealing with any attacks as if they’d played together for years!
Sophie who had already played one half of football that morning for the u11s, showed great positioning reading threats early stepping forward to make the tackle and quickly dropping back into position. Connie clearly benefitted from this partnership and was equally solid and brave at making tackles and clearing the ball.
During the game Hev & Hav took spells in goal, but we’re not called on much due to the way the game went, however stayed focused. Bethany had a short spell in goal as both Hav and Hev wanted some time upfront during the game, and were also rewarded.
In midfield we benefitted from being able to have 2 players, and between Hav, Hev (when not in goal), Isobel and Bethany we controlled the middle of the pitch. One midfielder pushing forward to support the attack and the other sitting in front of the defence to break up attacks. Hav/Hev/Isobel/Bethany rotated in and out of the 2 positions, allowing them to get a breather and come back on to give fresh legs. All 3 had spells in the defensive and attacking roles and performed well. Isobel never stopped running and kept a lid on the opposition attackers. Bethany enjoyed a spell playing just behind our attackers with some good supportive play and preventing their defenders from being able to clear their box. Hav and Hev, were both box to box when not in goal and they added some much needed presence on the pitch.
I genuinely could not pick one ‘girl of the match’ as there were so many great individual performances where players did their job so well. The way they played as a team and in their relative positional partnerships was great to see and was the reason we were so dominant today – and got a result they genuinely deserved.