The u9s were at home today in their big cup semi-final, against Asfordby for what seems like the eleventh time this season. In horrible conditions a big squad of excited girls arrived early at Kilsby Lane with high hopes of progressing to the final in their first season playing together. The opposition are a talented, well organised side and Rugby had a couple of players missing which meant Katie making her first ever appearance in goal for the home side – she showed great adaptability and put in a brave performance having been called on for the team.
Captain Aurora started in midfield alongside Poppy with both having to take on more defensive duties against the skilful, quick opposition – they both covered the whole pitch and didn’t stop running in their demanding roles. Our regular defensive duo of Isobel and Connie were under pressure from the word go and made some brave tackles, showing intelligent positioning to try and thwart the relentless Asfordby attack. Star striker Sofia played almost the whole game up front, pressurising the defence and fighting for every ball to try and get that elusive one-yard headstart. Rugby were unlucky to go behind in the first five minutes and Asfordby never let up, making it difficult for the girls to get back in the game.
Rugby were lucky to have some strong players on the bench and fresh legs were needed throughout the game to cope with the muddy, wet conditions. Debutant Indie came on to play well in midfield, showing her strength and bravery to scrap for every ball; she was joined by Beth who showed great energy from one end of the pitch to the other and got in some positive scoring positions once again going forward. Ella deputised heroically in defense and battled for every ball, her confidence and determination growing throughout the game. Izzy showed great versatility, putting in a shift in both defence and midfield – her confidence and composure on the ball improving with every appearance.
Isobel bravely volunteered to take over in goal for the second half and Katie battled for every ball in her more customary role in central midfield in the second half. Every girl fought valiantly to get back in the game and never stopped trying to find a way through the Asfordby defence; Izzy, Ella and Connie made some brave tackles in the second half whilst Poppy, Aurora and Sofia demonstrated their usual pace, skill and footwork going forward but it wasn’t to be. Despite a number of further Asfordby goals the girls never let their heads drop and were a credit to themselves and the club as they fought to the final whistle to cover themselves in glory regardless of the end result.
Alas it wasn’t to be on the day but every single girl played their hearts out for the team and their team mates. The girls should be incredibly proud of themselves, reaching the semi final in their first season together is a fantastic achievement and I am sure they will have great success in years to come. They have a great foundation of talent and determination and are a pleasure to coach – their positive attitude, enthusiasm and commitment is a joy to behold and stand them in good stead for the rest of the season.
Coaches Player of the Match: Aurora covered every inch of the pitch and never stopped running, making some important tackles at one end whilst still managing to support the attack at the other.
Parents’ Player of the Match: Every member of the squad showed incredible determination, bravery and commitment throughout and every Rugby girl deserves the parent’s award this week. Well done girls!