Team Sponsors: Kelsy Living and Life Investment Estate Agents
Both teams in today’s match got to stay on home turf as the Rugby U8s played against the Rugby U8 Lionesses, so this was bound to be an exciting match. The autumn rain decided to start just before kick-off, so the girls’ new warm-up tops were really appreciated.
The match started Primrose, Ada, Maisie and Sophie, with Paige in goal. Once again, the girls started out confident, buoyed by how well they’ve been playing together over the last few weeks. Ada was making some nice tackles and Sophie made a lovely inside-turn against her marker to make a fantastic run and was proving dangerous up-front.
Primrose was in defence and as usual used thoughtful positioning and a couple of lovely long clearances really helped when the opposition approached.
A small drop in team communication meant the girls ended up getting tangled in defence allowing a nice break by the Lionesses, who were showing some impressive ball skills. But Paige held her nerve and the team settled back down.
Maisie F was recovering from a foot injury, but was keen to show her sheer determination to run and get stuck in. Ada placed a perfect throw in to Sophie which added more pressure, resulting in a corner that was delivered by Prim.
Phoebe came on for Maisie in midfield and got stuck in straight away. She took the time to stop, look up and make a thoughtful pass, showing great teamwork. Paige was being put through her paces in goal.
The Lionesses were showing that they could give just as much pressure in response with both teams working hard.
Imogen came on and was showing real determination in her tackling and marking. Primrose and Phoebe were teaming up so well, with Primrose able to deliver great throw-ins, and Phoebe always knowing exactly where to be down the line to collect them. Paige came outfield while Ada took a turn in goal and both were keen to show how determined they were. Paige was running and tackling well, and Ada was coming out to meet the ball with confidence.
There was some lovely link up play by the Lionesses which seemed to catch our U8s off-guard, but Primrose did yet more running in defence to hold off the attack. The rain finally eased up just as the half time whistle blew.
Into the second half and Maisie was in goal, with Ada, Prim, Phoebe and Imogen outfield.
Phoebe and Primrose were pairing up beautifully again in midfield, talking to each other and making some great movements down the line, combining runs and the well-placed throw-ins from the first half. Phoebe was really stepping up, always moving and tackling.
Imogen was a staunch defender, always putting herself in the right spot for any incoming runs by the Lionesses. The Lionesses also showing how a good defence can be so effective, having a player who understood position and was always ready to meet our girls runs. It was proving tricky to get past. This is where the girls’ determination to head towards the goal sometimes means they forget to look up and pass, especially when the team are getting so good at supporting runs and being placed perfectly to receive. But their skills on the ball are improving all the time, and we’re seeing lots of turns and drag-backs work very effectively.
A determined and dedicated performance from both teams, showing that Rugby Town have a plethora of talent across both teams at the Under-8s stage. Such an enjoyable game.
Players of the match:
Coaches – Primrose for never stopping running and working hard
Parents – Maisie for her sheer determination and passion
Players – Sophie for her performance up-front
