Sunday 3rd March 2024
Sponsors: Oxygen Graphics, Big Wave Campers, Ados, Eclipse Clean, Kelsy Living, Life Investments Estate Agency
Rugby returned to league action at Butlin Road after the disappointment of a cup exit on penalties the week before. Fortunately the sun had been booked in advance and it was bright sunshine for the lunchtime kick off against FC Burbage. The parents always appreciate the club booking the good weather for a Sunday game, it was much nicer watching a game and not having to shelter from the cold, wind and rain.
The game kicked off at 12:05 and Rugby showed their intent immediately with a good cross from Jasmine that caused problems in the Burbage defence. Shortly after Rugby had their first corner and Poppy shot wide, you felt it was only a matter of time before Rugby broke the deadlock and sure enough a minute later it was 1-0. Jasmine with a good finish to give the Burbage keeper no chance.
Rugby good sense that there were more goals in the game and Poppy had a good run forward that resulted in a shot going just wide. Another cross from Jasmine just went over the Burbage bar and the Burbage keeper was called into action to make a good save from Izzy.
Burbage then had a goal kick that was well collected by Izzy who then made it 2-0 with a crisp finish past the Burbage keeper. Burbage started to come back into the game and after a corner they had a shot that went just wide. Macey then had a good run forward that resulted in a good save from the Burbage keeper.
Burbage then attacked again and a ball through the middle, the Rugby keeper came out to clear but the ball was charged down and Burbage were able to make it 2-1 with the Rugby goal open. This was a wake up call for Rugby and Izzy had another shot that was well saved by the Burbage keeper, who was a very good shot stopper. Ioana was making sure that Burbage were not able to keep the ball with some excellent tackling in midfield. Ronniee then had a great run forward and an excellent pass to Izzy resulted in the third goal for Rugby. Shortly after it was 4-1 to Rugby with a good finish from Bianca and nearly 5 after Macey hit the bar.
Half time 4-1
Into the second half and an early free kick for Burbage had to be well saved by the Rugby keeper as it was just sneaking in under the bar. Soon after it was 5 for Rugby, a fantastic pass from Macey to Poppy and a good finish leaving the Burbage keeper with no chance. Rugby had another chance after a good cross from Sophie but nobody had attacked the ball (a regular sight at the CBS for those in the know).
Burbage didn’t give up in the game and kept attacking, in particular one of the Burbage forwards was excellent and had to be well watched by Amelia in defence. After some confusion in the Rugby defence Burbage finished well to make it 5-2.
Another wake up call for Rugby that they couldn’t relax in this game. They attacked again with Sophie having a shot that went just wide and after a scramble in the Burbage area Amelia had a shot that was wide. Rugby were really attacking well now and it showed what a difference a decent surface can make to the standard of football that the team can achieve.
Bianca then made it 6-2, Sophie nearly made it 7 with a shot that hit the post followed up by another shot from Macey that went just over the bar. Rugby kept up the pressure and after a cross from Sophie it was 7-2 with Poppy finishing well.
Full time 7-2
A good performance from Rugby against a good Burbage side that had some very skilful attacking players. Really pleasing to score 7 good goals.
Coaches player Izzy.
Thanks to Dave and Dave for giving up their time on a Sunday. Thanks to the referee, the linesmen, to the parents for their support and to the sun for making an appearance.
