Sunday 23rd February 2025
Sponsors: Oxygen Graphics, Big Wave Campers, Ados, Eclipse Clean, Kelsy Living, Life Investments Estate Agency
An 11.30 kick off for Rugby town this week, unfortunately this coincided with the exact time that a strong wind decided to make an appearance at Butlin Road. This was going to make it difficult for Rugby in the first half who had decided to kick into the wind but hopefully easier in the second half with the wind behind them. At least it wasn’t raining this week which is something we are always thankful for. It was good to see Amelia and Megan supporting the girls whilst they are recovering from injuries. Their vocal support from the touchline is always appreciated.
Haunchwood made a bright start to the game and immediately showed their intentions to play attacking football. Rugby were going to have to be on their toes during this game as the Haunchwood midfield contained some very skilful and tough tackling players. Just to prove how strong the wind was, the first goal kick from the Haunchwood goalkeeper landed well over the halfway line.
Haunchwood then took the lead after a good run through by their striker that resulted in a shot that Jasmine wasn’t able to keep out.
**Score Update:** Rugby Town 0 – 1 Haunchwood
Going a down goal encouraged Rugby to be more adventurous going forward. Macey had a shot and Poppy had a good run forward to try and get Rugby back into the game. Rugby were almost successful after a cross was missed by the Haunchwood goalkeeper but none of the Rugby forwards were able to take advantage.
Haunchwood were starting to impose themselves more on the game and a few interesting challenges went unpunished by the referee. Ioana was trying to get Rugby going forward but it was tough going against the strong Hauncwood midfield. Jasmine then made a good save to keep Haunchwood from doubling the lead.
Izzy then nearly equalised forcing the Haunchwood goalkeeper into a save. Rugby decided to make a change and Poppy then had a shot that went wide.
Haunchwood then had a shot that went wide, the angle well closed down by Jasmine in the Rugby goal to make the shooting opportunity more difficult.
**Half-time:** Rugby Town 0 – 1 Haunchwood
Shouty Dave conducted another excellent half time team talk to try and inspire Rugby to get back into the game in the second half. He set out what he wanted from the Rugby forwards, to chase the ball down especially when the Haunchwood goalkeeper had the ball at her feet. A couple of times in the first half there were missed opportunities to tackle the goalkeeper and this was something Rugby hoped to exploit in the second half.
Rugby had a corner that caused problems in the Haunchwood area but again Rugby failed to take advantage of an opportunity. It was then Haunchwoods turn to waste an opportunity with a corner that went right across the Rugby box. Ronniee then had a shot that went wide.
Sophie was starting to get some success down the wing and had a good run that resulted in a cross, not quite EMC to Rudoni for a goal at the Ricoh though. Rugby were trying to get back into the game and at 1-0 there was always a chance. The wind had dropped slightly which was frustrating for Rugby as they were hoping to take advantage as Haunchwood had in the first half. Macey then had another shot but it was an easy save for the Haunchwood goalkeeper.
After another robust challenge Rugby had a free kick, it was quite far out but it was decided a shot would be the best option but unfortunately it came to nothing. Haunchwood then went on a good run and came close to doubling their lead, Jasmine saving at close range.
Not long after they did double their lead, after a good passing move that went straight through the Rugby midfield and defence, an easy finish to make it 2.
**Score Update:** Rugby Town 0 – 2 Haunchwood
At the final whistle Haunchwood were happy with the three points that took them to the top of the league. It had not been easy for them and Rugby had made them work very hard for their victory. They have beaten a few teams by much bigger margins in other games so although a defeat for Rugby they can take something from the game.
**Full-time:** Rugby Town 0 – 2 Haunchwood
The wind in the first half did not help Rugby, it was a real struggle to get distance on clearances which made it hard for the girls. We do need to work on some basic skills as sometimes we struggle to keep control of the ball. Rugby created a number of good opportunities during the game but we need to capitalise on those as in tight games it is those opportunities that make the difference. The girls worked hard during the game but we just need to put a few more things from training into practice on match days. Taking our chances is what is going to turn the close defeats into close victories.
Coaches player Macey
Macey has been listening to the instructions given to her really well, and has been putting in a big effort each game for the last few games now. It is really great to see players responding to what the coaches are trying to get them to do on the pitch.
Thanks to all the coaches and parents. Thanks to Haunchwood for a tough and physical game, thanks to the referee and a special thanks to James the linesman. The Haunchwood striker kept straying offside but James was carefully watching and he must have a sore arm after raising his flag so many times