Sunday, 11th January 1:30KO
Squad: Eve, Lillie, Esme, Sienna M, Emilia, Sienna W, Chloe, Libby, Izzy, Gracie, Emy-Mae, Isla, Nora
Sponsors: Hamilton Medical & Lightning Tools
First Half
A cold and early start greeted both teams in one of the few fixtures to survive the recent bad weather. Rugby Town began slowly, showing signs of limited game time since before Christmas, with the early stages relying more on individual efforts than settled team play.
As always, matches against Harborough produced an open and attacking contest. Eve was the standout performer in the first half, causing constant problems down the left and scoring two well-taken goals. Harborough responded just before the break to make it 2–1 and keep themselves firmly in the game.
HT: 2-1
Second Half
After a positive half-time team talk, Rugby Town returned with greater determination, although Harborough equalised quickly after the restart. Eve restored the lead soon after, only for Harborough to level again following a rebound from the crossbar.
From that point, Rugby Town took control. A strong and hardworking defensive and goalkeeping display from Nora, Izzy, Chloe, Esme and Gracie provided the platform, while Lillie and captain Emy worked tirelessly in midfield. Eve then scored a superb goal from a wide position before setting up Sienna M, who finished calmly to extend the lead. Sienna W added another with a driven ball from the right, allowing Lillie to finish from close range, before Eve completed an excellent individual performance with her fifth goal of the game.
A strong second-half display saw Rugby Town run out 7–3 winners. Credit also to Harborough, who once again contributed to an open, competitive and enjoyable match.
FT: 7-3
Eve – ⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽
Sienna M – ⚽
Lillie – ⚽
Parents’ POM: Eve
Managers’ POM: Gracie