Spring is just around the corner which means we get to play on our lovely grass pitches again!  Rugby Borough hosted Haunchwood Galaxy in the first meeting between the teams this season and the Boro girls put in another excellent performance showing that they can shine on any surface.

The girls arrived confident and started on the front foot winning a succession of corners in the opening minutes which tested the Haunchwood defence.   The team were encouraged to pick their passes well to keep possession and give better control and it was great to see Peyton and Freya playing out through midfield to Megan and then onto the attackers.  

Ruby & Ava started on the wings are proved a real threat going forward,  driving with the ball & getting their shots away.  The girls got their reward shortly after with silky dribbling skills from Ese to get away from the defender and tuck the shot away in great style.   

The team continued to press forward through good dribbling down the right from Anna winning some more corners.   One of these found its way in with Amber in the right place to convert well from close range.

Haunchwood remained threatening on the break particularly down the left but Lyra showed her fearless style of defending to prevent them from getting near the goal.  

Chloe didn’t have too much to do in the 1^st half but remained alert to safely scoop up any balls that came through to her.  Emily held her position up front and came close to adding to the scoreline

In the 2^nd half Haunchwood pushed an extra player in attack which left a 2v2 on occasions but superb defending from Peyton and Lyra ensured that there wasn’t too much troubling Chloe in goal.   This tactical change meant there was more space for Rugby’s attacking players and various chances were created with Emily, Ese & Ava all going close on occasions but were prevented through a combination of good goalkeeping and bad luck.

Ruby was doing great job in midfield winning the ball back and setting Anna & Amber flying down the wings to deliver dangerous crosses into the box.

The team were rewarded for their attacking flair with when Freya ran onto an excellent lofted pass from Megan to smash it beyond the keeper. 

It was a great team performance with everyone contributing,  some of the passing on display was excellent and something the girls will want to build on as we prepare for 9v9 next season.

Player of the match was Freya for an excellent display in defence & attack.