MATCH REPORT
U9 Bobcats win at Whetstone tournament
13th June 2023
- Date: 11th June 2023
- Tournament: Whetstone Juniors
On a very Sunny Sunday Afternoon at Whetstone football club the Rugby Borough U9 Bobcats participated in a U9 Girls tournament.
They Played their first match under extreme heat and won 1-0. As the afternoon got hotter they went on to play their 2nd match and won 3-1. We then played the group stages’ final match and lost 2-1.
The girls were still buzzing and having a great day – water being poured over their heads and ice cream galore.
We got through to quarter-finals as the runners-up of the group, winning on Penalties.
Then the thunder and lightning came and we thought the final match might have to be cancelled. The rain came and the girls huddled together ready to play again.
We then played the semi-final and came out winning.
The girls pushed hard passing and talking all day, their level of football got better and better as the day went on. The Bobcats just wanted to be playing as a team no matter the result.
Next up was the final against Ambleside, two very evenly matched teams. Both sides played fast and amazingly, it was a very long 12 minutes. Then the final whistle came and the dreaded penalties.
Out of our two Goalkeepers they agreed between them who should go in goal. Then the managers picked the 5 penalty kickers.
To say it was tense, bigger than watching England take penalties, feels like an understatement.
As managers, our hearts were in our mouths.
Penalty 1 – Chika steps up to take, she kicks and scores.
Penalty 2 – With Kosi in goal, the strike is made by Ambleside’s player, with a great save made by Kosi.
Penalty 3 – Ivy steps up and the Ambleside keeper makes the save. The team surround her and supports her with great passion.
Penalty 4 – Kosi in goal, Ambleside Score.
Penalty 5 – Scarlet takes a strike and scores.
Penalty 6 – Kosi in goal, Ambleside Score
Penalty 7 – Mia steps up and takes a great strike with her left foot and scores.
Penalty 8 – Kosi in goal, she saves a great strike from Ambleside.
Standings at this point Bobcats 3 Ambleside 2.
Penalty 9 – Ellie steps up ready to take the penalty. She started the run with confidence, there is great silence among the team. Ellie strikes and it hits the back of the net. The Bobcats have won.
The girls cheered and jumped with joy. We managers are in shock and we are so proud of what they have just achieved.
