U11A at Ranby House Triangular

Game 1:

V Witham Hall, Lost 3 - 4

Player of the Match - Imo C

Game 2:

V Ranby House, Won 7  - 3

Player of the Match - Georgia R

U11 Squad: Clare T (GA), Emily H (GS), Georgia R (GD), Imo C (GK), Beth M (WD); Georgina T (C), Poppy S.

The wind had dropped compared to our match yesterday, but we did face a constant drizzle throughout both games. Ranby and Witham played each other in the first game, which did us few favours, but the girls did their best to keep warm and after a little time sussing out the opposition spent plenty of time running through set centres and passes. Witham, nicely warmed up from their first game, then stayed on court to face us.

It is fair to say that we began this game not firing on all cylinders and very much continued in this manner to the final whistle. A very disappointing game for our girls, whose passing was poor and catching weak – we went back to committing the same basic errors that we were doing in the first games session of the term, not taking the ball into our body and in wet, slippery conditions, it is vital, that this happens, else you lose the ball, which happened on countless occasions. Our shooting was off, with us failing to score any goals in the second half, unheard of for us. Perhaps we were tired after a very busy week, but we should have easily stitched up this game in the first half, instead we struggled to make any headway, making very hard work of it all and Witham managed to steal a win in the closing moments of the game.

After a crucial team talk after this game, the team rallied for their second game against hosts Ranby. The passing was slightly better, but still not on a par with our superb performance in Wednesday’s game. Our shooting was more consistent, defence tighter, with Imo and Georgia working hard, but we still dropped too many balls. That said we were in control for the whole game, leading 4 – 2 at half time, then extending this lead in the second half.

It is vital we keep our form and heads, stressful times are ahead and we did cope so well with this kind of pressure at last weekend’s tournament. Dig deep girls and remember all you have been taught, you are a good team and now need to maintain your self-belief in every game. Thanks to all our supporters, we promise a more exciting game next time, but well done on braving the wet weather.

DLB