Last week our pupils had their first football fixtures. Year 9 and 10 are in action later in the week, but Monday evening saw the debut of our Year 7 and 8 team as they took on Doverbroecks.
Playing on the Astro, the girls were a bit nervous as they approached their first competitive fixture, and they needed to absorb considerable pressure in the opening minutes as Doverbroecks had a lot of the ball. However our defence was solid, with Victoria, Alannah and Bella L forming an excellent backline. Soon we were demonstrating our own skill on the counter attack. Some beautiful link up play between Aoife and Asia saw Devon clean through, and her shot was saved. But moments later a throw in down the right-hand side was received by Devon and she bundled the ball home from an impressive angle to give Rye the lead!
Moments later, Rye pounced again. A loose ball was taken under control by Asia, who fed a silky through ball to Aoife. Beating the last defender, Aoife side footed calmly into the corner before jogging nonchalantly back to halfway. A watching Mr Masterson was overhead exclaiming “What a finish!”, and Rye certainly looked good halfway through the first half.
However Doverbroecks’ pressure in possession began to tell, and although Bella Barnes made some fantastic saves, she was beaten twice in quick succession shortly before half time to leave the score at 2-2 at the break.
Some tactical tinkering saw the team come out in a slightly different formation, with Aroush replacing Alannah and moving up to form a two strong midfield. Again the opposition saw a lot of the ball and managed to take the lead early in the second half. New goalie Bella L narrowly beaten at her near post.
Where most teams might fold at this point, Rye instead moved from strength to strength, taking advantage of their speed and ability to move the ball around quickly. Their first sustained period of pressure in the half saw a fierce shot from Devon deflected in for a deserved equaliser. Then, following yet another sweeping move, started by a tackle from Aroush, a block and pass from Bella B and then some lovely interplay between the front three, Asia stormed into the opposition area and powered the ball past the goalkeeper to give Rye a lead that they would not relinquish!
Doverbroecks came close once more before the end, but Rye were on the attack again when the final whistle blew. Rye ending up winners of their first ever match 4-3!
Final Score: Rye 4 – 3 Doverbroecks
Scorers: Devon (2), Aoife, Asia
Player Of The Match: Devon
Words: Dr Willis.
