U9s Host Matlock
So, on the first match of the year, and the first since playing Mansfield at the beginning of December, I was a bit worried what the kids had forgotten. Luckily the players remembered the shape of the ball and all started well.
As the Panthers and Matlock warmed up, the weather stayed bright and crisp.
With both squads suffering slightly with illness 2 teams were fielded by each team with Panthers having an abundance of subs.
Over the next few games all the teams played well but, Matlock’s lack of substitutes started to show as the day progressed.
As the try count started to climb, the kids showed they had not lost any of their skills from the long Christmas break. After a full pitch run Lewis even showed his showboating skills.
All the way though the day the players show their dedication, no complaining about being substituted just eager to get back on the pitch. Impressive passing, great defence, good offence, cracking passing down the line and good offloading “Ben”.
Throughout the day the team showed great heart and team spirit. Even though the games are 10 minutes each way the kids played their hearts out over and over again “Andy”.
The players all did a great job making us taxi-drivers/parents proud, Vincent managed to come out as the man of the match. (A great tackling performance Vincent, well done, B)
After the Matlock team played hard all day, a refuel was in order and a major dent was made in the Panthers hotdog supply. Again thanks to Matlock for a great first match of the season which most definitely blew the cobwebs away.
As always people who make this possible and fun Ben, Andy, Richard, and Dave.
Yours Cookie (Roving Match Reporter, U9’s) + proof-reading By Rachel
It was a lovely morning for our first games of the year and I was really proud of the effort and attitude shown by all the players, especially as we’ve not played a game for quite some time. As ever Matlock provided some strong opposition and it was great to see the kids starting to link up a little more as the games went on. Our support play going forward was fantastic, although it would still be nice to see us passing the ball across the field as opposed to running it. The commitment in defence was admirable with some great tackles going in across the park. Thanks to Matlock for some great games, and well done to all the players who took part on Sunday morning, it was great to watch some very entertaining games across the morning.
Ben
