Saturday 26th October Loxwood 5 v 3 Rudgwick
With no game scheduled this week the coaches felt it was important to keep the recent momentum and so a game was organised against our near neighbours, Rudgwick. A later start (after the England rugby world cup) meant there was a good turnout with lots of supporters on hand to watch our very own on-field drama!!
The whites took early control of the game with Will feeding Rowan for a nice finish to make it 1-0. Soon after Rudgwick pulled one back but Tom struck to make it 2-1 to Loxwood. Although the magpies were dominating the game, Rudgwick pulled one back to equalise , and then against the run of play took the lead as half time approached, however Tom quickly struck again following a lovely run to take it round the goalie and make it 3-3 at half time. Phew what a goalfest!!
At half time it was clear the team knew they could win this game - it was just a question of showing some more aggression, converting their chances and closing the game out.
And so the second half began with Loxwood a lot more combative with a much improved display. Soon this newly-found aggression resulted in a great poacher's goal from Rowan nicking the ball off the keeper, followed by a further goal after Will released Rowan for his hat-trick to make it 5-3.
Overall this friendly game was a great run-out for the team, a chance to try a few new layouts and for a few players to try some different roles. Of course, it also meant that the magpies could keep that winning habit.
There was some great game management from the whole team in the second half - and well done to those boys - Kinley, Jack, Ethan and Bubba who took their turn in goal with our normal goalie not available. Individually, there was a great performance from a number of players including Rowan with his hat=trick and a constant menace, but the coaches' Man of the Match award this week goes to Charlie D'Aoust who's non-stop running, commitment and energy in midfield meant that Rudgwick's star player was effectively neutralised. Well done Charlie!!
With no game scheduled this week the coaches felt it was important to keep the recent momentum and so a game was organised against our near neighbours, Rudgwick. A later start (after the England rugby world cup) meant there was a good turnout with lots of supporters on hand to watch our very own on-field drama!!
The whites took early control of the game with Will feeding Rowan for a nice finish to make it 1-0. Soon after Rudgwick pulled one back but Tom struck to make it 2-1 to Loxwood. Although the magpies were dominating the game, Rudgwick pulled one back to equalise , and then against the run of play took the lead as half time approached, however Tom quickly struck again following a lovely run to take it round the goalie and make it 3-3 at half time. Phew what a goalfest!!
At half time it was clear the team knew they could win this game - it was just a question of showing some more aggression, converting their chances and closing the game out.
And so the second half began with Loxwood a lot more combative with a much improved display. Soon this newly-found aggression resulted in a great poacher's goal from Rowan nicking the ball off the keeper, followed by a further goal after Will released Rowan for his hat-trick to make it 5-3.
Overall this friendly game was a great run-out for the team, a chance to try a few new layouts and for a few players to try some different roles. Of course, it also meant that the magpies could keep that winning habit.
There was some great game management from the whole team in the second half - and well done to those boys - Kinley, Jack, Ethan and Bubba who took their turn in goal with our normal goalie not available. Individually, there was a great performance from a number of players including Rowan with his hat=trick and a constant menace, but the coaches' Man of the Match award this week goes to Charlie D'Aoust who's non-stop running, commitment and energy in midfield meant that Rudgwick's star player was effectively neutralised. Well done Charlie!!
