Spring appears to have arrived. The game at New Pond Farm Playing Fields was on a pitch remarkably drying out well as we walked across it. The game was against Wealdstone U12Bs who had deservedly beaten us in the first term last year. Another difficult and tough fixture for Ruislip Rangers U12Cs. It was a frantic start to a game that both sets of boys were certainly up for. Both battled hard for the ball and gave away early fouls. However, RRFC playing up the slope took an early lead after some good play on the right wing. A great cross from Adam saw the ball reach Harry to poke it past defender and goal-keeper: 0-1! And so a game of see-saw ensued. Every time Wealdstone came forward some great RRFC defending was necessary. RRFC were equally creating chances but despite going close could not finish. And then with half-time approaching it was again another cross from the right which found its way to Callum 8 yards out. With time, he belted it past the keeper: 0-2! Managers half-time talk told the boys to keep playing the same way in the second half. With a couple of positional changes they were told to remember where they were on the pitch. Unfortunately, they didn’t adapt and struggled at the beginning of the second half. Wealdstone were beginning to look stronger though it was a punt forward that caught the defence out as it hit a divot in the pitch. The result was a kick of the ball that hit the hand. Ref decided it was a penalty. A well hit ball was superbly saved by Lewis in goal but RRFC had gone into the area before the ball was struck and so it was retaken. No mistake this time: 1-2. RRFC were down and looked out as Wealdstone grew even stronger. However, encouragement was given and RRFC picked up. This time it was a cross from the left that saw Adam alone and having the time to smash past the keeper: 1-3. However, Wealdstone came back again and made it 2-3 RRFC began to battle even more and a foul 20 yards out not once but twice saw just reward. The first effort had been wide to the left of the post. Second time around tested the keeper who fumbled and allowed Adam, following in, to have the simplest of tap ins. This was a great team performance against a useful team but all of the RRFC training is paying dividends. Additionally, the spirit of the team is now stronger than ever with all helping each other. Assistant Referee: Ray O’Grady RRFC Team: Lewis Cole Richardson (Goalkeeper) Reagan De Vere Louie Lovegrove (Captain) Kyle Pearson George Hollinrake Jack Timberlake Adam Taylor (2 goals) Hugh Legood Callum O’Grady (1 goal) James Hersee Harry Diggins (1 goal + weekend Man of the Match)
