Rotherfield IronPort Raiders Blacks 0 – Woodley Kestrels 1

Raiders U9’s Blacks lose a tight game - A close game that followed a pattern of sound defence and good breaks by Woodley Kestrels whilst Rotherfield had the majority of position which they could not turn into goals. Raiders were missing their regular keeper this week so two of their midfield dynamos, James Back and Guy Thurlow shared goal- keeping duties.

Raiders started fast with a good early dribble by Louis Walsh ending with a Max Sweetman low shot. Raiders had all the possession in the early part of the first half with Charlie Estcourt dictating much of the midfield play and Josh Gay and Kai Carlisle holding the defence on the halfway line effectively. However, Raiders were undone, by failing to clear from Kestrels very first break from which they scored from a lucky deflection off a Raiders player.

Raiders had further long-range shots after good combination passing involving Matthew Chapman, Charlie Rowan and Guy. The second half followed the same pattern with all attacks from Raiders however they were caught on the break several times by Kestrels. Guy had now gone in goal and James Back put in some very strong midfield runs and tackles.

Raiders best effort was a passing move involving most of the team ending with a ball through the middle being chased by Rowan one on one against Kestrels Keeper. Rowan skilfully knocked it round the keeper, only for the ball to take an awkward bounce off his knee stopping him from guiding it into the net. The game ended dramatically with Raiders throwing caution to the wind with Guy Thurlow coming out of goal from a final Louis corner in a desperate attempt to get an equaliser that did not materialise.

Man of the Match went to Charlie for some excellent industry in midfield.

Team: Guy Thurlow, Kai Carlisle, Charlie Estcourt, James Back, Louis Walsh, Rowan Stacey, Max Sweetman ,Matthew Chapman & Josh Gay