PROSPECT PARK KO 1000AM VS WOODLEY BLUES PITCH 9......MEET FOR 0920

PROSPECT PARK KO 1000AM VS WOODLEY BLUES PITCH 9......MEET FOR 0920.

CUP GAME - PALMER PARK - 11:30AM - PITCH 1 Vs Barton Rovers

Team : Liam, James, Ben, Matty, Josh, Max, Will, Jake, Arch, Guy, Chris, Alex, Kai, Books, Danny, Rowan and Mark
( Note: Rowan and Mark both have rugger 1st and then will come along)

ROTHERFIELD RAIDERS U12 3 WOODLEY KESTRELS U12 1

RAIDERS CLIP THE WINGS OF WOODLEY KESTRELS

After several recent disappointments Rotherfield needed to show strength in character and this was a fine collective performance resulting in a deserved win.
Following a longer than usual pre-match warm up Rotherfield were quickly into their stride and throughout the first half the Woodley goal led a charmed life. Chris Miller, Max Sweetman and Josh Gay all went agonisingly close to scoring but come half time the game remained goal less.
At the beginning of the second half it became clear that Rotherfield were not going to have it all their own way; Jake Hylton was called upon to make several smart saves and the defensive qualities of Alex Harris White and Sam Booker were tested by the Woodley attack.
However Rotherfield regained the control they showed before the break and the first goal, expertly scored by Chris Miller, finally arrived. A second soon followed when good approach work was finished by Ben Peirson-Hagger. The third was a result of a fine run from Rowan Stacey and cool finishing by Guy Thurlow.
Woodley showed good character themselves by getting onto the score sheet but Rotherfield maintained their composure to register a deserved win.
For his part in creating all three goals, Rowan Stacey was awarded man of the match.

ROTHERFIELD RAIDERS. Chris Miller; Archie McGowan; Ben Peison-Hagger; Jake Hylton; Matty Chapman; Sam Booker; Guy Thurlow; Josh Gay; Max Sweetman; Rowan Stacey; Alex Harris-White; Will Young.

14-11-09 Vs Woodley Hammers @ 1130 Pitch 10

1130 KO this part of the season

Team: Liam, jake, josh, ben, will, matty, books, kai, danny, arch, chris, Mark - 2nd half

Sat 7 Nov KO 1000am Pitch 2 Please meet for 0915am Vs Woodley.

Everyone bar Liam,Kit and Mark

31st October 2009 - Match Postponed - NO GAME !!

Please note this match has been postponed

Rotherfield Raiders 6 Woodley Saints Tigers 3

Saturday, October 17, 2009 - Rotherfield Raiders 6 Woodley Saints Tigers 3
Raiders bounce back in style!

After a hugely disappointing performance last week, The Raiders made some tactical changes with Whyte-Harris and Sweetman bolstering the defence. The Raiders made a bright start and were one up after 2 minutes when Peirson-Hagger finished smartly. Sadly though the Raiders were struggling to organize the new defensive line up and found themselves level two minutes later. Thurlow, Spruyt and Miller all forced good saves from the Saints keeper, but the Saints took a 2-1 lead into half time after another defensive mix-up. The remainder of the first half was end to end stuff with Raiders looking as flamboyant in attack as they did fragile in defence.
Normal service was resumed in under 60 seconds of the second half when Chris Miller leveled the score. This was followed by a wonderful one two between Thurlow and Spruyt to leave a simple tap in for Pierson Haggar to push the Raiders ahead again. The Raiders began to slowly dominate the game with keeper, the woodwork and some luck saving the Saints from embarrassment. A long kick from Peachey in the Raiders goal, was threaded by Chapman through midfield and Thurlow was on the end to make it 4-2. The Raiders looked like they were cruising only to be stunned by a surprise goal from the Saints to make it 4-3. Was this to be the turning point in the game for the Saints? The answer was NO. Spruyt’s misdirected rocket of a cross found the net and was followed up by a well-deserved goal from Whyte Harris to make it 6-3. Greengrass was a late sub for Rotherfield and should have made it seven, only to be denied by the post.
MOM went to Max Sweetman for an energetic but solid performance in defence and tireless running the whole game

Team: Liam Peachey, Guy Thurlow, Sam Booker, Josh Gay, Matty Chapman, Chris Miller, Ben Pierson-Haggar, Alex Harris-Whyte, Rowan Stacey, Max Sweetman, Will Young, Mark Spruyt, Archie McGowan, Kai Carlisle, Kit Greengrass, Danny Dockree, Jake Hylton

24-10-09 Vs Maidenhead Athletico 0915 for 1000 KO.

Liam, Jake, Arch, Ben, Josh, Will, Rowan, =Max, Chris, Matty, Guy, James ?

Pitch 8 Cup Game Vs Woodley Saint Tigers 0915 for 1000am KO

Team: Liam, Arch, Matty, Ben, Josh, Max, Mark, Will, Guy, Kai, Kit, Danny, Chris, Alex, Books, Jake

Rotherfield Raiders 2 Purley Jubillee 4

Raiders Slow Start Costs Them ...

Raiders made a lively start with Purley clearing a Miller close range shot off the line. Young's tackling was solid in defence but then Purley took control of the 1st half with a series of probing runs. Thurlow makes a stunning 1-on-1 save with the defence beaten. Raiders rode their luck as the speedy no12 ran amock and Greengrass hit the post in a rare attack. But 12 eventually following up on another great Thurlow save to open scoring 1-0.

Spurred into action Raiders finally started to play with McGowan reinforcing the defence. Sweetman's chip cleared the goalie but went wide. Purley retook control with a 2nd ending the half 2 nil. The 2nd half opened as the first ended and it was 3-0 to Purley from close range. But a great run from Harris-Whyte squared to Sweetman and layup for Greengrass to score from a narrow angle 3-1. Raiders really got into gear with 2 goalmouth scrambles forcing great saves before Sweetman was taken down in the box, biting through the pain a neat penalty made it 3-2. Booker and Carlisle looked calm & collected at the back. A rare Raiders corner ended with Miller tirning teh ball in , but sadly offside. Thurlow again saved Raiders bacon with a block from a breaking Purley.

The next 10 minutes were end to end thrills, Gay went just wide , Chapman got a crucial toe in to save Raiders and Booker made another timely tackle. But a stunning free kick into the top corner ended any chance of a comeback. 4-2.

In the dying minutes Miller scorched wide after a jinking run from Stacey.

The effort award went to Guy Thurlow for a donning the keepers gloves and producing a string of acrobatic saves.

Team: Guy Thurlow, Archie McGowan, Sam Booker, Kai Carlisle, Josh Gay, Matty Chapman, Chris Miller, Alex Harris-Whyte, Rowan Stacey, Max Sweetman, Kit Greengrass, Will Young.

10th October 2009 pitch 7 Vs Purley Jubilee 10:00am.

Team as follows:

Archie, Guy, Alex, Josh, Chris, Rowan, Will, Matty, Max, Kai, Kit, Books, Mark - STA, Danny

Please text or call Jas if you can't make the game.
Thanks, Tan

Rotherfield Raiders (5) Wokingham & Embrook (0)

A level playing field ?

With two defeats in their first two matches the Raiders had a psychological hill to climb. And in the first half they had a physical one to climb as well. The pitch was hard, the goal mouth rutted and a north-south slope that certainly was not a level playing field.

The Raiders started strongly with Mark scoring an early goal in the first three minutes. With their tails up the team played with great structure, vision and purpose. Passing between Josh, Mark, Max and Rowan was accurate and the play flowed although a couple of offside decisions went against them.

But it was not all Raiders and the score line disguised a much closer game. Wokingham pressed for much of the latter period of the first half and there was some strong defending by Matty, Kai , Sam and Will.

Ben scored the second goal with a great run around the keeper finishing with his weaker left foot. Goal number three came again off a Ben strike which hit the post and was bundled over the line by Guy.

3-0 at half time and the difference between the two sides was that Rotherfield had taken their chances in attack and defended well.

In the second half the Raiders had the benefit of that hill! There was some good distribution from Rowan and some strong runs by Josh, Kit and Chris. A few speculative long range kicks ended with a lob from Mark after a great through ball from Matty. The final goal came from Guy after a through ball from Max. Numerous brave saves again from Liam ensured a clean sheet.

Sam was awarded man of the match for a strong performance and for applying skills taught in training.

Sam Booker, Kai Carlisle, Matthew Chapman, Josh Gay, Kit Greengrass, Chris Miller, Liam Peachey, Ben Piersen-Hagger, Mark Spruyt, Rowan Stacey, Max Sweetman, Guy Thurlow, Will Young

3rd October - Home to Westwood Wanderers 09:15 meet @ Pitch 10 , 10:00am KO.

Jason can't make this Saturday, so Gary and Phil are the boys in charge!!!!

Liam, Archie, Danny, Ben, Josh, Max, Guy, Rowan, Kit, Kai, Chris, Mark, Books, Matty, Alex

I'll email pitch no on Thursday as they always change it.

Regards, Tanja

Raiders open their account with a 5 nil

Raiders played some superb football to win 5 nil against Wokingham & Embrook.

Sept 26th Pitch 9 Vs Wokingham/Emmbrook 09:15 meet @ Pitch for a 10.00am KO.

Team as follows:

Liam, Josh, Ben, Matty, Guy, Books, Kai, Kit, Rowan, Will, Chris, Max, Mark

Thanks Tan

Life in the members stand

19 sept 2009 Pitch 8 Meadway Youth

Hi all

Team this week:

Liam
Will
Danny
Ben
Books
Matty
Josh
Guy
Max
Rowan
Mark
Alex
Kai
Chris

Please let jas know by text or call by tomorrow evening please.

Thought for the Day ...

Success is not the key to happiness, happiness is the key to success . If you love what you are doing you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

Prospect Park - Pitch Map

Fixtures 2009 Rotherfield Raiders U12 Prospect Park

Hi Raiders,

Please see fixtures up til end of October.

1. 19-09-09 Rotherfield VS Westwood Wanderers 10.00am Pitch 3
2. 26-09-09 Rotherfield VS Caversham AFC Kites 10.00am Pitch 3
3. 03-10-09 Maidenhead Athletico VS Rotherfield 10.00am Pitch 3
4. 10-10-09 Rotherfield VS Purley Jubilee 10.00am Pitch 5
5. 17-10-09 Meadway VS Rotherfield 10.00am Pitch 3
6. 24-10-09 Rotherfield VS Burghfield A 10.00am Pitch 2
7. 31-10-09 Woodley Town Kestrels VS Rotherfield 10.00am Pitch 1

Regards

Tanja

Summary of End of Season Awards

Summary of End of Season Awards

Golds

• Players Player of the Year Ben Pearson Hagger
• Managers Player of the Year Ben Pearson Hagger
• Top Scorer Kit Greengrass

Blacks

• Players Player of the Year Alex Harris Whyte
• Managers Player of the Year James Back
• Black Most Improved Player Sam Booker

Another trophy for Raiders ... !

As the season draws to a close Raiders headed into the Summer league tournament with a small squad and Max Sweetman only available for 1 game. But as in the league games Raiders showed their passing game to dispatch all comers with fine goals from the Miller brothers, Harris-Whyte, and Walsh. Callum Miller excelled in goal and Booker was solid in defence as Back dominated in midfield. Reading Rangers always looked strong easing past their opposition and the final group match looked destined to be a dress rehearsal for the final.

Raiders looked fatigued and ready for a summer break as Rangers pressure resulted in a 1-Nil win to delight their fans and top the group looking set for a comfortable repeat in the final.

But , it's days like this that make sport the joy it is. The Raiders claimed they were saving their energy for the final and certainly started brightly with shots on goal going close. A small support crew sensed that the Raiders had ideas on taking the trophy home and after weathering some more pressure from Reading the match hung in the balance. With just 5 second left on the clock Ben Pearson-Hagger stole in to head the ball home and snatch a marvellous victory from the favourites. Raiders fitness has seen them finish strongly in all the summer league games and in the end this was no exception but a good dose of character was needed to seal a win.

Well played one & all !

Raiders Win Summer League Tournament

Raiders League Presentation 2008/9

Rotherfield raiders Black squad recieve the trophy for Berkshire Youth Development League Division 1 after a great season. A delighted manager Trevor also takes the plaudits after much hard work as Raiders coach and the driving force behind this success and along with Jason, coach Andy, Phil and Steve , gave kids & parents a fun packed season of football in which both teams played excellent football - Golds narrowly missing out on a title too.

Readers Hit The Headlines

For any parents wanting copy here is the Henley Standard Headlines following the Raider league win.

Effort award winner James Back

Delighted manager has no nails left

After a nail biting 3-2 win againt Wokingham and Embrook Trevor was
delighted to see the Raiders Black take the league title.

Under Jasons watchful eye Raiders Gold are also right in the scrap for
the top spots for a 2nd year running.

A great end to another great season full of passion, commitment and
great performances and the kids played well too!!

Raiders Win the league !!

Raiders Nail Hammers ...

Rotherfield Raiders Black 2 - Woodley Hammers 0
Date : January 17th 2009
Team : Liam Peachey, Sam Booker , Will Young, James Back, Guy Thurlow, Alex Harris-Whyte, Rowan Stacey, Louis Walsh, Max Sweetman

Both teams started brightly and it was clear this would be a competitive game and after 5 minutes Sweetman went off after a stern challenge. A slick move saw Walsh's effort just clear the bar. A scrappy battling run from Thurlow ended in agony as his effort slid past the post. The keeper parried from Back and moments later relief was palpable as a fierce shot by Woodley grazed the crossbar.

In the dying moments of the 1st half Walsh set Back free on the left and rounding the goalie teed up Stacey with an empty goal ; 1 nil.

In the second half Stacey’s clever glance nearly scored and three further efforts were denied. Sweetman and Harris Whyte looked lively in midfield and Booker looked steadfast at the back alongside Young who gave one of his best performances showing vision and timing to foil anything that came his way.

Fitness was again a factor as breaks from Stacey, Thurlow and Sweetman all looked likely to provide a second indeed a massive clearance by keeper Peachey saw Sweetman hit the side netting. Relief finally came when Stacey pounced on a half volley kick from Peachey , cutting in from the wing and a deft finish left Hammers shell shocked.

In spite of a composed save denying Stacey his hat-trick, his 2nd half performance earned him the Effort award.

Raiders Black 2 - 0 Woodley Hammers, Jan 17 '09

Rowan , man of the match. Sam Booker demonstrating the healthy diet of a Raiders player and Guy tired out after running his socks off for a hard-earned victory.



After getting a serious knock in the 1st 10 minutes Max made a swift recovery to terrorise Hammer's defence in the 2nd half.