Scorchers slip-up in the sunshine then show their skills in the second game.
On the 1st October that felt more like the middle of summer, Scottons 9s took the short trip to the local derby games against Ripley. It was fantastic to see every single one of the squads 15 players available and turn out at Ripley, backed by a really enthusiastic crowd.
Two games - the boys having the lions share of the ball, loads of chances yet one they lose and one they win. Sometimes you dont get what you deserve.
The first game saw Charlie take the keepers spot, James Haveron and Alexander Rickards in Defense, Tom Manning and James Callis on the wings, Joseph in the middle and Lew Dobson roving up front. The boys started brightly with a lot of pressure, with Joseph going close early on. Ripley broke away with a long ball play (which the boys struggled with all day) and a low shot slipped through Charlie's wet hands and bobbled into the net. An unfortunate goal against the play. The boys rolled their sleeves up and Lewis Dobson had two near misses before Joseph flashed another wide of the post after a strong run. The boys were starting to chase the game and do it all 'individually' and half time came just in time for the coaches to remind them to continue a passing game.
The second half saw a few changes in personal and formation. Joseph was pushed out wide and he immediately went close again after a great run and cross. However, the boys were hit again with a sucker punch from Ripley - another long ball break which the defenders failed to cover their strikers. This second goal took the wind out the boys sales and they conceded two more quick goals - another a slip in the wet. 4-0 hardly seemed a fair reflection of how much football the boys had played and the performances in the middle from Alexander and Tom Manning & James Callis runs on the wings - and the boys managed to have another couple of efforts before an unfortunate own goal finished the game. Ripley 5-0 Scotton.
The Scorchers big squad allowed the coaches to play a fresh team in game two (as well as have time to pick up some of the boys from game 1 with a few words of encouragement)
Game 2 was 8v8, with Ethan between the sticks in the first half, Josh F took the field with James Tweed, Joel Mannion, James England, and a debut for Frankie Bulmer playing right down the middle. James Callis returned to the team and Jack sherwin played lone striker.
The boys continued playing some strong football, showing some great touches. Jack was a threat upfront, forcing a save early, and Frankie burst through the middle, shooting just wide. Scorchers attacks came fast; James Tweed, Jack and Joel all just shooting wide with James Callis breaking down the wing forcing a save. It wasn't going to be long before the boys got what they deserved, and a great move down the wing saw James Callis strike sweetly to se us score our first of the day - finally!!
Halftime saw a few more team changes, but the boys were keen to get back out. Jack twice and the ethan forced saves, but Jacks third effort wasn't to be stopped - 2-0 Scorchers. The sun was getting hotter, and so were the Scorchers, with Ethan (now out of goal, swapping with Joel) forcing a save and Lewis Francis hitting the bar with a volley at the end of a great break. The pressure was now really on Ripley and another great run and cross saw James Tweed in the right place at the back post to smuggle a poachers goal. 3-0 Scorchers and the final whistle went.
Two games where the boys should be pleased with their desire and ability to play football wth the bal on the floor. MOTM in Game 1 went to Alexander Rickards, a rock in the middle, and in Game 2 to debutant Frankie Bulmer who - is football terms - 'put in a shift' as well as showing great composure and touch. Well done to ALL the boys and their parents for their efforts today. Training next week as normal - 9am at the cricket club.
