A bright and breezy Sunday afternoon and the mighty Rockets lined up against the whites of Alsager Cougars, Hayden and Mya took their rest day and Jack donned the gloves after 45 minutes of intense rugby earlier with Tom!! Joel and Daniel started at the back, Josh and Joe on the wings and Brendan and Alex in the middle with Tom and Jake subs to start. The whistle went and the Rockets were right into their stride, Brendan and Alex combining well, Josh and Joe running the wings very effectively and Joel and Daniel with little to do but snubbing out any attacks and distributing well from possession. Jack had little to do as well but when called on made two comfortable saves. The Rockets were playing well, and full of confidence. Dan took a rest and Jake came on, again the Rockets passed well and ran with the ball confidently. Alex was enjoying the midfield and was a constant menace, Brendan passed and moved really well, Joe and Josh were tricky and pacy down the flanks but tracked back well when needed. Jake and Joel controlled the back with clam assurance and released others extremely effectively. Tom came on for Josh and slotted in well with some storming runs. By now the Rockets were playing with increased confidence and breaking in numbers from midfield. Brendan won the ball and played a neat pass to Alex who strode forward, one on one with the keeper and slotted coolly from 10 yards, 1-0 Rockets a well worked goal. The Rockets pressed again after the restart and both Jake and Joel joined the attack when they could. The half ended 1-0 Rockets. Into the second period and Joe took his turn in goal, with Alex and Joel at the back, Jake and Tom on the wings and Brendan and Jack in the middle. The half started as the first had finished with all the attacking being done by the Rockets. Joel and Alex ensured no brief attack was going to threaten an un-used Joe in goal whilst enjoying joining in the attack when the ball was under their control. Brendan was still running well and Jack was effective again down the middle. Jake was getting more involved and a couple of chances early in the second half were blocked. A few corners came the Rockets way and the pressure was beginning to mount again. Josh, and Tom shared time on the wing and Daniel came on to enjoy more pitch time and get used to the pace of matches. It wasn't long before a pass from Jack found Jake on the wing, who cut in and drilled a low shot that squirmed under their keeper, 2-0 Rockets and much deserved. The game finished with the Rockets still attacking and passing well. More of the same in practice sessions and some work on the pace of passing and shooting still needed but overall a great performance from all the players and a well deserved win. Well played all.
