A breezy cold morning greeted the Rockets for the second game of the New Year, the team assembled from the Wizards in preparation for the new dawn of U9’s come September. The older Rockets were ably supported by Christian, Roan and Thomas from the Wizards for this encounter.
The game started brightly for the Rockets with Joel taking the gloves, Jake minding the defence, Jack in the middle, Christian the firepower and Roan and Joe providing the width and speed down the flanks.
The Rockets moved the ball well and proved their passing routines in practice were starting to pay off with openings being created by all. Christian was constantly fed by his teammates and it wasn’t long before the Rockets carved chances out for Roan, Jack and Joe. The Lions were penned in for most of the first period and Joel had little to do in goal but admire the flowing play. Jack was energetic as usual and after combining with Roan a through ball to Christian was dispatched, 1-0 to the Rockets.
Lions restarted and were soon under pressure from Jack and Roan again, normal service resumed and the Rockets continued to burn brightly going forward restricting the Lions to the odd attack that Joel dealt with well. Joe was starting to enjoy more time on the ball and used his skill and pace to good effect on the right, Jack and Jake showed maturity when needed and strung good passing passages of play together. Roan continued to be effected going forward and defending well despite a brief spell on the sides recovering from a slight knock. Thomas stepped in proving his fitness after 30mins with Wizards in the early kickoff! The Rockets were growing in confidence and a jinky mazy run from Jack into the penalty area was blasted into the net, 2-0 Rockets.
Into the second period and Joel came into midfield with Jack, Jake continued to control play from sweeper and Roan skillfully donned the gloves between the sticks. Christian was full of running and proved too hot on the day for the Lions defence, with last gasp defending and the post thwarting his search for a Rockets 3rd. Jake swapped with a tiring Joel to give further flair in the middle and it wasn’t long before one of Christians centre’s was expertly converted by the rampant Jake. 3-0 Rockets.
By this time the Lions were starting to put some passes together and a rare foray upfront was dealt with skillfully by a confident Roan in goal. The distribution to Joe at the back and speedy runs down the flank stretched the tiring Lions and a pass up to Christian left the young striker with a run on goal, a fierce low shot went in off the inside the post, 4-0 Rockets.
The final period allowed a slight re-formation with a tired Christian taking his place in goal and Roan moving up front. Jack continued to get up and down the pitch tackling and passing with great effect, Roan held the ball well when he received it and Joe and Jake continued to press, this time Joel providing the final line of defence. The Rockets Xmas chocolate was starting to take its toll on tired legs and easing off the pressure slightly allowed the Lions some more possession. Christian and Joel were supported in defence by the rest of the team but the Lions eventually broke the resistance with a consolation goal, 4-1. Thomas was rested after his early efforts and the game ended with the Rockets still on top. A great performance by all and a strong start to the second half of the season and a good 4-1 win for the Rockets. Well done all!
