JUNIOR WEEKEND ROUND UP
Under 8s
The U8s had an indoor session featuring 1v1s, 3v3s and a final 8v8-ish game. Plenty of football and plenty of fun as they prepare to welcome Tonbridge Junior Foxes to the Recreation Ground next weekend.
Under 9s
A fantastic morning away at Hawkhurst for the U9s. The Gladiators produced some wonderful passing football, finding gaps and space while showing great determination. A special mention to Reuben for an outstanding goalscoring performance, Dylan for his first goal and Archie for stepping in between the sticks for a half and also getting on the scoresheet.
The Knights secured their first ever win away from home. Ollie struck early before the team responded brilliantly after conceding, with Ernest scoring twice to seal a memorable performance. Oliver A was outstanding, running nonstop, winning the ball in crucial areas and driving the team forward. Players of the Week: Reuben & Oliver A
Under 10s
The U10s headed to Wolfe Recreation Ground for a friendly with Crowborough — their toughest opposition of the season so far.
The boys moved the ball brilliantly, staying calm and producing some really quick combinations that they’ve been working hard on in training. Finishing was once again the only slight frustration, but there were plenty of positives against strong opposition. Monty was excellent at the back, controlling the game with his ability on the ball and calmness under pressure.
Matty controlled things from central midfield, completing the most passes and dribbles before capping his performance with a great strike from the edge of the box. Players of the Week: Monty & Matty
Under 11 Girls
Two wins from two for the U11 Girls after an end-to-end thriller against Chipstead.
After falling behind, the girls showed great character to turn the game around. Roberta scored and Olivia produced a brilliant strike from the halfway line before Berta completed her second hat-trick of the season. Arabella then rounded off the scoring with her first ever goal. A late goal made for a tense finish, but the girls held their nerve to secure a deserved victory. Players of the Match: Keeva & Bea
Opposition Player of the Match: Sylvia
Under 11 Boys
A long journey to Otford and a late kick-off didn’t stop the U11 boys from putting in a brilliant performance. The boys left everything on the field in a really well-contested game. There were plenty of chances, including a goal that wasn’t given despite appearing to cross the line, while their goalkeeper also produced a great save to keep out a penalty. Special mention to Albert, who bounced back from a couple of tough games at the start of the season with several excellent saves.
Goal: Wills | Assist: Leon
Parents’ POTM: Albert
Coaches’ POTM: Jack
Under 12s
What a game for the U12s against Hailsham. Despite dominating large periods of the game, Rotherfield found themselves behind at the break. The boys regrouped and showed incredible belief that the game was still there to be won.
A change of shape saw the team push two forwards higher up the pitch, with Dougie putting in an incredible shift and causing plenty of problems for the opposition defence.
Rupert F then took centre stage, finding the net before adding another as Rotherfield continued to pile on the pressure.
With just minutes remaining, the boys refused to give up. Superb work from the midfield and defence stopped Hailsham from putting the game beyond reach, while Rupert D made important saves in goal.
Then, with just a minute remaining, Rupert F dribbled, turned and fired home to complete an incredible comeback and send the Rotherfield sidelines into wild celebrations.
Captain’s POTM: Yusef
Coach’s POTM: Isaac
Team Player of the Match: Rupert F
What a performance. What a comeback. What a team.
Under 13s
The U13s travelled to Uckfield Grasshoppers and initially found themselves on the back foot, conceding an excellent goal early on. The boys soon settled into the game and equalised after some really good team football. They then hit the crossbar shortly afterwards and finished the first half strongly. The second half saw Rotherfield create plenty of chances and spend long periods camped in the opposition half, but the final bit of quality in front of goal was missing. A really positive performance and hopefully a confidence-building display after a challenging game last week.
Under 14 Girls
The U14 Girls travelled to Plumpton for a tough away fixture against a strong side that had made an excellent start to the season. A near-perfect first half saw the girls defend tightly, pass slickly and finish clinically. They continued to control the game after the break, despite tiring towards the end. Elsie scored twice, including a fantastic free kick — or perhaps a cross! — while Charlotte grabbed a brace and Anjali also found the net. The travelling Rotherfield support was in fine voice once again!
Under 14s
A frustrating morning for the U14s against Hawkhurst. Rotherfield enjoyed the majority of possession and played some excellent football, but once again balls over the top caused problems and punished the team. Jasper, deputising in goal, produced several excellent one-on-one saves to keep the opposition at bay.
Barney was outstanding in midfield, putting in a relentless performance, causing problems for the opposition defence and creating numerous opportunities.
POTM: Barney
Under 16s Razorbacks
A bonanza of goals for the U16s!
The boys played some great football in the first half and continued in the same vein after the break, maintaining their intensity and not taking their foot off the pedal. A hugely impressive attacking performance from the team.
Under 16 Renegades
The Renegades produced a professional performance against Crowborough.
Nothing dramatic — just a controlled, composed display from start to finish.
A great team performance from the Renegades.
Well done to all our Rotherfield Junior FC teams this weekend!
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