Junior Weekend Round-Up 26/27 September
Another busy weekend of football across Rotherfield Junior FC, with plenty of competitive games, strong performances and some great individual displays from our young players.
Under 8s – Rattlesnakes & Ravens
The Under 8s Rattlesnakes and Ravens enjoyed some cracking games against Tunbridge Wells Foresters.
Both teams scored goals, defended really well and did a great job of getting the ball forwards. In one game, the Rattlesnakes kept their opponents at bay until the final minute or so thanks to some fantastic blocks, saves and even a helping hand from the goal frame!
A great morning of football and plenty of positives for both teams.
Under 10s
A tough away game for the Under 10s, who controlled the match from start to finish, dominating possession and creating chance after chance.
Unfortunately, the goals wouldn't come, with the game ending in a narrow defeat. The opposition's only real chance came from a long free-kick from the halfway line.
Despite the result, the football was excellent, with the boys remaining on the front foot throughout and showing fantastic character and attitude right until the final whistle.
Players of the Week:
🏆 A.J. – Hard work both on and off the ball. After back-to-back hat-tricks, he was unlucky not to add to his tally.
🏆 Nathan – Played the entire game in goal, constantly encouraging his teammates from the back and building a great link with the defence.
Under 11s
It was local derby day for the Under 11s as they travelled to Wadhurst for a fantastic contest.
Rotherfield flew into an early two-goal lead before two big goalkeeper kicks helped Wadhurst get back into the game. The second half was end-to-end, with either side capable of nicking the win.
A competitive game played in exactly the right spirit, with big performances all over the pitch.
⚽ Leon 🅰️ Eaves⚽ Reuben 🅰️ Leon
🏆 Parents' POTM: Leon🏆 Coaches' POTM: Finley
A big thank you to Harry and Jack for taking on the gloves this week! 👊🏼
Under 12s
The Under 12s had a tough game at home to Jarvis Brook, but there were plenty of positives to take from a difficult contest.
Yusef opened the scoring as Rotherfield took control of the game, but Jarvis Brook fought their way back into the contest and began to put pressure on the team.
Some solid defending and excellent goalkeeping from Rupert kept Rotherfield in the game for much of the second half. Jarvis Brook eventually levelled following a series of direct balls from the goalkeeper before adding further goals to secure the win.
There were plenty of lessons to take from the game and the boys can be proud of their effort against a strong side. The experience will give Rotherfield plenty to work on ahead of the return fixture.
🏆 Captain's POTM: Luke – recognised for his persistence and tireless effort up and down the line.
Under 13s
The Under 13s endured a difficult afternoon against Tonbridge.
The scoreline doesn't tell the whole story, with Rotherfield level at half-time after being on top for long periods and creating chances, including a missed penalty.
The second half became increasingly difficult, but the players showed excellent character and discipline in a challenging environment, continuing to work for each other and refusing to be drawn into the frustrations of the game.
There will be plenty for the coaches and players to reflect on, but the attitude shown by the Rotherfield players was a real positive.
A massive thank you to Rich, who stepped in at short notice to referee the match.
Under 14s
The Under 14s hosted Tunbridge Wells Foresters and came away with an excellent victory.
Despite having several players carrying minor knocks, Rotherfield eventually found their rhythm after a difficult opening 20 minutes. The visitors took the lead with a well-taken lob, but the response was immediate.
Barney produced a brilliant run down the right before slotting home to level the game.
Rotherfield came flying out for the second half and quickly took the lead, George finishing calmly after a lovely through ball sliced open the Foresters' defence.
A few minutes later, Will extended the advantage, meeting Barney's corner with a powerful header into the top corner.
The visitors offered little threat for the remainder of the game as Rotherfield defended well and saw things out. Their best chance came late on, but Archie-Lee was perfectly positioned to clear the ball off the line.
⚽ Barney⚽ George⚽ Will
🏆 POTM: Will – A commanding midfield performance, winning the ball, distributing brilliantly and scoring a superb goal.
🏆 Special mention: Archie-Lee – A strong defensive display and excellent positioning to make the crucial goal-line clearance.
Three games, three wins and Rotherfield sit top of the table. There is still plenty to work on, particularly starting games with greater energy, but it's been an excellent start to the season.
Under 16s – Renegades
The Renegades battled their way to a hard-fought victory away at Tonbridge.
It was a game built on effort, teamwork and plenty of battling in midfield, with Rotherfield doing whatever it took to get over the line.
Two scrappy goals and an enormous amount of defensive work secured the win.
Not necessarily pretty – but very satisfying!
Under 16s – Razorbacks
The Razorbacks made life difficult for themselves but ultimately came through with a winning performance against Otford at home.
A strong result for the boys, who showed the character needed to see the game through and claim the victory.
💚 Another big weekend for Rotherfield
From the youngest players taking their first steps in competitive football to our Under 16s battling for results, there was plenty to be proud of across the club this weekend.
There were wins, defeats and draws, but above all there was plenty of football played, lessons learned and players continuing to develop.
Well done to all the players, coaches, volunteers and parents who made another busy weekend of Rotherfield football possible.
We go again next weekend! 💚
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