U14A Knox vs Doncaster Rovers 31st August
Proudly sponsored by Wet Water Pools
We were all looking forward to the last round of the year, it was a pity it had to be against Knox, the standout team of the season and they were out for revenge after Rovers held them to a draw in our previous encounter. The day was sunny but a strong wind was blowing down the ground making it easier to attack the south end.
Rovers were short of players with Chris away, Drew & Nick Vass injured and Jansen off the radar. To make up the numbers James from the B team filled in and did a terrific job.
Rovers started out into the wind but Knox had most of the play with good ball control and passing into space all over the park. Even so Rovers did their best and the defence were holding out well with Luke a shining light all day. Niki, Joel, Elliot and Matt played a tight defensive unit with Michael Pic shoring up any breaches in the defence. Knox had a couple of long range shots that Luke took cleanly and booted the ball well into attack. In the centre Alex showed good ball control and was backed up by Phil and Dion to make the odd forward move to Michael Pal and Steve who really had their work cut out against a big, fast and well drilled defence.
In a five minute period Knox banged in two very good goals that were hard to stop. For the rest of the half Rovers had enough of the general play but did not really press the keeper.
Half – time: Knox 2 : Doncaster Rovers 0
After the break Rovers came out and to their credit were still determined to play the game out and contest every issue. Even though Knox had the strong wind Rovers put their opponents under pressure and had a couple of chances with some good runs by Alex making the Knox defence look a bit shaky. All the boys were putting in and they received several free’s for their efforts. Niki had a free about 20 metres out and almost buried the goal of the year with a terrific hard kick that just caught the cross bar.
Another feature of the half was a number of fantastic saves pulled off by Luke who even had the opposition applauding. Knox had at least 6 good shots on goal that were saved but we still allowed a couple of “soft” goals in for the half. Still the game was played at a very good standard and was a pleasure to watch as both teams really tried hard to create play and use the ball well. It was a pity some of the Knox supporters did not share the sense of sportsmanship the Rovers crew have come to enjoy. It might not be so enjoyable in Super League for Knox if they cannot take the occasional loss. All the boys finished the game off giving it their best shot and that is all as parents we can ask. Well played boys, even a loss can be honourable.
Scores at full-time: Knox 4 : Doncaster Rovers 0
GO ROVERS! .......... Look forward to an even better year next season and congratulate yourselves on a great leap forwards this season.
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