Junior Hoops Saints u7s vs. Rishton Reds: Match Day 6

Saturday saw the u7 Saints meet the Rishton Reds for the second time in the ADJFL, this time in the warmth and dry of the Soccer Dome.

The boys had a battle to gain the attention of the crowd, at least at the start, as many an eye was drawn to the various iPads and Phones aroud the pitch with England taking to the field for the Rugby World Cup Final.

Whilst the rugby boys in Japan struggled to gain a foothold in their game, the Saints flew out of the blocks with some scintalating football.

Huey provided a calmness in goal and Oscar was at his tigerish best in defence allowing Oakley, Teddy and Leighton to deliver link up play in the first half that was fit to grace any an age group. Playing with a fludity that would give Liverpool’s fabled front three a run for their money, Leighton and Teddy switched play at pace and broke with incisive one-two’s whilst Oakley knitted the play together with and a number of deflightful through balls.

Two goals apiece for Oakley, Teddy and Leighton coupled with Oscar and Huey restricting Rishton to just two in reply meant the iPads and phones were soon put away and all eyes were on Pitch One for the second half.

The game didn’t disappoint. With only five players available this week the Saints had to dig deep as Rishton threw caution to the wind and attacked from the off in the second half battling back to put the boys under pressure. With Leighton donning the gloves and showcasing his cat like reflexes and Oscar timing his tackles to perfection, Rishton’s comeback was halted.

Oakley and Teddy combined to give the Saints the edge before Teddy completed a second half trio of goals with a powerful run and finish cutting in from the left and a driving run through the middle.

For those dejected at the score across the world in Japan this was a performance to raise the spirits and bring a smile to your face.

On to the Cup next week.

C’mon the Hoops!