U8 V Melbourne

Following the cancellation of the NLD Festival, the fixture was hastily arranged between Melbourne and Mansfield. Mansfield arrived ready and eager for the fixture.
A wet and muddy pitch awaited us, after a quick warm up, the fixture commenced with both sides fielding there stongest sides. Earlier the coaches agreed to play 4 lots of 10min games, 5mins each way, to allow all players a game.

Game 1
Mansfield quickly established a 3-1 lead with some very strong overall play and took their foot off the accelerator and which perhaps let Melbourne play a bit and in the end achieve a 4-4 draw.
Game 2
With a few players rested and other squad members getting a start. Mansfield again was straight out of the blocks scoring following some good straight running. The match ebbed to and fro until the final whistle Final score 6-5 to Melbourne
Game 3
With more player rotation, the third game commenced with several good scoring attempts. Everyone supported the ball-carrier very well. The game again turned into a scoring oneway then the other with the final whistle being blown at 5-5 draw
Game 4
Both sides again fielded their strongest sides. The referee allowed a more free flowing game with some knock-ons. Mansfield played with “Keep Moving Forward” attitude and scored quiet freely. The game ended with a draw.

Mansfield U8s attitude and play showed a squad of depth and skills considering Melbourne U8’s were currently U7s champions for NLD, Ilkeston and Matlock. With this Melbourne coaches asked if we would be prepared for a joint summer training event. WELL DONE GUYS.

‘Player of the Day Award’-: Rowan