FGR show the way...

FGR U16's (lots) v LRFC U16's (1)

The result today was unimportant.

What was important for this LRFC squad was to test themselves against
a strong opponent, to learn what needs to be done to improve as a team
and individually to enable them to surge towards the end of the
season. Showing the same form in the second half of the season as they
have the first.

FGR are an exceptional team, the key word being team. They work in
twos and threes all over the pitch and communicate constantly to let
their team mates know where they are and what to do. They also
congratulate and encourage each other constantly. By contrast LRFC
continue to be a very quiet squad.

When you are up against it, chasing shadows, you need all your energy
to keep moving. This then impacts effectiveness as the energy to
think, to relax and play the ball is used up. It is harder and more
energy consuming to react than it is to preempt. FGR were constantly
on the move and while clearly excellent athletes did not undo this
LRFC side with pure pace. It was their movement.

FGR dominated possession and in the first half in particular were
untouchable. Second half LRFC were more involved and stretched the
play a little without really threatening the FGR goal. Will, and for
the second half, Jacob both making excellent saves to keep the score
reasonable. Tom and Dan G were also on hand to make last ditch goal
mouth clearances after the keeper had been beaten.

What can the LRFC squad take from this?

They worked hard, for as long as they were able. Their heads dropped a
little but they rallied. Fitness was a bit of an issue and there is
room for improvement across the majority of the squad. The main lesson
is that to play with the intensity that FGR did you need to work
together in those twos and threes to keep the ball and move it
quickly. You need to communicate constantly and work off the ball.

This LRFC squad can play this way, they have played this way this
season. That they are unbeaten so far this season shows their quality.

They should not be down about the game or the result but treat it, as
it was, a training game. A game to show what they can achieve.

The level of success that this squad can achieve this season is in
their hands.....