U12 Hornets
Rotherfield put in a very spirited performance against top of the table Twyford kites, not reflected in the final score. Hornets' defensive duo Kieran Toms and Nye Rees were impressive against Kites' forwards, thwarting almost every attack for most of the first half. Secure at the back, Hornets' launched many promising attacks, butTom Mee, Alfie Clifton, James Burke, Rhuari Kirkwood and Michael Barker all had on target shots saved. Eventually Twyford broke the deadlock with a great goal. In midfield Michael Barker and Rhuari Kirkwood continued battling it out against very skilful opposition, while Callum Cooke was instrumental on the wing moving the ball up the pitch trying to create more chances. For a long time the score was only 1-0, causing the Kites' great anxiety. After Twyford managed another goal Hornets switched formation, throwing caution to the wind, to try to grab a goal back, but, despite some courageous play, it was not to be. Twyford took advantage of Hornets' tactics to score three more times, but more often than not, goalie Zach Gardner kept the ball out of the net preventing heavier losses. Man of the match went to Rhuari Kirkwood for unselfish running, great tackling and excellent passing.
Squad
M Barker, J Burke, A Clifton, C Cooke, Z Gardner, R Kirkwood, T Mee, N Rees, K Toms.
With only seven players available Rotherfield Hornets won a heroic victory against a full strength Caversham Trents Whites. To start with Caversham set up camp by the Rotherfield goal forcing the whole team to defend and requiring goalie and man of the match Zach Gardner to make a succession of incredible saves. Every now and then, though, Rotherfield looked very dangerous on the break. Alone at the front, Rhuari Kirkwood, harried by three defenders, still managed several lightening runs on goal, culminating in some great shots one hitting the cross bar. Slowly, despite the lack of fresh legs from any subs and through sheer determination, Hornets turned the game in their favour. Kieran Toms held the fort at the back, Michael Barker and Alfie Clifton organised the midfield while Alex Humm and James Burke tackled and stopped attacks down the sides. As the match drew to a close and the deadlock looked unbreakable Alfie Clifton decided he'd had enough and without warning walloped a shot into the back of the net from outside the area. 50 minutes of non stop running and tackling against a squad of nine with no absentees, then snatching victory at the last, on the final whistle, the whole team lay down in the centre circle unable to run another step.
Squad
M Barker, J Burke, A Clifton, Z Gardner, A Humm, R Kirkwood, K Toms
After a very poor warm up and a sluggish start Rotherfield Hornets turned their match against Kennet Valley into a spectacular goal fest! This 8-0 victory was also a much needed morale boost for Hornets who have been missing one or two key players through injury and have faced very tough opposition in recent matches. Striker Tom Mee scored a hat trick for the third week in a row, James Burke scored twice and Rhuari Kirkwood delivered two fantastic balls into the box allowing Alfie Clifton to score twice in rapid succession. Callum Cooke in goal was rarely troubled and Kieran Toms held the defence with ease when occasionally required. Nye Rees pushed upfield and added strength in midfield while Matthew Warren worked the ball up the wing helping serve the goal scorers in their superb display in the second half.
Man of the match was awarded to James Burke for his two goals and great work in attack.
Squad
J Burke, A Clifton, C Cooke, R Kirkwood, T Mee, N Rees, K Toms, Matthew Warren
Rotherfield Hornets were part of a fast paced evenly matched contest with Wokingham on Saturday. Wokingham went ahead early on in the match which only encouraged Hornets to come back with great determination. After some tough battles in midfield Alfie Clifton managed to thread the ball through to Tom Mee who equalised. The game continued with first one team having the upper hand then the other and Zach Gardener in goal made several vital saves. Rhuari Kirkwood tussled with Wokingham in midfield, supported by James Burke's tackles, hard work from Toby Egan and strong runs from Callum Cooke. Tackles and passes out of defence were strong as always using Nye Rees' power and Kieran Toms' accuracy. Wokingham went ahead again and once more Hornets stiffened their resolve with chances just before half time. After a tough team talk at half time Hornets returned to the pitch with vigour and Tom Mee scored two more goals for his hat-trick, putting Hornets ahead for the first time in the match. Hornets looked certain to win until minutes before the final whistle Wokingham slipped in a last goal levelling the score.
Squad
J Burke, A Clifton, C Cooke, T Egan, Z Gardener, R Kirkwood, T Mee, N Rees, K Toms
Hornets suffered their first defeat of the season to a highly skilled and fast paced Burghfield team on Saturday. Despite some incredible saves by goalie Zach Gardener and brave defending by the whole team Burghfield scored two good goals and managed another three opportunistic goals from long distance. Hornets fighting spirit did not wane and they pressured Burghfield to the last, tussling and tacking in midfield led by man of the match Michael Barker. Towards the end of the second half Hornets' determination paid off when Tom Mee assisted by Alfie Clifton scored two great goals giving the team a great consolation prize for their hard work right to the final whistle.
Squad
M Barker, J Burke, A Clifton, C Cooke, Z Gardener, R Kirkwood, T Mee, N Rees, K Toms