Cup delight for Rocklands

Rocklands Rhinos U11 squad beat East Harling in the cup final.Rocklands had to make changes with Jazz Crystal being cup-tied, so local boy Luke Everett was drafted in.

Rocklands Rhinos U11 squad beat East Harling in the cup final.

Rocklands had to make changes with Jazz Crystal being cup-tied, so local boy Luke Everett was drafted in.

Regan McGuire and Ben Willingham made up the 14.

The game started at a frantic pace, with the massive pitch playing a big part - I knew the game would be decided by the odd goal and even the thought of extra time and penalties had come to mind, and these had even been practiced during training. Ben Willingham had proved to be the penalty king.

Both teams were very nervous we only saw glimpses of Rocklands' normal passing play. Even Ryan Fuller's throw-ins weren't causing their normal danger.

The decisive goal came 10 minutes before half-time, the ball was played into the box from Ryan Fuller Jamie Edwards passed the ball to Hayley Kindred who chipped the advancing keeper. The large Rocklands crowd went wild.

The Rocklands defence was in fine form, one example was evident when Harling's best player picked the ball up in his own half and started to run at Matthew Thresh. The defender kept pace with him and the two players ran half the length of the pitch with Matty making a timely tackle. After this performance Matty just shaded the first half man of the match.

Half-time team talk, they were told to keep it tight, with no need to take any unnecessary risks. And, like the previous game, Ryan needed to start taking players on but, to be fair to him, Harling obviously thought he was the danger man, because as soon as he got the ball he was surrounded by three players.

Rocklands came into the game more in the second half with Ryan, Jamie Titmarsh and Aaron Sothcott combined play led to Jambo hitting the bar.

The front two of Jambo and Jake Wiseman seemed possessed - they didn't stop running all game. Again the midfield foursome covered every blade of grass. Jack Watling looked confident in the Rocklands goal but the defence must take the accolade.

Ewan Marsden, Matty, Harry Gibson and Remy Carter were absolutely awesome with Remy taking the overall man-of-the-match title - his pace, power and positional awareness made him a worthy recipient of this accolade.

Hearts went out to the three subs Ben, Regan and Luke as the game was so tight it was difficult to bring them on, but all three and the rest of the squad are all part of the team. Managers Martyn Fuller and Paul Sothcott are very proud of their team.

Final score: East Harling 0, Rocklands 1.

Pictured are, front row (from left): Regan McGuire, Hayley Kindred, Ben Willingham, Jake Wiseman, Jamie Edwards.

Back row: Remy Carter, Matthew Thresh, Jack Watling, Ewan Marsden, Jamie Titmarch, Aaron Sothcott, Luke Everett, Ryan Fuller, Harry Gibson.