Round 5 - Starting to bear fruit

Round 5
Rock Lobsters vs ?
Score: 5 - 3

Best: Em
Goals: 2 Ray, 1 Chris, 1 Em, 1 Pete

Team: Chris, Em, Pete, Ray, Ree
Injured: Sylvia (Leg) - 1-2 weeks

While hoping to have their first full list to pick from, the Lobsters still only had a starting 5 for their 3rd match. Sylvia was not able to recover in time from the injury she sustained from last weeks match and is still 1-2 weeks away. On a brighter note, Ree had finally recovered from her foot stress fracture and was able to join the Rock Lobsters for her first game. YAY!

The opposition consisted of three guys of medium build and two ladies, one of whom always looked dangerous up forward. The opposition was able to open the scoring but after their early success was bombarded with forward pressure from the Lobsters. The encounter was spirited however the Lobsters (in most cases) had the physical advantage, enjoying plenty of time on the ball without being pushed off or hurried and perhaps for the first time this season, enjoyed some intimidation factor.

While the Lobsters attacking flair was without question, the desire to push back and defend was again lacking. It was common to find the keeper in situations where they were one out with the attacker or in two or three-on-one situations especially late in the halves. This will have to be rectified in future if the Lobsters are to be competitive with the top teams. The end score line may have been slightly flattering considering how many scoring opportunities they had that were blown due to wild shots on goal.

Nevertheless, the Lobsters were very dominant and this was the first game for the Lobsters where they were able to string 5 goals together from four different goal scorers. Saturday's training session clearly paying dividends as players knew where to look for the through ball and where to run to create scoring opportunities. While 5 goals is the best attacking display the Lobsters have enjoyed so far, the opposition was the most defensively organised that the Lobsters have encountered and they were able to cut out a lot of the crosses into the hot zone. Should the Lobsters face another team less organised, based on last nights effort, you would have to think they will begin chalking up outrageous amounts of goals.

While a great first game was had by Ree, who ran hard and pressured their strikers, giving them little time on the ball, best on went to Em. Her footwork was fantastic as well as her ability to hold up the ball in the attacking quarter and create scoring opportunities. She was unlucky to only come away with one goal, which was a beauty, but had a hand in many of the goals scored. I am lead to believe her fancy footwork is due to the time spent living in Mexico. Whatever the reason is hopefully she can keep it up. Another match highlight was Pete’s attacking spin move on the wing rounding one defender in the process. Not sure if it was just lucky but I was impressed and if he tells me that was his intention then I will believe him.

Congratulations Rock Lobsters on your first win!!!