Marlborough Girls U10s shine at the West Regional Finals

So close….
Marlborough Girls’ U10s went to the West Regional Finals in Bristol on the sizzling bank holiday weekend as winners of the Wiltshire County Cup. They performed brilliantly, and came 3rd in their group of 7, narrowly missing out on qualification into the semi-finals.

Despite soaring temperatures, they worked exceedingly hard individually and as a team. They won 3, drew 2 and lost 1 of their 6 games.
Their first game was against Caradon, all the way from Cornwall. The midfield of Eleanor Dennis, Matilda Makin and Florence Miller were dynamos in midfield, dictating the game. Flo Miller scored twice to win the game 2-0.

Their next game, against Cirencester, came immediately without a break. Ciren were a side which Marlborough have previously had frequent hard fought battles. Marlborough were quickly out of the blocks, creating lots of chances. Eleanor Dennis scored a great goal to put Marlborough 1-0 and chances were created to score another few to put the game out of sight. However, the heat and the double-header sapped the energy from Marlborough and Ciren began to get themselves into the game. They equalised with a great finish, and could have scored a winner if it wasn’t for some great goalkeeping from Jess Worrow. The game finished 1-1 which was probably fair, with both sides having chances to win it.

Their next game was against the impressive Taunton Vale who were well drilled and had a definite tactic of getting their forwards high, behind Marlborough’s defence. Taunton were soon 2-0 up and Marlborough had to do a tactical reshuffle to get themselves into the contest. Mia Terry was unlucky not to be awarded a goal as a slight deflection in the D was not spotted. Marlborough’s grit was finally rewarded with a goal at the end from Matilda, but the game was lost 2-1.

Another game straight after against Bath Buccs was next, with the heat on the pitch rising, the girls did brilliantly. A great defensive showing from Jess in goal, and a combination of Freya Henry and Sophia Hodge kept a clean sheet at the back. The midfield were dominant and the Marlborough forwards of Cecily Gates, Isla Ince, Ella Morriston and Mia Terry threatened. Marlborough’s dominance was finally rewarded with a goal for Matilda Makin from a short corner, and the game finished 1-0.

East Devon were next, and with the stifling heat, the energy levels were obviously sapping. Marlborough had plenty of chances, but were unable to score. Jess Worrow was excellent in goal as usual and kept a clean sheet.

The final game came against Bournemouth where Marlborough found their scoring touch again – winning 3-0. Flo Miller scored twice, and Isla Ince was rewarded for her unselfish runs and positioning throughout the day with a goal.

Marlborough were ultimately pipped by Cirencester for the 2nd semi-final spot behind Taunton. It shows how far the girls have come this season that they were disappointed not to make the semi-finals of the West Divisional tournament. They were good enough to be there, but the players’ determination to be involved in the whole part of every game counted against them in the heat. Tactical holding midfield play isn’t in their psyche!

They were a credit to themselves and the club, and they should be proud of their achievements.

The squad: Jess Worrow, Freya Henry, Sophia Hodge, Matilda Makin, Eleanor Dennis, Florence Miller, Isla Ince, Ella Morriston, Cecily Gates and Mia Terry