7s gain first victory of the season

After winning the coin toss (10-2 career coin tosses won -PC) the “Super Sevens” reverted back to their old formation as they lined up against what seemed to be a disorganised Abingdon side. Sonning could sense this and Phil Cooper pushed the ball back.

First Half
Edward Butler took the ball downfield. Butler spotted Cooper on a charge and gave him the perfect through ball as “The best calves in the game” cut inside. Picking the ball up outside the D Cooper went shoulder to shoulder with a defender as he galloped goal bound. Seeing the keeper out of position he placed the ball in the far corner. When the ball hit the backboard Cooper was already pointing back towards the centre spot wanting the game to restart.

This sub 10 second goal filled the “Pride of RG4” with confidence as they stroked the ball around the astro. Shots were coming in everywhere including a great effort where Jeremy Matheson pinged in a shin high ball which Matt Hill deflected just over the bar. However Abingdon were gaining momentum and soon Sonning’s confidence turned into overconfidence and was then replaced by worry. Abingdon scored with a long run from a very fit player who outpaced both centrebacks from the middle of the park. Abingdon were ringing Sonning’s 16s and it was becoming difficult for Sonning to get the ball out of their own half. Calm heads prevailed as Sonning gained some momentum back before Jumbo and E’s whistles blew for halftime.

Halftime
It was agreed that Sonning were not taking the game to their opponents and really had to step it up if they were to win. The basics were right but they were missing the heart.

Second Half
Abingdon pushed back and Sonning had really upped their game. So had Abingdon though and the ball was carried up and down the pitch by both teams. The fitness of Nathan Olds and Jon Newman really helped out during this period. Unfortunately an incoming ball into the “Blue and Gold” D came off the edge of Jeremy’s reverse stick and went into the bottom corner of Rhys' goal. Gutting...

Sonning had to go back on the attack and Jay Churchill was showing not only his ever growing confidence on the ball but also some great runs. Churchill eventually forced a pad save from the keeper which helped build Sonning's confidence back up.After a few games of Tennis in Abingdon’s D it was "game set and match" with a drop shot from Trev Bennett( it is unconfirmed who got the assist)pulling the game even at 2-2

The Defence were keeping it strong but Abingdon forced Rhys to make a couple of saves.

Sonning pulled ahead after Eddie took the ball down the right flank and crossed it onto the P spot where Phil Cooper took it first time from his back foot and nutmegged the keeper (NUTS! -PC).

There were still 15 minutes left to play and both teams had short benches so were feeling tired. Set pieces had slowed down with both teams taking the time for a breather where possible. Sonning and Abingdon were counter attacking each other and Sonning’s midfield had to dig deep. The defence of Andrew Fry, Rudi Eagling and Steve Olds were keeping it strong though and distributed the ball well around the back giving options for the blue shirts ahead of them.

Analysis
The Full Time whistle blew and Sonning came away with the deserved win. Sonning had dug deep when it mattered and are showing that they can improve every week. The return of Jeremy from Central Asia had proved a bonus and Eddie really helped organise Sonning’s attacking game.

Next week is away at Banbury. Will the 7s be able to take the “Phil Cooper Show” on the road? We can only hope...

MoM Phil Cooper with his 2 goals.

DoD Rudi Eagling for has hangover