26/04/2026
Today marked the final competitive match for the YMCA Raptors before their upcoming cup final in a few weeks. Prior to this, they faced CN Sports in the season’s last league game. The starting lineup included I Hope in the centre, Thea on the left, Emilia on the right, Millie in defence, and Annabelle in goal, with substitutes Violet and Freya Hall.
The match commenced with the Raptors immediately launching an attack, seizing the ball from the opposition. Within 30 seconds, Hope scored the Raptors’ first goal. The front three displayed excellent coordination, with precise passing and solid tackling, quickly extending the lead to two nil with another goal by Hope. The Raptors maintained their dominance, allowing CN Sports little opportunity to recover. Shortly thereafter, Hope secured a hat-trick with her third goal. In defence, Millie intercepted CN Sports’ advances, while Annabelle made several crucial saves, although it wasn’t entirely one-sided. A series of well-executed passes from the back, involving Millie, Amelia, and Hope, culminated in Thea scoring a powerful fourth goal. Freya Hall substituted for Thea, taking the left wing position, and immediately made an impact with her tight control and strength, both defensively and offensively.
Amelia then scored after a determined effort from the defence, placing the ball in the corner of the net. CN Sports capitalised on their Power Play, and with a change in weather, they applied significant pressure on the Raptors. Millie was omnipresent, and Annabelle demonstrated her prowess as the number one goalkeeper. Despite sustained pressure, the Raptors broke free, allowing Hope to score her fourth goal. CN Sports continued their relentless assault but were thwarted by Annabelle and a resolute Millie. Effective passing from the defence led to Emilia scoring her second goal, prompting CN Sports to introduce an additional player. This strategic move paid off as they scored a remarkable goal from a tight angle, bypassing Annabelle at the far post.
At halftime, changes were made: Hope was substituted for Thea, who returned with Freya Hall, while Emilia and Millie remained in their positions, and Annabelle continued in goal. CN Sports struck first in the second half with a well-placed shot through a crowded area, securing their second goal. The Raptors persevered against the adverse weather and additional players, with Emilia scoring her third goal to achieve a hat-trick.
Tired legs were managed with substitutions, bringing Hope back on for Emilia and Violet for Millie. This adjustment provided some stability, with Violet battling the cold, her determination evident as she worked effectively with Hope. For the first time in a while, the Raptors reached the opposition’s box, and Hope capitalised, scoring her fifth goal. Emilia replaced Thea, who had worked tirelessly and deserved a rest. Violet moved to the midfield, with Hope and Emilia on the wings. Inspired managerial decisions led to Emilia scoring her fourth goal shortly after.
Millie returned to defence, partnering with Freya Hall, who had been solid alongside Annabelle in preventing further goals from CN Sports, who continued to create opportunities. Emilia soon scored her fifth goal. Millie then switched with Emilia to take up an attacking position, linking up well with a now-frozen Violet, who remained active and challenging CN’s control. Eventually, Millie found Hope, who scored her seventh goal of the match. Not to be outdone, Millie seized the opportunity as Hope’s shot was saved, rebounded off the post, and with composure and speed, she gained control and scored with a powerful shot into the bottom corner.
The final whistle blew, and the seven exhausted players held their heads high. With an outstanding team performance, the Raptors secured their final league victory. Annabelle was voted as the parents’ player of the match, and Millie was chosen as the coaches’ player. The team now looks forward to the cup final.
Our thanks go to our sponsors, Phil’s Bakery.
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