GU16 Rovers Finish Season on a High
By J Woods
Twelve teams entered the competition and it had come down to a play-off of three for the Plate. Surbiton Rangers, Surbiton Rovers and Teddington. Rovers were playing against teams who were half a league onward. On the morning of the final, star defender Ilsa failed a last-minute fitness check. Plus, having to play two games on the spin possibly meant Rovers were massive underdogs going into the final.
First up was their inter-club nemesis, Rangers. Ayda was to the right of them. India to the left of them. Louise in front of them. Rangers volleyed and thundered. Rovers set about Rangers with the kind of intensity that had been missing for a while. Stormed at with shots, the Rovers eventually fell. They gave a gift on the far post. Then an untracked and unopposed midfielder rifled off a shot on the edge of the D.
HT Rangers 2 Rovers 0
Rovers regrouped and kept dangerous play at bay. Alongside Francesca G at HB, GU14 debutant Tayla S made timely interceptions. Eliza S, Saran and Lauren clipped the wings of the Rangers but couldn't stop another from Rangers. It was 3-0, and it looked all over. But Rovers set about turning defence into attack, and Imogen W, Molly H and Rosie D all went close. Rovers were rocking, and Rangers were unseasonably reeling. The final whistle went, and Rovers wondered what could have been. Nonetheless, they should be proud of the charge they made.
FT Rangers 3 Rovers 0
Teddington was up next. It seemed it was happening all over again. Two goals separated the teams at half time.
HT Teddington 2 Rovers 0.
The second half started well for Rovers. They got a goal back. There was still time. Unfortunately, a culmination of interchanges caused some confusion. Up until then it was a game of fine margins. The comeback stalled. Rovers found themselves another two goals down and just about down and out.
FT Teddington 4 Rovers 1
It was not all doom and gloom, though. Later that day, Rovers learned that Hampstead & Westminster had failed to win at Barnes. Rovers were champions of their league with a game to spare. Silverware for Surbiton Rovers was all the fashion, after all.