Royals Match Report 2005-06

Royals Treble Winners 2005-06

 Onny Tigers 0-3 Royals (Tenbury Cup Final, 21-05-06)
(Lewis 2, Carless-Turland) 

This Sunday morning was probably the wettest for a long time and the playing conditions were the worst the Royals have had to face all season. The rain came down relentlessly for most of the morning and the designated pitch at the Ludlow Stadium was water logged in parts. After prolonged consultations it was decided to move to another pitch which was less water logged. Once the match got underway the rain eased for a while and an entertaining game unfolded. It was not one of the Royals' best performances, the state of the pitch precluded that, but they probably played as well as could be expected under the circumstances. The young Onny Tigers were clearly the underdogs, but put up a good fight and restricted the Royals' ability to score. They had a huddle before the game and their manager undoubtedly gave an inspirational team talk. They came out in fighting spirit but had to face a Royals team which was older, more experienced and very talented. 

A lively start to the game provided several early scoring opportunities to Carless-Turland and Hearle, but they all went wide. Onny responded with a good shot on goal which, however, went straight into Holtz's arms. Onny played with two quick strikers well forward and when they did get the ball forward a goal always seemed a possibility. But the Royals' sturdy defence of Riley and Brayne constituted a formidable barrier for the young strikers to pierce. Smith was dominant in the centre of midfield and provided much vision in the build up play.

After 17 minutes Lewis scored for the Royals when he just got a touch on a Carless-Turland cross from the left site. The Royals were now clearly on top, spending most of the time in the Onny half. An excellent shot on goal by Carless-Turland from quite far out was saved by the goal keeper. Lewis was particularly active, pursuing every ball. One of his shots on goal from close range was only just diverted for a corner. Another shot went just wide. Half time thus came with the score still 1-0, but the Royals' tally could easily have been higher. The 1-0 score line did not fully reflect their dominance. Most of the attacking was done by the Royals. Onny created very few scoring opportunities. 

The second half started with an unchanged Royals formation. A good attack on goal was launched by Onny in the opening minute with a well aimed shot on goal. But Holtz stuck a foot out and diverted the ball for a corner. This was only the second time he had to make a proper save. Immediately after the Royals scored their second goal, and a brilliant one it was. After the corner taken by Onny the ball was kicked well forward into the Onny half. Lewis latched on to it, passed it to Hearle on the right flank who returned the pass for Lewis to blast the ball in. An excellent high speed passing movement which left the Onny defence standing. Only a minute later the third goal followed. It came after another good passing movement. The final pass came to Carless-Turland whose excellent shot gave the keeper no chance. This made the score 3:0 and with the game seemingly in the bag, Manager Smith rested Lewis and brought Groom on. Not long after Brayne was rested after apparently sustaining an another injury. Robinson took his place. Groom was then desperately unlucky not to score. The Onny keeper failed to hold on to a long shot from Smith, and the ball rolled free. Groom was on to it but his shot from close range went way over the cross bar. The Royals continued to attack the Onny goal but without scoring. Onny Tigers also launched a number of attacks but without seriously threatening the Royals' goal. 

Thus the final game of the season ended, rather soggy, but with the Royals once more in full command. It has been an exceptional season for them. Only one defeat and three draws in 31 games. These results speak for themselves. Congratulations to nine exceptional players and the inspirational Managers Smith and Turland who contributed so much to make it all happen.

Team: Cameron Holtz, Simon Riley (c), Michael Brayne, Joe Hearle, Rory Smith, Harvey Carless-Turland, Tom Lewis. Subs: Ed Groom, Dominic Robinson