South Rushden Rhino’s v. South Rushden Bison’s
27th February 2010
 
This long awaited derby promised much and delivered a lot more.  From the outset it was obvious the players were well up for it. The last minute change of referee added early drama and it was obvious the poor guy Stewart Simms was not match fit…..but needs must.
 
We’re off, matching kick for kick the teams started much the same, the early pressure coming from the Bison’s.  It wasn’t long before the Bison’s were rewarded with a free kick.  Big kicker Henry stepped up and the shot was well struck just past the right post. New goalie Will Turner didn’t have a chance to move and looked a little dazed. Henry returned to defence and bailed out the team with some strong challenges following forward pressure from the Rhino’s.  Connor Love for the Rhino’s had the first sight of goal with a turn of speed but was matched well by Henry’s defensive challenge.  Half way through the first half the break through came for the Rhino’s.  Following an attack by the Bison’s, Turner drop kicks from goal to Scott Simms on the right wing, Simmo races down the wing, great pass to Logan Fisher, Fisher dropped his shoulder and went past the Bison’s defence, an accurate pass to Conner Love could only have one conclusion……GOAL! Love smashes home. 
 
We’re off again and some great play by Michael Childs and Phillip Hughes passing to Lewis Groves unfortunately goes nowhere….unlucky boys.  The Bison’s are playing well and you can’t help feeling a goal could come from them at any time if the Rhino’s don’t keep the play tight.  William Way [AKA Deco] forges ahead with some great play to Alfie…Alfie passes tight to Michael, then to Harry, then to Hughes, Hughes to Lewis Groves and onto Michael Childs…surely it’s only a matter of time before the equaliser comes.
 
What is the ref doing…..he seems unsure of his stop watch and his whistle…the crowd sense the confusion and it’s not long before a smartly dressed young lady shouts out “Come on ref wet your whistle”…what does she mean?….anyway back to the game. 
 
More Bison’s pressure causes the Rhino’s to work hard in their own territory…..but that’s not their style and they look uncomfortable.  The Rhino’s step it up and Fisher looks alert, passes to Love, Love to Harry Stoner, back to Love, great knock from Love to Simmo……Simmo shoots…IT’S IN!….great goal from Scott Simms who turns and slides his feet back one after another….he’s only doing a Moonwalk Jacko Celebration…..come on ref get these young lad’s under control.
 
Off again and the Bison’s start with tempo.  Deco goes forward to Michael Childs….a wild Rhino’s tackle is spotted by the ref [finally got his glasses on] and a free kick awarded.  Henry steps up and blasts the ball at the Rhino’s goal net…just wide…..unlucky…….the whistle blows…first half done.
 
Second half start…some changes to note.  Will Turner now on the left wing for the Rhino’s with Liam Pilcher pulling on the yellow shirt…this could be a tactical error…Pilcher is the cornerstone of the Rhino’s defence.  The Bison’s now have Phillip Hughes in goal but that could work in their favour as Hughes is an experienced goal blocker.
 
We’re off…..Will Turner collects the ball on the left wing and heads toward the goal …..just wide…the Rhino’s look menacing this half.  Bison’s ask Henry to launch their goal Kick attack and he delivers a cannon ball….but it’s not long before Henry is needed in defence…the Rhino’s attack again and Turner tries a long shot…saved by Hughes.
 
It’s now the Bison’s turn with good ball play from Groves, Deco…linking to Alfie..back to Groves who shoots into the safe arms of Liam Pilcher.
 
The Bison’s mean business forging ahead with great play from Childs….Lewis Groves is now back for the Bison’s and just shoots wide…..Rhino’s sense trouble and swap Connor Love for Fisher who was rested after the first half.
 
Pressure comes again from the Rhino’s with a forced corner….Stoner to take.  The Rhino’s look hungry for goal number 3 and Simmo shoots just wide.  Now it’s Fisher’s turn, just wide again…..the Bison’s look shaky but dig in deep in their own half.
 
More great play from Alfie and Deco…but it’s the Rhino’s again pushing forward…Turner, Fisher it’s a good link up……Bison’s cannot get the ball from their own half…now they have….Henry to Michael…..to Alfie….to Lewis…he’s in again……shoots…..SAVED by Liam….great save!
 
Rhino’s attack again with Turner on the left wing…he’s down…. fouled by Bison’s aggressive defence.  Stoner steps up with an eye on goal…just wide…..goal kick for the Bison’s.
 
The Bison’s attack again looking for a goal…..will it come?…..great attack…..FOUL!….ref blows hard……and then uses his whistle…PENALTY….what a finish to this game.  Henry steps up….Rhino’s look nervous….this big kicker is chomping at the bit……..WHAT A SAVE!.......Liam stops a rocket….Henry runs in for a second go…surely it’s in…saved by the post this time……what a let off.
 
Last attack for Rhino’s……Harry Stoner passes to Fisher onto to H….then to Simmo….good knock to Turner….it must be a third….just wide.  Final whistle blows……….WHAT A GAME!
 
Reported by Patrick Turner