Long Eaton 2nds 15 V 10 Newark

A close game that could have gone either way.

A few late chances early morning didn’t affect the determination of this ever-improving team.
Learning to cope with new challenges along the way.
Newark where immediately put under pressure from this strong young team from Long Eaton. Stout defence and competing at the break down area eventually led to the opposition making mistakes. Stale met for the first 15 minutes as the Newark women seemed to be just delaying the inevitable. Tackle after tackle with Newark repelling all advances. Until eventually Newark found a way out and soon changed the game around.
Slick handling and excellent tactical kicking got the Newark team going forward and this nearly led to Iona going over in the corner but for a last-ditched tackle. This was not the last time her opposite number held her out and this young versatile player caused problems throughout the game.
The first try came from constant pressure and a combination of attacking at speed through the centres of Paige, Holly and Ella joining in from full back and leaving the celebrations to the forwards who supported well and took the ball over the line from five metres out, inching forward until Lucy finished off crashing the ball down from close range.
The remainder the half was a combination of high-quality tackling on both sides with the odd break through but for a lack of support more tries could have been had. Georgina playing her first game worked tirelessly with Jodie in the second row and caused chaos, asking questions of the opposition throughout the match until she went off injured late the second half.
The front row held their own and after the first two scrums got into the game challenging well, causing problems and disrupting when necessary. Along with the back row Camile and Keely and Corrie who together where a constant menace in defence and when taking the ball forward.
Towards the half time whistle Long Eaton finally broke through and scored out wide.
Half Time 5-5.
Rejuvenated the second half went much like the first with both sides playing at a high pace and causing each other problems. But Long Eaton where the first to score with their strong powerful number eight now playing in the centres. Eventually she broke through and scored out wide.
Newark not disheartened continued to play and several times were held out by that last tackle. The wings, Sophie and Iona saw plenty of ball and both could have added to their season tally but for the rigid defence.
Long Eaton where next to score again through a forward drive close to the line after Newark had denied them for several phrases beforehand with determination and organisation around the ruck from Michelle, Cheryl, Kerry-Ann, and Beth amongst others.
Not to be downhearted Newark came back at them from the restart led by Emily who got us good field position from her excellent tactical kicking, creating chaos behind the defence as the chasers creating the pressure needed to retrieve the ball.
Beth was unlucky to be held up over the line when a certain try looked inevitable but somehow the defence got their hands on the ball.
Eventually through a series of penalties and quick thinking, Ella tapped and seized the opportunity to make use of the gap in front, she ran in from the 22-metre line. Unfortunately, her conversation from out wide hit the crossbar and that was the final whistle. 15 – 10.
The women all commented on how much they had enjoyed this fixture today and when it was explained that the Long Eaton team had several players from their first team playing, they quickly realised how well they had done.

On to the next fixture at Home against Sileby 10/11/24.