Market Harborough 10 – 38 Newark.

Nearly there.

With only four games to go of the first of many seasons to come. The women had everything to play for today.
We didn’t play MH at home as they conceded the game because of numbers. However, this team were not to be taken lightly. Second verses third in the league and with years of experience and losing out of promotion last year by one point, this was no easy challenge today.
Newark kicked off on a perfect day for flowing rugby and were put under pressure immediately. MH testing our defence from every angle. In the middle the forwards worked tirelessly around the break down not giving an inch and when MH went out wide the backs challenged and stopped any advance. The women’s commitment into the tackle and line speed was credit to them all putting practised drills and technique into their game.
MH were first to score from a well worked set piece. Eight picks up fed to nine and moved out to their rapid Full back who stripped everyone from just inside our half. That continued pressure however forced her out wide making the conversion more difficult and dually missed. 5 – 0.
The team gathered and it wasn’t long before we had the chance to show our own skills in attack.
A combination of punching holes and feeding the backs.
Ella (scrum half) worked well in varying our attack feeding the engine house and allowing Jodie, Michelle, Abi and Ell to punch holes and create chaos and then releasing the general at ten (Emelie) who draw in defenders and fed Paige who powered her way through on many occasions throughout the game, and to the try line. Conversion missed 5 – 5.
From the restart, a great gather from Annie and support set up for a clearance / tactical kick which Daisy our flyer chased down, putting the giant of a full back under pressure. Holding on to her legs and ably supported by Hollie. This enabled the ball to become loose, first to react and quick to her feet was Daisy as she gathered the ball and ran in unopposed. Conversion missed 5 – 10.
Again, Newark from the restart didn’t hang about and a combination of backs and forwards running at pace and interacting, it wasn’t long before we were soon opening up the defence and with the try line in sight Abi was the last person to handle the ball. A great team try for all to witness. Conversion scored 5 – 17.
Newark had to endure a period of pressure and just before half time MH scored out wide. However, the fight and determination were on show and MH had to work hard to break this Maginot line. 10-17
Half time and Stuart came in with a few words of wisdom and the women produced the half of the season so far.
Support, power and pace. Fresh legs only added to this and soon Newark were flowing and all the team continued to build in confidence. A constant barrage and Paige again broke free, but this time fed the ball out wide for Daisy to pick up her second try of the day and under the post. Conversion scored 10 – 24.
Shortly followed by Paige adding to her tally for the day. Coming onto the ball at pace and bursting through the tackles she finished under the post again. Conversion scored 10 – 31.
The game finished with a” Daisy hat trick”. Created by another whole team effect, turning over the ball and moving it out wide, drawing defenders, creating space for others to thrive and showing the opposition a fresh pair of heels. Finishing off under the posts. Conversion scored 10 – 38.
A short period of defensive work kept MH out, before the final whistle.
Opposition player of the match, Emilie (our general) manoeuvred the defence, created space, linked together the backs and forwards, a constant threat in attack and defence.
Forward of the match, Ell Webster. New position, dynamic around the break down, constantly being awarded for being over first and gaining plenty of penalties. Threat going forward.
Back of the match, Ella Turlukowsky, linked everyone together constantly, keeping the opposition on their toes, threat around the break down, tough in defence.
Credit and a mention must go to the whole team. A very tough game up front and you all reacted in a positive manner. Forcing the opposition into mistakes and creating turn overs. Your constant pressure throughout this contest never eased up. Twenty- one players giving their all for each other.
Today was evidence that training is working, and this is not just a win for the team selected but the whole squad. The unavailable players, the injured players, players recovering from operations, and not to leave out the under 18s who join in when they can.