Excitement was building this afternoon at Newark rugby ground as the Womens’ team took the field for their first league game. From the first whistle Newark meant business, receiving the kickoff they ran hard back towards the opposition and began to play through a couple of phases and get into their rhythm. It was good to see the forwards and backs combining in these early battles which resulted in the first points going Newark’s way with a great line break by Sophie dotting down under the posts; Ella slotted the extras. From the restart Market Bosworth began to show their strength with their forwards punching a few holes in Newark’s defence which resulted in a try out wide. However, these were to be the only points they scored in the first half and the remaining half saw Newark play some expansion rugby, drawing defenders, running at pace and ultimately scoring tries (Dee and Ella). The forwards were dominant at scrum time and accurate in the line out which gave a perfect platform for the backs to use their pace and find the gaps in the Bosworth defence line. Half time saw Newark with a comfortable lead 33-5.

After a refuel, Newark wasted no time in the second half and our next try came almost instantly. A high kick off resulted in a knock on from the opposition, Dee was there to sweep up the ball, she broke through their line, releasing the ball to Ella who slid under the posts and converted her own try. The next 20 minutes saw Market Bosworth take control of the game; with some well-placed kicks by their flyhalf and some ill disciple from Newark found the opposition camping close to the try line. An opposition scrum 5 meters out was their opportunity to pounce, which they did with a pick and go from the back of the scrum to cross the line. Newark lost a bit of focus during this period of the game and gave away consecutive penalties, resulting in a yellow card this gave the opposition the edge. Another scrum 5 meters out saw Market Bosworth repeat their earlier success, picking from the back of the scrum and driving over the line.

Newark did regroup for the last period of the game and got back to scoring ways. The forwards worked tirelessly all game, their set piece was solid and they worked well together. The backs combined effectively, using their pace and offloading skills. A well worked team try, scored by Cam right at the end was a fitting way to end the match, 57-17.

A fantastic start to the league, the team played brilliantly together, showed their strength and worked hard for each other throughout the game. Next up a cup match at home against Amber Valley on Sunday 29 September.

Report by Emilie Rathbone