The Women’s first competitive league game of the season was at Uckfield on Sunday. Both teams had been promoted from NC3 into NC2. The conditions and pitch were near perfect, with a welcoming crowd of supporters.
It only took a few minutes before the scoring started in our favour. This continued right up to the end of the game, concluding with an emphatic and thumping victory of 96 – 0. This was a proper team game, with all players contributing. Seven tries were scored in each half, with seven different players scoring them. There were some excellent solo efforts, although and very pleasing to see, most scores were team tries; with at least half the team placing hands on the ball before it went over the line. Equally pleasing was the effectiveness of our scrum and lineout. Solid throughout, the pack was cohesive and confident. Defensively, the players demonstrated a pleasing keenness to bring down the opposition quickly, never allowing the opposition to gain territory. Such was their effectiveness that Uckfield rarely got into our 22.
Whilst the score was prodigious, it didn’t wholly reflect the oppositions commitment. Uckfield never gave in and contested right up and till the final whistle. Ultimately telling between the two sides was our ability to maintain possession for lengthy periods of play via superior distribution and passing. As a squad, we have played special attention to utilising and attacking from all areas of the pitch, with off the shoulder, close support in attack. This paid huge dividends, allowing us to constantly stretch the oppositions defensive line leading to inevitable gaps which were mercilessly punished. Time and time again, the try scorer had multiple players following them over the try line in support. Lasty, the team’s fitness was superior, (credit to the S&C bods!) allowing the players to maintain their onslaught throughout the entire game; despite the warm temperatures.
Next game for the Women One’s is Worthing away, Sunday the 22nd September.
