Match Report: Datchworth Women v BSRFC Women

By Florence Fudge

With the mercury finally moving above zero, and Christina Radukic making her debut as captain, Bishop’s Stortford Women’s XV faced Datchworth Women away and secured a stunning 0-32 victory against their opponents, further strengthening their second position in the league table.

After a starting kick from Datchworth, the women in blue were quick to set the tone for the afternoon, powering through the opponent’s defence and making ground within the first six minutes to enable flanker, Isabel Scott, to secure the opening try of the match.

Debut performances from Sabrina Schutte and Carley Day helped to ensure that Stortford continued to exhibit their dominance, and while Datchworth demonstrated some excellent tackling, they were not strong enough to stop Stortford’s attack.

A knock-on from Datchworth midway through the first half resulted in a scrum to the women in blue who, despite being at a size disadvantage in the forward pack, pulled the ball out and found the space on the pitch, with skipper Christina Radukic at number 8, powering the ball over the line and bringing the score to 0-10.

As the first half drew to a close, Datchworth were forced to forfeit a player to a yellow card after a high tackle resulted in injury to loosehead prop, Kharris Wheatley. Once the game resumed, and with only a couple of minutes left on the clock, some fantastic passing and teamwork from Stortford allowed Eva Radukic, to score the third try, bringing the score to 0-15.

The second half started with the rain commencing in earnest and tight head prop, EJ Cappuccini, was forced to retire early with an injury to her thumb. Undeterred, the Stortford women pushed on, making good space and forcing Datchworth’s defence back towards their try line. With the ball coming out the back of a Stortford ruck, fly-half, Amy Vernon, expertly navigated her way through the defensive line driving the ball across the line to secure the team’s fourth try.

In quick succession, Stortford continued to pressure the opposition and a contested try ultimately paved the ground for inside centre, Charlotte Wheeler, to deliver the fifth try of the match bringing the score to 0-25.

With both teams dropping to 14 players due to injuries, the sixth and final try of the match came in the 74th minute with full back, Harriet Creasy, running rings around Datchworth’s defence and putting the ball down between the posts.

Channelling her inner George Ford, Amy Vernon provided the only conversion of the day simultaneously bringing the score to 0-32 and a drizzly and muddy afternoon to a celebratory close for Bishop’s Stortford Women.

Players’ player: Lorrel Jordan (13)
Coaches’ player: Eva Radukic (6 / 8)