Match Report: BSRFC Women v Datchworth Women

by Christina Radukic

After a weather-enforced hiatus, BSRFC were back on the pitches of Silver Leys for their last home game of this season. With captain, Jasmin Bice, and scrum-half, Maja Wabich, returning from injury; Carleigh LaLonge and Nikky Wilkins making a comeback; and a debut from Elsie Devereux, it was set to be an afternoon to remember.

Despite a slow start for Stortford, with the score remaining at 0-0 for the first 10 minutes, it was Number 8, Charlotte Wheeler, who took first blood to put the women in blue on the scoreboard.

With all the lessons of the season coming together, Stortford utilised their strong pack to dominate at the breakdowns and steal the ball for further tries from full-back, Harriet Creasy, and tight-head prop, Eva Radukic, which were both converted by Amy Vernon.

Strong defensive play from Lorell Jordan and Holly Knight allowed Stortford to keep possession of the ball for a majority of the half, bringing in more tries from Yasmin Knott, Elise Sauvary and Creasy to raise the score to 34-0.

Fresh from the half-time break, Stortford were relentless in their attack once again. Seamless teamwork and smart thinking along the back line enabled Creasy to break through the opposition’s defensive line, finding the space out wide to earn herself a hat trick, which was converted by second-row, Knott (and celebrated with a St. Patrick’s Day jig).

As the fatigue of the game set in, some quick thinking and skilled play from Datchworth saw them able to break through a gap in Stortford’s defence – giving them a well-earned, converted try to put them on the scoreboard at 41-7.

The game continued at full pace, and both teams remained determined to gain advantage through competitive rucks, strong scrums and impressive tackling. More points were obtained by Stortford, with Wheeler, Wilkins and Grace Johnson all edging over the line.

Just to add the icing on the cake, Devereux was able to weave through the Datchworth defence on the wing to score a try on her debut game in a Stortford jersey.

After a gloomy morning, the sun started to shine on the supporters of Silver Leys for an afternoon of great rugby from BSRFC Women – who demonstrated strength, resilience and teamwork to obtain a win in the penultimate game of the season.

BSRFC Women take to the pitch for the final game of the season on 28 April, in an away derby at Cambridge - all support is welcomed and appreciated.

• Players’ player: Harriet Creasy (15)
• Coaches’ player: Charlotte Wheeler (8)