This weekend, Bishop’s Stortford travelled to Clacton for their final game of the season, already crowned league champions but determined to finish undefeated. The match began with Clacton kicking straight into the hands of prop Ellie-Jayne Cappuccini, who made significant ground to set the tone for the game.

In only three phases, Stortford quickly moved the ball through hands, leading to captain Jasmin Bice scoring under the posts. Fly-half Rebekah Coppen added the extras to the scoreboard.

As the sun blazed down on the players, a handling error resulted in Clacton turning the ball over. Realising their mistake, Stortford amped up the pressure in defence for five minutes until Clacton suffered the same fate.

Despite Clacton’s attempts to attack, Stortford earned a penalty and kicked for touch, setting up a lineout in the opposition’s 22. Outside-centre Charlotte Wheeler and prop Jess Trim-Cain both powered through gaps in the home team’s defence to add a try each. Coppen converted one.

Number 8 Larissa Cushway scored next, with Coppen adding the extras to extend the lead. Finishing flanker Kiera Chadburn scored just before halftime, with Coppen converting to make it 0-33.

The second half saw Stortford continue their dominance. The game became increasingly fiery and competitive as both teams looked to end the season on a high note. Winger Ali Borman scored early in the half after some quick phase play by Stortford.

Stortford’s scrum remained strong throughout, and their lineouts consistently effective. A high tackle by Clacton resulted in a penalty, which McDonald took quickly, running through a tiring defensive line to score under the posts. Coppen converted to bring the score to 0-45.

Quick work at the breakdown allowed Stortford to move the ball down the line before Coppen scored her own try, which she then converted. Stortford’s defence remained impressive, with McDonald delivering several big hits and winger Georgia Butler showing great energy, taking numerous hits but always bouncing back with pace.

Despite several changes in the second half, Stortford maintained their intensity to secure a 0-52 win in an undefeated season.

• Forward of the match: Jess Trim-Cain
• Back of the match: Georgia Butler

Matchday squad:
1. J Trim-Cain; 2. R Lee; 3. E Cappuccini; 4. C Day; 5. H Knight; 6. I Brown; 7. L Jordan; 8. L Cushway; 9. D McDonald; 10. R Coppen; 11. G Butler; 12. J Bice (C); 13. C Wheeler; 14. A Borman; 15. A Vernon; 16. C Kempton; 17. S Howell; 18. A Madigan-Rowe Ramos; 19. Y Knott (VC); 20. K Chadburn; 21. K Welsh; 22. K Thornton; 23. S Gray