A good, hard game that highlighted weaknesses on both sides. The Devils remained invincible in their rucking with some great moves coming from off the rucks, whilst the Amazons produced mauls which were brought about each time by their No. 12. Many of the Deeping Devils were playing out of position due to injuries and the match saw a great debut performance from Lorna Thornley.
The Devils went into the game with a positive attitude following the win at Harlow last week. It began with a good kick into the Woodbridge half followed immediately by the continuous pressure from the Devils that was to show throughout the game.
The first converted try came from a break in the Deeping defence within the first few minutes of the game by the Woodbridge No. 12.
Strong lineouts from the Devils made some marvellous ground. A lineout in the Deeping half brought an advantage which gave us huge forward progress. The Woodbridge ball was won by Monique Nolan who passed to the scrum half Judith Jagger who kicked into the Woodbridge 22 which then deflected off the Woodbridge No 14 to win Deeping another line out.
Fantastic runs and outstanding tackles were continuously being made by the Devils which led to injuries on both sides.
At half time the score was 7 – 0 to Woodbridge.
A convincing positive start to the 2nd half, keeping on the enormous pressure produced some fine tackles by Jess Logan, Sadie Sharman and Emma Farrow. The Devils pushed slowly but progressively forward. However, the experienced Woodbridge No. 12, previously a Welsh International, would break through and score.
After the game the Woodbridge Captain said that the game was the hardest they had played and that the score certainly didn’t reflect the quality of play from the Devils
Despite the lack of tries, the Deeping Devils had a fantastic game. The Head Coach said that even with girls playing out of position, they had put their heart and souls into the game. She also felt that the final score didn’t reflect the how well the girls had played and that she was proud of them. They held their heads up and came away from the game feeling very proud.
The Devils next match is at home, Linchfield Road, this Sunday, 2nd March 2:30pm kick off.
Deeping Devils Player of the match: Jess Marshall
Deeping Devils Forward of the match: Gemma Wilson
Deeping Devils Back of the match: Jess Logan
Blackheath secure safety with league upset
A bright sunny afternoon welcomed Saracens to Rectory Field and a large crowd of supporters who gathered for both home and away sides created a fanatic atmosphere for what promised to be an exciting match. Saracens are placed second in the league to Club’s second from bottom and it was a tough a challenge for Blackheath who so desperately needed the points for survival.
From the whistle it was apparent that Blackheath had not read the form book and attacked the visitors from all quarters and Blackheath scored after 20 minutes as Helena Train picked up a pass scrum half, Dee Mcdonald off a 3rd phase ruck ball before exploiting a gap in the midfield and sprinting to the line with full back Terri Newman converting the points.
First team debutante Sally Appleton fielding a loose kick showed the pace that had earned her selection as she sliced through the Saracens midfield setting up a strong second phase position. Fly half, Becky Carlton kicked for territory and a Saracens error let Appleton in for a well deserved try. Moment’s later Appleton’s game was cut short as she tried to outrun the defensive line and was hauled down on the opposite wing. Appleton was carried from the pitch with what turned out to be a serious leg fracture.
For the remainder of the half Club thwarted the expected Saracens fight back and sadly one such encounter led to the first casualty of the day when second row, Becky Watling, took player and ball and whilst stopping the drive suffered a serious shoulder injury.
The second half started promisingly for Club as they resumed the attacking creativity that had served them so well in the first forty minutes.
Saracens again fought back and their inside centre, Louise Gilbert attacked the Blackheath midfield evading tacklers to score under the posts and revive Saracens spirits. Again Club defended with everything they had and centres Gemma Athorn and Gina Iqanello snuffed out several attacks. Replacement wingers Danni Fugler and Elaine Jaxon made last ditch sideline tackles continuing to deliver in attack and defence.
The Blackheath pack and particularly the front row dominated the set pieces with an awesome display of technical expertise and brute force and determination. Mandy Brunet and Jenny Craggs at prop and Kelly Sonthental at hooker forced their opposite numbers into submission and from midway through the second half Club forwards were in control. As time ticked on the nerves kicked in but Club pushed forward to finish strongly with halfbacks Mcdonald and Carlton combining for Carlton to wrong foot the defence and score the final try of the game.
It was victory but at a price and the team wish their injured colleagues a speedy recovery as both underwent surgery for their respective injuries.
Sunday saw New Ash Green travelling to Canterbury for the return league match of the season.
Following a tough game last week some key players were missing, however with the return of Gilly Church in the second row NAG were confident they could give Canterbury a tough match.
New Ash Green won the toss and chose to kick to start. The next 25 minutes saw both sides solid in defence with some excellent rucking and mauling from the NAG pack and great tackling in the backs neither side could break the defensive lines to score.
However some quick recycling of the ball and a missed tackle by New Ash Green gave Canterbury the break they needed to score the first points of the game which the Full Back converted.
NAG were straight back in the game following a penalty in the Canterbury 22, Full Back Kat Smith crashed through several tackles to score in the corner.
Half time score 7-5 to Canterbury.
The second half continued in much the same way with good defence from both sides, however NAG started to dominate both in the pack and the backs, following a solid scrum deep in Canterbury’s half and with good passing skills from the NAG backs, Kat Smith with a well timed pass put Winger Tanya Pinkham through the Canterbury backs line, she then side stepped the Full Back to score under the posts.
Following some bizarre decisions by the ref against NAG who had been dominant up until this point and some tired legs, Canterbury managed to score their second try under the posts.
Some superb tackles by Back Row Louise Opitz, and Three Quarters Sue Heselden and Jayne Shopland meant NAG kept going right until the end of the match however Canterbury’s larger pack started to cause some damage in open play.
Further decisions against NAG and one final try from Canterbury in the last few minutes of the game and the score was 21 – 10 to Canterbury.
Special mentions to the front row, No. 8 Nicci Harris propping for the second week running and Hooker Louise Harris along with Prop Claire Dalladay taking several balls against the head.
Well done to players of the match Louise Harris and Kat Smith and to everyone else for a hard fought match.
On Sunday (24.02.08) Camp Hill Chargers’ Mom’s/Social TAG team played their first competitive fixture - and won!
With the majority of the squad flirting with the late 30s-40year old mark, the team made the short trip to Chaddesley Corbett to face their decidedly younger and larger squad for a 9-a-side half pitch TAG-rugby game (3 x 10minute thirds).
“I have to say I felt rather intimidated when the Chaddesley girls ran onto the pitch (all 30 of them!) with their full strip and make-up on!” says wing Fiona Hearn, 38. Having made their mark off the pitch, Chaddesley complimented the proceedings with a vibrant start - the pace of some of their young charges catching Camps unaware: “After five minutes, and three tries scored I think Chaddesley might have thought they had it in the bag” commented Captain Annie Sheppard, 43 “but as the rain stopped so we started, stepping up our game to put all our training into practice.”
With the basics being key Camps regrouped, reorganised and started to play - handling, pace onto the ball and superior off-load skills proving the difference between the two sides with Chaddesley unable to manage the magnetic runs of Danne Dubois-Gayere and Collette Corr in particular, who in drawing the defences attention off-loaded to centres Gina Hughes and Amy Bayliss who offered themselves in support throughout the game.
A 3 nil deficit was soon turned into a Camp Hill lead as tries reined in from Captain Sheppard, Jo Taylor (2), Dubois-Gayere, Kate Edgington and Hearn. Tracey Cook added a clever 7th score just before the two-thirds whistle went and with the final third of the game remaining Camps had bagged a 7-6 lead with 10minutes to go.
With rolling subs providing fresh legs for Chaddesley, Camps smaller squad of 13 had to dig deep in order to ensure a strong finish, with 6minutes to go the breathing room that was needed was granted when a Chaddesley ball was dropped, collected by Hearn who flew up the sideline from 30m out to score a memorable individual try. Sharon Blick, aided by Jane Homans, provided the final impetus with a carry and off-load to Bayliss who evaded the defence for the game’s final score.
Beaming head coach, Jo Kilby afterwards said: “I’m very, very proud of the whole squad including those that weren’t able to make it on the day - the effort, the application, the commitment has all paid off, the ladies were magnificent and thoroughly deserved their win.”
Speaking of the initiative itself, Kilby commented: “many of the team have never done anything like this before - played a vigorous team sport - in perhaps 20 years, if at all, combine this with the fact that they have gone from complete rugby novices in 6mths to players who can create space, hit holes and compete with players half their age in a competitive setting and you can see why we’re all so delighted, but significantly, it was and is achievable for everyone - our team is made up of mothers, housewives and busy professional women, they just applied themselves, committed to an hour or so of fun and fitness a week and the rest took care of itself.”
Sheppard affirms: “I never had the confidence to play team sports, [the coaches] have all been so supportive, built my confidence and given me some self belief. Sunday was one of the best achievements in my life.”
Camp Hill’s Mom’s are on the look out for new players ahead of their next game, a return match against Chaddesley, scheduled for April 13th as part of the Chargers Ladies Rugby Festival Day. If you’re interested in giving a superb fun, fitness and friendly team sport a go, come and try Camp Hill’s Moms/Social TAG team - contact Annie Sheppard or Jo Kilby via www.chrfc.co.uk for more details - all abilities and ages (+16yrs) welcome.
Despite a promising start, Camberley lost to Wasps Ladies at the weekend. The opening ten minutes of the game saw the best attacking play from the home side all season, even though they were a player down. Camberley took the ball up field and recycled it well. Some quick passing down the line then saw an early try for winger Kiersty Sims who grounded the ball in the corner. Clearly unsettled, Wasps were shocked by such a dominant start and stepped up a gear. However, the first half remained close and although Wasps tried to use their power to dominate proceedings, Camberley’s defence held strong. Some discipline errors and a quickly taken penalty unfortunately gave the opposition a try which gave them a bit of momentum. Wasps tried to capitalise on this and although scored twice more, were clearly taken aback at the home side’s strong defensive play. At half-time the score was 17-5 to Wasps.
Wasps piled on the pressure in the second half and started to use their pack to drive the scrum downfield. At times this worked but Camberley’s forwards held their own. When the opposition did get the ball out they were quickly pounced upon by the back line but rucked well to get it clear. A couple of early tries saw them edge away from Camberley and strong running, coupled with gaps in Camberley’s defence, saw them start to take the game away. Mid-way through the half, an injury took Camberley down to fourteen players but they soldiered on regardless. Wasps started to ring the changes and bring on fresh legs and with the team’s rejuvinated pace and power, brought the final score to 64-5. Although the end result was disappointing, the first half showed an improvement in Camberley’s attacking play and committed defence.
Forward of the match went to Sarah Sanderson for her vocal direction in the forwards and back of the match went to try-scorer Kiersty Sims.
Camberley next play Rosslyn Park at home on 2nd March and would welcome all supporters. The team is also urgently recruiting players. If you are interested in taking up a fun sport, please contact the Captain, Charlie Wildman on 07985 357602 or on Ruggerbabe@aol.com.
Ahead of Camp Hill Chargers National One Championship game versus Darlington Mowden’s Sharks on Sunday (17.02.08) the team welcomed Lorely Burt, MP for Solihull and prominent local businessman John James to the club for a special presentation in gratitude of their fantastic support this season.
Mrs. Burt, a keen rugby supporter herself, has been a staunch supporter of the Chargers’ efforts on and off the pitch for some time now and was key in assisting with the women’s lottery funding: “I [could] not think of a more deserving team of people to get a helping hand…” whilst Mr. James, who has provided contacts as well as his own financial
patronage is equally convinced: “I was happy to make a personal contribution, I think what the team have done is amazing…encouraging fitness in the community and reaching out to sectors which often don’t get the change to participate.”
**********
Last November Camp Hill Chargers suffered their worst league defeat in over 3 years, losing 45pts to 11 against then league leaders Darlington Mowden Sharks in a clinical display from their northern counter-parts.
Three months on and last Sunday afternoon at the Haslucks Green Road club Camps’ Chargers were just 4minutes from avenging their thrashing in a thrilling battle that kept everyone guessing to the very final whistle as to who would take the spoils.
In a tight affair the defensive work the Chargers had been so focused on readdressing delivered handsomely as they held Sharks adventurous backline and international mite - personified by the impressive England lock Tamara Taylor, captaining from No. 8 - for 76minutes. With the lead changing hands four times throughout the contest it was Camps that managed the early momentum best whilst the Sharks did their best to uphold it - fullback Jo Kilby on the end of an illegal challenge which left the referee with no other choice but to sin-bin Sharks international fly-half Katy McClean.
Taking advantage, 18yr old inside centre Jo Hart punched through the cover on a short attacking ball to take Camps into the oppositions’ 22m, from which point the maroon and light blues’ forwards took control. Working in units, the carries of front five team-mates, Sian Williams and Olivia Horgan alongside back rowers Antoinette Morgan and Lucy Pollard yielded the critical hard yards that took the home side within a metre of the white-wash; with a rolling maul established to breach the gap whilst protecting the ball, Camps crossed the line courtesy of Pollard for the opening score. Kath Adie from the wing, displaced the extras convincingly (7-0).
Slightly shocked but no where near deterred Sharks regrouped and set about their attack with
endeavour utilising their complete armoury: width, pace, power and the aerial option in the process. Multiple phase play followed but still the Sharks could not unlock Camps’ organised defence, their continuity skills allowed them to maintain possession and inch forward but those were difficult yards that did more to boost the confidence of Camps than their guests. With a collective comfort level building it was suitably ironic that Darlington’s first and second scores came not from well worked tries but from two quickly taken tap penalties from 10m out. An overlooked weakness cruelly exploited (twice) gave Sharks a perhaps fortuitous 3pt lead going into half-time (7-10).
With Head Coach Reece Spee providing the stern half-time guidance, Camps entered the second half with positivity and belief - at this point in the November fixture Camps were 19-6 down and 33-11 down within 10minutes of the re-start so focus was everything. Continued diligent retention from the forwards pushed the Sharks back, blindside flanker Sheena Larkin making a nuisance of herself with carries beyond the gain-line which set up the ruck from which scrum-half Vanita Henry struck to send maroon and light blue hearts soaring. A calculated ’show-n-go’ from the base of the breakdown fooled all, with the rucks’ guards stepping forward Henry exploited the space and charged to the try-line untouched. With the conversion from wide just slicing the uprights Camps resumed the lead (12-10) with 15minutes to go.
With Sharks travelling support looking concerned their team spent the remainder of the game throwing everything they had at Camps in a last ditch effort to salvage a win - with arguably the most clinical backline in the country at complete odds under Camps relentless pressure knock on’s and turn-over’s came freely which allowed any mounting pressure to be relieved. Camps had their chances but in squandering the limited opportunities the game presented in the closing stages combined with the loss of the influential No. 8 Antoinette Morgan to cramp, the leagues’ leader summoned one last effort which with ruthlessness they took, and converted, to seal a dramatic come back. Within 4 minutes remaining Camps were awarded a penalty but with no time to kick for territory running from depth with heavy hearts proved too much of a task.
“It was a tremendous team effort. We can take the massive positives from a great competitive game and work on the improvements ahead of our next fixture, away to Carlisle [02.03.08] as they are going to be tough” advised Captain Becci Lewis.
Lorely Burt, MP was also suitably impressed: “Camp Hill’s last ditch efforts to prevent a further try before time were just inspiring.”
Sharks now move into a commanding position, 10 points clear of the nearest opposition in National Championship One North (Lancaster’s Vale of Lune on 43 pts and Camps on 40pts) and will hunt the play-off place for the divisions’ champion barring any serious misfortune.
Camps must now scale back their ambition from winning the league as newly promoted contestants to securing runner’s up spot. Three games remain this season including two away trips - to Waterloo and Carlisle - before what might prove the decider against Lune in April.
For more information on Camp Hill Chargers visit www.chrfc.co.uk
Sunday 17 February
The Old Dunstonian Ladies clocked up their second win from two in 2008 with a hard fought victory over visiting East Grinstead Ladies. The home side started strong, putting pressure on the opposition from kick off. With strong rucking in the forwards and quick hands in the backs, the ODs were able to retain possession and make good ground towards the try line. East Grinstead defended well to hold off the Old Dunstonian Ladies’ attack but eventually the home side shipped the ball well out to Kate Huntingdon on the wing, who out-paced the defence to score her first league try of the season. Both teams followed this first score up with some good attacking play, but it was the home side who managed to break through the defence to score again - this time through the middle with flyhalf Alex Tyson crashing over under the posts and number eight Louise Freds getting the conversion. Despite some good breaks from the visitors, all the points in the first half went the way of the ODs with the final score of the half coming from lock Bronwyn Sinclair, who took an excellent crash ball from a penalty to burst over the try line.
The second half started well for the Old Dunstonian Ladies who took first blood with a try from centre Ruth Dempsey following several phases of great forward play in contact and strong running for the backs in space. Louise Freds added to the home side’s lead with the conversion. The balance of the match then changed dramatically with the visitors coming to life and racking up four unconverted tries in the space of 20 minutes of play. This was due mainly to a loss of concentration for the ODs in defence and some great running from EG’s wing, prop and halfbacks. The ODs weren’t about to give up the victory that easily though and came back fighting. A great solo run on the blind from the base of the scrum helped Louise Freds score and convert her own try and Alex Tyson took her second, which was also converted by Louise Freds to end the match 38 points to 20. Special note should be made of Caroline Mitchell who played her debut rugby match at flanker in the second half and Natasha James who played her first rugby match helping out the opposition at second row. Thanks should also go to Alice Jackson, Nancy Jackson and Lisa Townshend, who all helped out playing for the opposition at some point in the game.
The Old Dunstonian Ladies will be hoping to continue their unbeaten run of 2008 with their last two league matches away against Medway on 16 March and Aylesford Twos on 30 March. To find out more about the Old Dunstonian Ladies visit www.odrfc.co.uk
PLYMOUTH ALBION LADIES 0 BATH RUGBY LADIES 24
Bath Rugby Ladies earned a hard fought victory this week end over their west country counterparts eventually running out winners twenty four points to nil at the “Brickfields” in Devon.
Most of the first half was evenly matched with the away team having the lion’s share of territory but both defences being excellent meant that half time came with a no score to either side.
The second half started with excellent tactical kicking from Bath fly Half Sarah Holloway putting the home team under pressure and eventually centre Kat Southwell broke through two tackles to score near the posts, which full back Darel Poole converted.
Wing Alice Edmonds was next to make a midfield break and good support play by young flanker Marlie Packer resulted in a second try again converted by Poole.
Poole was next on the score list, crossing out wide and then centre Nicola Hoole finished off proceedings with an unconverted try near the full time whistle.
Bath Rugby Ladies Head coach said “The girls had to fight really hard today against an excellent Plymouth Team, the first half showed we haven’t been together for a while but it improved as the game went on. Most importantly the girls enjoyed themselves on an excellent pitch in perfect conditions”
1 Caryl Thomas
2 Caroline Pankhurst
3 Vicky Heslop Forward of the match –Caryl Thomas
4 Becky Thompson
5 Rachael Bennett Back of the match – Sarah Holloway
6 Izzy Noel-Smith
7 Marlie Packer
8 Tamara Johnson
9 Jane Youdan ©
10 Sarah Holloway
11 Katie Hunter
12 Nicola Hoole
13 Kat Southwell
14 Alice Edmonds
15 Darel Poole
16 Jen Hyde
17 Laura Groves
18 Latisha Delannay
19 Emma James
20 Kate Eddy
Congratulations go to five Chargers who have been selected to the 2008 West Midlands regional squad. 
also a part of the 2007 championship winning team.
RFUW [Senior] Regional Championship – Round 1 and Round 2
West Midlands 22 - 12 Thames Valley Slough RFC, Upton Court Road, Slough - 03.02.08
West Midlands 19 – 17 North East, Lichfield RFC, Staffs - 11.02.08
Injuries to Antoinette Morgan and Jo Hart prevented the Chargers from contributing their full compliment of selected players to the West Midlands opening campaign rounds but efforts from Vanita Henry, Becci Lewis and Joy Potter added to the West Midlands success as the reigning Champions dispatched Thames Valley in the opening round of the RFUW’s Regional Programme and came through a hard fought encounter with a very physical North East side.
Next game: See Camp’s Chargers back in action for their club Sunday 17th Feb as they host league leaders Darlington Sharks in a top of the table clash, kick off 2pm. For more information visit www.chrfc.co.uk (ladies).
A large crowd turned out on an inhospitable afternoon at Coburg Road, Dorchester where the elements blew directly across the park making ball handling extremely difficult, but the girls must be commended for their skills and ball retention.
The South West had much the better of the early exchanges with hooker Tamara Johnson driving over for their try.
Fly half Daryl Poole missed the conversion, but made amends later landing an excellent penalty goal.
The visitors replied with a touchdown from left wing Sam Wayling converted by fly half Sara Company.
