St Mary's Ladies v Old Bristolians Ladies

SMOBL faced Old Bristolian's away on Sunday for the first time since their move from Old Reds in the summer. Even under a new club there is a great heritage of rivalry between the two teams and this was always going to be a tough fought match.

The classic British weather attempted to suspend the clash, washing out both Old B's and SMOBL's pitches, however it was old friends Aretians RFC who offered to host the match as a SMOBL home fixture.

SMOBL won the toss and chose to receive and were quick to get on the score sheet after in form flanker Kyara Martin broke through the line and offloaded to centre Jo Smith who went over and converted her own try. Mary's continued to mount pressure on the Old B's, with winger Lisa Larsen looking dangerous around the park all match and it was her strong running which broke through the defensive line before being tackled just short of the line, however quick ball from the breakdown led to experienced prop Kerry Dierdricks pushing herself over to add to the Marys score sheet.

Old B's are a strong, experienced team who refuse to be beaten and caught SMOBL napping. Old B's became more clinical at the breakdown, turning over ball and used strong ball carriers that caught the Mary's defence off guard and went over to score only the 5th try against SMOBL in the league this season. Both teams struggled with the conditions, the breakdowns become slow and messy and scrums were a plenty, however great performances from rookies Ellie Clarke and Lauren Matthews on their debuts impressed coach Barry Stone and spectators with fantastic tackles and speed in the line press. The grizzly conditions didn't deter hooker Lisa Yip who was breaking through tackles for fun with ball in hand and veteran prop Fran Golton who was all over the park, supporting runners and securing ball at the breakdown. The 1st half finished with fly half Lucy Bowering flying over the white wash in the last play scoring what was thought to be a well earned Mary's try, unfortunately referee Tony Swash disagreed and disallowed the try finishing the 1st half at a nail biting 12-5 in favour of the home side.

After a tough team talk at half time, Mary's came out the 2nd half flying. It wasn't long until Larsen got the ball in her hands once again and ran down the touchline using her trademark hand off to crash over the line for another Mary's try. Superb utility back Chloe Tucker added to her try count this season with her ability to pick and burst through gaps in defence and running the length of the pitch to score underneath the post which was easily converted by Smith.

It is Mary's ability to play "heads up rugby" which is what has made them dangerous this season and it was vice captain Martin who took a quick penalty and danced her way through the oppositions defence to touch down between the posts which once again was converted by Smith. Mary's now started to play the rugby they are more accustomed to, with second rows Shauna Brain and Sarah Wray attacking the breakdown and scrum half Nicole Crowley controlling the ball well and attacking Old B's with darting runs. Smith showed why she is one the most dangerous players in the league when she ran through the defence to score her second try of the match which was converted by Martin.

With scrums going uncontested and both teams having to drop to 14 players following injuries to Old B's players, SMOBL brought on fresh legs with Emma Evans and Johanna Charlotte who were eager to get on the score sheet but it was captain Kirsty Fido who threw herself over the line from a pick and go following a well executed backs move off the back of a scrum. Mary's weren't finished for the day and Martin added to her try total crossing the line in the last few minutes of play, with another conversion from Smith to finish the match 50-5 to SMOBL.

SMOBL now travel to Bath this weekend and welcome back players from injuries and holiday's who are keen to win their shirt back.

Player of the match: Kirsty Fido
Coaches player of the match: Fran Golton