Saints see off Sodbury challenge

SMOBL travelled to Chipping Sodbury with a point to prove following a close defeat at home in the first match of the season in early September last year. With nearly a full squad available and an unbeaten league run since that home defeat SMOBL were high in confidence and keen to extend their 1 point lead at the top of the table. However, with local rivals Sodbury sitting in second place with a game in hand this game was all the play for.

SMOBL won the toss and chose to receive from the kick off and were straight on the attack, retaining the ball well and clearing away stray Sodbury bodies lying around the breakdown. SMOBL knew set piece would be key in this game with Sodbury having an experienced and strong pack and much work was put in midweek training on this area which proved its worth. SMOBL dominated the scrum throughout the match winning one against the head and making the afternoon very uncomfortable for the Sodbury 8 who were permanently on the backfoot. Not to be outdone by the forwards, the Mary's back's were ruthless and their rush defence caused numerous handling errors preventing Sodbury to mount any real threat. This noticeably frustrated the opposition which led to a number of players being on the end of "cheap shots" off the ball. However, Mary's kept to their game plan and after receiving numerous penalties for consistent infringements around the breakdown by the home side it was SMOBL's highest points scorer Jo Smith who scored the first points by executing a composed penalty kick on the edge of her range.

SMOBL continued to mount the pressure, the pack working incredibly well with pick and go balls and providing quick and clean ball throughout the match. Unfortunately, the referee saw the Mary's winger Lisa Larsen retaliate following a stray elbow to the face and was sent to the sin bin. This didn't stop the Winterbourne outfit who continued to mount pressure with Sodbury having little ball in hand and it wasn't long until scrum half Nicooooole Crowley seen space on the blindside and punished Sodbury for not putting in their guards to score the first try for SMOBL which was successfully converted by Smith.

The second half continued much as the first, with all the possession with SMOBL. However, it was Sodbury who opened the scoring with a breakaway try from quick hands following a lineout with their pacey winger running from her own 22 to score under the posts which was easily converted.

SMOBL however were quick to respond, scoring within minutes when impressive midfield play between Lucy Bowering, Laura Rugman and Smith throughout the match was rewarded when Smith ran a great line bursting through the defence and dashing to the line. Smith added to her points tally by converting her own try.

Sodbury stepped up their performance and started to attack the SMOBL defensive line. After the home side's vocal sideline and mistaken identify from the ref, Mary's winger Emma Evans was sent to the sin bin which led to a suspicious converted try making it only 3 points between the two sides with 10 minutes to play.

The final try however came from SMOBL when former footballer Smith easily read play in the Sodbury midfield and intercepted a pass with a neat volley up the pitch. It was a foot race between Smith and the Sodbury fullback to the line and when Smith was pulled illegally pulled to the floor the ref awarded SMOBL a penalty try and sent the full back to the bin. Smith, keen to finish a successful afternoon, converted to make it 4/4 kicks for the day.

This has to be one of the best team performances by a SMOBL side, every player standing up and playing one of their best games of the season. This was evident in the player of the match votes with 7 players all on the same amount of votes each, however it was vice captain and super 7 Kyara Martin who deservedly won player of the match with coaches player going to Shauna Brain who had a fantastic game at prop and around the park.

Bragging rights are now back with SMOBL who face Devizes at home this Sunday and are confident to extend their unbeaten run.