SMOBL go from strength to strength

SMOBL made the short trip to Old Bristolians with an almost full strength squad. Unfortunately, due to injuries incurred to numerous Old Bristolian's players, most notably to their front row, the previous week, the normal 15 (wo)man structure of the match was dropped to 12 aside with uncontested scrums.

Mary's started the match well with winger Lisa Larsen going over the line after simple hands enabling SMOBL to finish off a well worked overlap. SMOBL were however caught napping for 10 minutes and Old B's came back strongly scoring two converted tries in close succession after the usual strong defence of the green and blacks was caught off guard. The two conceded tries were a reality check for the ladies and keen not to repeat the same mistakes from the previous weekend came back strongly. SMOBL ended the first half with a flurry of tries from centre Jo Smith (3) and captain Kirsty Fido (2), 3 of which Smith converted.

With a mounting injury list for the home side, the coaches made the decision at half to call the score final at 14-36 to Mary's but to continue playing the game, with SMOBL lending Old Bs players. Sophie McKenzie, Megan Habgood and Harriet Quick all kindly put themselves forward and the second half continued. Neither side's players were made aware of the final score being called at half time to encourage both sides to continue playing competitively. Mary's, who were nursing a cup exit the previous weekend, began to run the tries in and scored 62 points in the second 40 minutes with Smith and Fido adding 1 more tries each to their try count, Ellie Clarke, Kyara Martin and Chloe Tucker all scoring 2 a piece and Lucy Bowering and Victoria Shakespeare scoring one each. Smith added 2 further conversions and Martin converted 4.

Even with the scoreboard ticking over nicely for SMOBL, Old B's continued to battle hard and much credit has to be given to their commitment to work hard and compete with spells of possession and great tackles being putting in by both sides.

SMOBL now face Yeovil at home in the penultimate game of the league season. Mary's currently sit top with a 11 point margin however are well aware that Westbury and Chipping Sodbury, who sit in 2nd and 3rd place respectively, both have games in hand and continue to breath down the Winterbourne outfits neck leaving Sunday's game a must win game!

Players of the match:
Megan Habgood
Sarah Wray
Ellie Clarke