Mary's Beaten by Plymouth Albion

Well what can I start with - a 12 hour day for most of St Mary's Ladies making the round trip from Bristol to Plymouth. The team spirit was certainly alive and well for the duration with Mary's Ladies yet again proving how far they are coming as a team! This is certainly a season full of learning for us all.

Unfortunately, it got off to less than ideal start with Plymouth taking an early try and scoring 29 points in the first half, albeit only 5 in the second half. I know I say this every time but again the score does not reflect the standard of play on behalf of all of Mary's Ladies.

The team sheet changed the night before the game and during the game due to a multitude of injuries and other reasons. This saw Bridget Sanger and Kayleigh Simmons each play second row, twelve and thirteen at different points of the game. Neither could have done this and adapted so well without the support of the whole team!

Although Mary's Ladies did not get a try they came extremely close on two occasions with Lisa McCormick out on the wing going into touch just shy of the line. Unfortunately for Mary's and Lisa this also meant that she fell foul of an injury and necessitated a change around on the pitch. We do hope she recovers swiftly and is back playing as soon as possible. Laura Rugman handled the change around particularly well stepping into centre for a short period of time whilst Natasha Sparey warmed up to come on as second row in her second game for Mary's and ever. Kirsty Fido playing open side flanker made a gallant effort towards the line but to her disappointment the whistle was blown for a penalty before she got chance to make the try.

The forwards took some hard hits, especially Layla Barron playing hooker who seemed to be every where on the pitch for the whole game. One forward who also requires a mention for mistaking herself for a back at one point is Frankie Hemmings play tight head prop - she has suddenly learnt how to side step an injected amazing pace with the ball in had - Well done!

You can certainly see the drift defence working through the constant team work and the forwards power and domination is shown game on game. The backs moves are looking sharp even with changes to the team sheet at the 11th hour.

Welcome back to Abi Deas who having last started a game back in October came on in the 2nd row and demonstrated what a brilliant addition to the team she is hitting all the rucks and supporting the front row extremely well in the scrums.

Thank you also to our injured players Francesca Golton and Sarah Jewell for making the long journey with us and supporting us game in game out - it does make a difference and just shows how alive the team spirit is.

Next week - 'the same but better' please ladies!

Players' Player - Lucy Bowering
Coaches Player - Layla Barron