Opening league game win for ladies

The ladies travelled to Weston Hornets in the opening match of their league season. Having gained promotion to NC1 South West the ladies sought to continue their impressive form and cause a surprise against a well established side in the league.

It was Hornets who looked the most dangerous in attack in a tense first 20 minutes with strong running on the wings catching the Saints napping in midfield. Great cover tackles from Chloe Tucker at fullback, who went on to win player of the match for her superb performance, was all that kept score at 0-0. It wasn't long though until Marys settled into the game and began their flowing, fast attacking rugby with 3 tries coming in before the half time whistle giving SMOBL a 19-0 lead.

The second half continued much like the first finished, with SMOBL pushing forward in attack and tackling ferociously in defence denying the home team to get any momentum going. It wasn't long until Saints were back on the score sheet adding 4 more tries plus 3 conversions to their tally, finishing the game with a healthy 45 points to 0 win and taking the maximum 5 points on offer.

The player of the match was a close vote, Sophie Williams played outstanding at 6 and 7, Lucy Bowering turned over ball continuously and lifted the tempo when coming on at 6, Harriet Quick disrupted the opposition's line out and was clinical at the breakdown and Sophia Henry made some bruising tackles on her opposition but it was the attacking flare and defensive masterclass that earnt Chloe Tucker player of the match. Coaches player went to front row forward Michaela Excell who impressed with her mobility around the park, willingness to do the dirty work and do it very well, being powerful in defence and formidable in attack, continuously making metres with pick and go balls. Mary's also welcomed Emily Waldron to the pitch for her first match in green & black. Waldron has trained all pre season with the ladies and made an impact on her debut with hard running lines consistently battering down the Hornets defence.

There was not one player from SMOBL who didn't deserve recognition for their performance on the day, and having only conceded one penalty the whole match, the score card remained 0 for conceded points so far this season. The ladies now look forward to hosting North Tawton at home next Sunday.

Tries: Jo Smith (2), Lisa Larsen, Chloe Tucker, Ellie Clarke, Kirsty Fido, Kyara Martin
Conversions: Jo Smith (3), Kyara Martin (2)
Player's player of the match: Chloe Tucker
Coaches player: Michaela Excell
Debuts: Emily Waldron