Ladies see off local rivals

After two months without any league games, St Mary’s ladies travelled to Chipping Sodbury for an eagerly awaited big clash against their long-standing rivals.

The game started strong for both teams, with big tackles from Mary’s and Sodbury. It was clear neither team were going to give up points easily through the middle of their defence. Mary’s blitz in defence gave Jo Smith the opportunity to intercept a lazy pass by Sodbury and go over for a try between the posts. This gave St Mary’s the early boost to play with structure and confidence in attack. The forwards were solid in the ruck area, keeping the ball safe which allowed quick hands in the back line resulting in another try, out wide this time. Mary’s defence was tested on their own try line late in the first half, resulting from a penalty to Sodbury. There was no space for Sodbury and Mary’s successfully drove their attack backwards phase after phase with great defensive pressure and eventually successfully regained possession. The first half ended 0 – 12 to St Mary’s, still with everything to play for.
Sodbury came out looking to fight for the game early second half but Mary’s fitness and physicality proved to be the better of the two teams and the score gap started to widen. Fast and wide attacking play from Mary’s meant centre Smith danced in a total of 4 tries. Sodbury’s poor discipline throughout the game let them down and scrum half Tammy Howells exploited this with a quick tap penalty and lovely stepping through Sodbury bodies, who were just left behind to watch her add another try for Mary’s. Howell’s went on to rack up the most votes for Player’s Player of the match after her outstanding performance. Sarah Wray also went over for a try after finding herself in amongst the back line, with a series of rapid passes leaving Sodbury’s defence flatfooted. Michaela Excell won coaches player after stepping in to the backrow, for her high work rate around the park, flattening tackles and strong ball carrying. The St Mary’s team were also joined by Ali Mudford in her debut, not only in a Mary’s shirt but on a rugby pitch. She slotted in well with the established team and showed that she will become a huge asset to the forwards unit. Sammy Knighton also pulled on the green and black shirt again after a while away from the club, much to the delight of her teammates.
St Mary’s have gone from strength to strength this season, having brought in new players and developed as a united squad, having still not conceded any points against them in the league and averaging at 45points scored in all their games. The ladies now go on the face Collumpton in the 3rd round of the cup this coming weekend, hoping to continue on their winning streak.

Tries: Jo Smith (4), Tammy Howells, Sarah Wray
Conversions: Jo Smith (2)
Debut: Ali Mudford
Players player: Tammy Howells
Coaches player: Michaela Excel

Report written by: Kyara Martin