Ladies see off rivals in style

Both teams have a fierce expression as the old rivals are braced for the starting whistle. Both teams chase and the game is on! A strong scrum from Sodbury means they gain possession early and attempt to head down the pitch. However, Megan Habgood's defensive shift punishes any Sodbury attack and leads to a turnover. Sammy Knighton who was instrumental throughout found her backs hard running lines and after impressive flooding support, the ball finds its way to Jo Smith’s impeccably timed run allowing her to dot down under the posts which she duly converts. The game resets and Sodbury barely have time to compose themselves when the ball heads to Winger Ellie Clarke, who masterfully hands off, side steps and sprints past the opposition to get SMOBL’s second try. Once again, Smith converts with ease. Following the reset both sides keep the pressure on but the ball reaches the hands of Kyara Martin, who manages to dodge and wriggle out of every attempted tackle to dart under the post – Smith converts again. Sodbury are looking hungry as they regroup but a wayward kick see’s the ball land clean in Rebecca Beavers’ (Beeves) hands – she dummies the ball and runs half the pitch to get SMOBL’s fourth try of the game, converted by Smith. Just before the half time whistle Chloe Tucker sprints 60 metres from deep in the opponents half to round off first 40 minutes. Smith safely converts again.

HT Score: 25-0 to SMOBL

After a short break, both teams are ready and determined for the second half. Sodbury do well to keep up the pressure but after some fumbling from a Sodbury line out 5 metres out, Sophie Williams takes advantage of her continuous pressure around the fringes and dives on the ball over the try line. Sodbury pile on their effort with strong forwards and their backs get their hands on the ball but SMOBL quickly turn it over. The game restarts once more when an excellent turnover by Kirsty Fido means the ball is perfectly placed for Ellie Clarke to steal yet another try for the ladies. The ball is shifted out and Rebecca Beavers manages to get use her pace to get it over the try line.

Players player: Megan Habgood and Sammy Knighton
Coaches player: Sophie Williams

FT Score: 50-0 to SMOBL

Match report written by Sarah Wright.