Ladies Come Through Tough Test

St Mary's Ladies continued their unbeaten run but were given a really tough test by Hucclecote this weekend. Things started really well for the home side with good territory and phases inside the Hucclecote half and they were rewarded when Elaine Hughes was put away to score in the corner with just 4 minutes gone. Jade Gamlin converted from the touchline and everything looked rosy. However from there until an action packed last couple of minutes of the half, Marys found themselves in a real battle with the hungry visitors. Almost immediately, Mary's lost flanker Sophie Williams with a nasty looking knee injury and it was Hucclecote who began to get on top at the breakdown. Their defensive press leading to St Mary's making errors. The home side had the dominance in the set piece and were able to create opportunities, but some uncharacteristic poor handling meant points went begging. Hucclecote were gaining a lot of confidence and in contrast their excellent offloading and pace was causing problems. With 5 minutes left the visitors no10 made a break from inside her own half and away she went. Marys giving chase, but unable to reel her in and Hucclecote scored a deserved try. This appeared to be the kick up the proverbial that the ladies needed and they kicked off looking to have the final word of the half. An error from the restart giving SMOBL a scrum and from here they were able to work through some good phases to put Elaine Hughes away into the same corner. Conversion this time clattering the upright and at half time Marys up 12-5. Second half and some changes made with Marys looking to build on the positive end to the half. 12 minutes in, after a stop start beginning to the half, and Marys went further ahead when Ellie Clarke was bought down just short of the line. The impressive Sarah Barker on hand to take the offload and score. Conversion missed but Marys up 17-5. From there the half was frustrating for both sides. The whistle dominating proceedings, Hucclecote still applying pressure, and Marys looking to counter. Holes started to appear and line breaks were being made by Jo Smith and Jade Gamlin. Then with 12 minutes left, Chloe Tucker finished really well in the corner following a strong run. Gamlin bounced the conversion in off the post and Marys were home 24-5. This was a tough test for St Marys who will have been frustrated that some basic skills went missing but pleased with the result. Lots to build on at training this week. Pats on the back this week to Michaela Excell, Kaycie Mosley and Basil Themis who did a great job filling in at 6. Sammy Knighton and Tammy Howells had great games at half backs, whilst Elaine Hughes took her two tries really well. Player of the Match though went to Jade Gamlin who made some outstanding tackles, carried with strength and kicked excellently.
Next up for St Marys s the visit of Drybrook in the Cup on 28 Oct and a great opportunity to test ourselves against a side from the league above. Please do your best to support.