Marys March On In The Mud

SMOBL made the long trip to Newton Abbot this weekend in a 1st v 2nd clash. In weather conditions that were bordering on monsoon Marys knew that the team that looked after the ball and took their opportunities would prevail. The visitors started really well and had a series of attacks before scrum half Tammy Howells took a quick tap penalty to cross after just 6 minutes. Jade ‘Gambo’ Gamlin on target with the extras 0-7. The game then settled and both sides looked to gain the upper hand at the breakdown with some great physicality, whilst the home side got the early advantage in the set piece. Few opportunities as the sides continued to arm wrestle but then Marys were back inside the All Whites 22 and this time flanker Victoria Shakspeare was on hand to smash over on 20 minutes, 0-12. Tight then for the rest of the half, Marys extending the lead to 0-15 with a Gambo penalty but having to withstand lots of pressure as the hosts looked certain to score with a series of pick and goes. Some resolute defence and handling errors in the conditions keeping the score to nil. Weather conditions not lightning up and the pitch now resembling a bog as both sides took a well deserved half time breather. Second half underway and Marys back on the hunt. Pressure inside the 22 and once again the visitors took advantage when fullback Chloe Tucker nipped in to score following some great continuity. 0-20. Back to the arm wrestle but a combination of poor conditions and a seemingly never ending injury list for both sides making the game really stop start. Marys made the game safe on 63 minutes when centre Joanna Smith cut through to finish well and take the lead out to 0-25 and then Marys worked really well to ensure they kept the home side to nil. Final score 0-25. This was a really pleasing result for St Mary’s in what was without doubt their toughest test to date. Newton Abbot deserve huge credit for the performance on the pitch and off it, where women’s rugby is clearly thriving and superbly supported. Marys will be pleased with the targets they set themselves and how they put into practice the focus points from training. This was a really good performance. Pats on the back to all involved but in particular Michaela Excell, Megan Habgood and Sarah Wray whos work at the breakdown, in the carry, and out wide was excellent, Tammy Howells who controlled things really well at 9 and Ellie O’Sullivan who answered a late call and had an excellent afternoon on the wing. Player of the match was skipper Sammy Knighton who led by example in defence with some superb tackles and turnovers and who made some great decisions with ball in hand. Next up is Chew Valley at home on Nov 18th.