7 Up For Mary's

St Mary's completed the first half of the league campaign by registering their 7th victory in a row against a really spirited North Petherton side. Travelling light, Mary's fielded a squad of 18 and knew that they'd have to put a shift in against the oppositions fantastic squad of 27. Mary's started very well putting lots of pressure on Pethy and gaining good ground. 6 minutes gone and Jade Gamlin opened the scoring with a penalty goal. 0-3. The visitors followed this up on 11 minutes when,having worked the ball wide, Ria Jefferson-Gleed crashed over for her first of the day. 0-8. Mary's then got a bit lethargic around the breakdown and Pethy took advantage. After 10 minutes of to and fro they worked the ball wide and scored a good try. 5-8. The response was, as usual, excellent and Mary's then put together their best phases of the half. Strong carrying, good continuity, pace and great hands leading to Ria Jefferson-Gleed crossing for hers and St Mary's second try. Half time 5-13. Second half and Mary's were much more focused and energetic.Showing some great structure Mary's began to dominate. 10 minutes in and winger Ellie Clarke was on hand to take the most generous of passes from Jefferson-Gleed to cross after a period of sustained pressure. Conversion added 5-20. On 56 minutes Chloe Tucker crossed wide out after a great passage of play and Gamlin added the conversion from the touchline. 5-27. And then with 10 minutes to go Ria Jefferson-Gleed completed her hat trick and gained St Mary's a bonus point when she scored a great team try and take Mary's out to 5-32. The home side then rallied well and they came back strongly. Mary's worked hard to keep them out, but it as Pethy who had the last word after their impressive 13 made a strong break and offloaded to a great supporting player to cross under the posts. The conversion was the final kick of the game. Final score 12-32. This game marked the halfway point for Mary's who are setting the pace, leading the league by 10 points, and ready to do it all again. Some very good performances,particularly in the second half. Jade Gamlin had an excellent day after switching to cover scrum half, Chloe Tucker had an excellent afternoon and centres Joanna Smith and Ria Jefferson-Gleed had a great day with ball in hand. In the pack, Donna Prince, Sarah Wray and Harriett Quick had great games, but player of the match was Boe Meaton who worked superbly in the loose and carried very well. That hand off will live long in the memory. A couple of thank yous to Kirsty Fido and Ellie Clarke who both changed arrangements to play this weekend. Great commitment to the team. Thank you. Next up for St Mary's is the final home game of 2018 on 9 Dec, when we entertain Yeovil. See you there!!!