Mary's Dodge A Bullet At Plymstock

SMOBL travelled to newly promoted Plymstock Oaks at the weekend and came away having snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat. With a couple of cry offs on the morning of the game Mary's were forced to reshuffle and veteran Lucy Bowering dusted off her boots to start at 9. As she chugged on a Lambert & Butler, Mary's warmed up and took to the field looking to start quickly. Immediately they were on the front foot and after a series of carries into Oaks' 22, they moved the ball wide where Phoebe Beer crossed for the fist score on 5 minutes. Conversion good, 0-7. This try should have been the platform for Mary's to build the score but instead it was Oaks who took back momentum. Strong carry after strong carry not being met head on and Oaks' were able to work their way upfield. Their first try came on 12 minutes with the conversion added to level 7-7. Then on 22 minutes after another series of carries they converted a penalty to lead 10-7. Mary's then had their best period of the half with the pack showing their potential with a superb catch and drive from 20 meters out. When the maul split, Mary's went to their pick and go and Rosie Quin cashed over for her first try for the club. Conversion missed 10-12. Once again though Plymstock came firing back and as Mary's discipline at the breakdown disappeared, more chances were created before an excellent line and step by their outstanding 13 saw her score under the sticks. Conversion good, 17-12 at the break. The visitors stated the second half as they started the first with some good work in the midfield seeing centre Jade Gamlin convert a penalty to reduce the gap to 2 points. But in keeping with the theme of the day it was Oaks who took back control. Another clean break by their 13 after some flimsy tackling and she looked certain to score. A great cove tackle by flanker Sarah Barker bringing her down short, but she was then penalised for entry into a ruck and subsequently yellow carded. Harsh! The game was in the balance now, but as penalty after penalty was awarded and injury after injury for both sides occurred Oaks looked to have the final say when 13 broke down the line. No cover tackle this time and she crossed with 12 minutes left to stretch the lead to 22-15. Final 10 minutes and at last St Mary's starting putting plays together as the hosts tired. Great defence looking like it may just hold out but with 4 minutes left, Jade Gamlin carried excellently in midfield, broke a couple of tackles and beat the covering defence to score under the posts. Pressure on, but she kept her cool and added the conversion to level the score at 22-22. Still time possibly to win it and an overlap created, just unable to move it wide to pinch what would have been the most jammy of wins. The game ended with a record breaking 21st penalty to the home side and they booted it off the park for the draw. Oaks were outstanding. They played with bucket loads of determination and commitment and will feel that they maybe should have won. Mary's have been taught a good lesson and will look to come back stronger this week as we build towards Westbury. Well dones in the pack to debutant Ginny Troughton and the returning Boe Meaton and Fern Reed and in the backs to Lucy Bowering and Jade Gamlin. This weeks players player went to Laura McGlone who covered at scrum half when Lucy's leg conked out and had a superb game. Have we found a new 9???