Lethargic Ladies Beaten

St Mary's Ladies long record of unbeaten league games came to end on Sunday when a hungry and committed Newton Abbot side visited Northwood Park. From the first whistle the visitors were much the hungrier side and they came charging at Mary's. 2 minutes gone and they were 5 nil up when they picked and went through some paper defence to crash over. Mary's then got into a battle for 20 minutes but it was a story of the hosts not being able to move the ball wide and instead running in the visitors strengths. Newton Abbot then increased their lead with a quick double before Mary's leaked a fourth try on 35 minutes to find themselves 0-22 down. On the stroke of half time the home side got themselves on the board with a cooly slotted penalty from the boot of Jade Gamlin and at half time trailed 3-22. Second half underway and Mary's started well attacking with a bit more conviction and purpose, but this was met with some excellent and committed defence from Newton Abbot. Then to rub salt in the wound they broke away and picked up a bonus point with their 5th try on 52 minutes to lead 3-27. The hosts desperately needed some inspiration and it came once again from centre Jade Gamlin who intercepted (1 from 15) and raced away from 40 metes to score and convert her own try. 3 minutes later a superb catch and drive saw Gamlin join at the back and drop over. Conversion superbly added from the touchline and Marys had scored 14 points in 3 minutes to make it 17-27. More pressure being applied as Marys went searching for more but then a high tackle (not the first of the day) saw flanker Emily Robson yellow carded and Newton Abbot were able to clear. as Mary's then pushed the visitors took back control and they took the game away from the home side with their final try of the game on 72 minutes which they converted for a final score of 17-34. This was a tough day for St Mary's who gave glimpses of how they can play, but wee ultimately turned over by a much more energetic and hungry Newton Abbot side who fully deserved the win. Pats on the back this week for Sarah Wray and Sarah Cronk who both put a great shift in up front. This weeks player of the match was shared. Captain Chloe Tucker who led by example in both attack where she was a constant threat and defence where she continues to demonstrate what is meant by a chop tackle and Jade Gamlin who always comes up with massive scores when we need them and is an outstanding goal kicker. Next up for Mary's is a visit to league leaders Chew Valley Cats at the end of the month. We start building Tuesday!