SMOBL Defeat Old Reds

Sunday 18th September 2011
Old Redcliffians 0-24 St Mary’s Old Boys

St Mary’s always have close games against Old Reds and having not played any warm up matches they expected another when they opened their league campaign away against their Bristol rivals. However St Mary’s were well organised and dominated possession and territory to put in a good start to their season with a four try to nil victory over old Redcliffians.

St Mary’s couldn’t have asked for a better start when 2nd row Bridget Sanger scored a great try in the first few minutes of the game which fly half Sammy Knighton converted. St Mary’s continued to put on the pressure, turning over plenty of ball in the scrums but could not extend their lead and were 7-0 ahead at the break.

St Mary’s strength in depth showed in the 2nd half when despite a lot of changes they continued to dominate the game and did not look like conceding. Flanker Kirsty Fido scored her first try for St Mary’s when she was first to a loose ball. After good phases from the hard working forwards close to the try line St Mary’s got quick ball to the backs and unselfish play put winger Laura Rugman in to score a great team, and her first, try for the club which Sammy Knighton converted. With a few minutes to go St Mary’s refused to ease up and again after good play from the forwards the ball got to the backs who had an overlap and played in Laura Rugman for her second try to seal the victory 24-0. Laura Rugman should have had a hat trick after touching the ball down in the try area after a good chip through from Sammy Knighton earlier in the game but the ref failed to award the try.

St Mary’s put in a great all round team performance and had 5 players playing their first game and many players playing in new positions including centre partnership of captain Lucy Bowering and Laura Rugman. Sharifa James, Anya Cooper and Abbie Thornhill made their rugby debuts and new prop Lindsey Newey made some good ball carries when she came off the bench. Spanish player Esther Gasa had a great first game for St Mary’s at scrum half to get Players’ Player of the match and Bridget Sanger got Coaches Player of the match but the whole squad played exceptionally well. SMOBL will hope to build on this performance in their next game when they play Warminster Ladies in 2 weeks, who have recently joined the league after Trowbridge Ladies disbanded.

Tries: Bridget Sanger, Kirsty Fido & Laura Rugman (2)
Conversions: Sammy Knighton (2)

Players’ Player of the Match: Esther Gasa
Coaches Player of the Match: Bridget Sanger

Debutants: Esther Gasa, Sharifa James, Anya Cooper, Lindsey Newey & Abbie Thornhill