The trip to Welwyn, started badly, with vehicle break downs on route, but in true team spirit, others re routed to ensure all 17 girls made it to the game on time. Welwyn, short on numbers, requested a 12 a side game, which WKD duly abided with.

The warm up went well and the starting squad based on attendance at training took the field in confident mood, but it was obvious immediately that this was going to be a tough match with WKD, defending their line from the start, as the powerful Welwyn pack charged at the WKD team, while also keeping shape, to spread the ball wide effectively. This play resulted in their first try and was shortly followed by a second as a result of a loose pass which was intercepted. After 12 minutes, 12 v 0 suggested changes were required. Morgan Freeman joined the forward effort, while Ellie Green joined the backs, but the inclusion of these 2 players did not change the pattern of the game, with Welwyn totally dominating in the scrums possession, and able to move the ball well with precision and width to challenge the WKD defence. Despite some promising work by WKD girls, a third try followed possession won against the head at the scum, which was moved effectively by the Welwyn Backs.

At this stage the WKD coaches made further changes, stiffening up the mid field defence, resigning themselves to loosing the ball at the scrums, but content to allow the midfield of Ceri Edwards, Morgan Freeman and Alice Burtonshaw, to tackle the opposition behind their gain line. The lighter fast WKD forwards, were now on the front foot and began to win the breakdown getting there in numbers, providing ball for the skilful back line to use. Late on in the first half, the ball was passed along the back line to Sophie, who set off on a powerful run, gaining good ground. The forwards, ensured quick ball was distributed again to Fiona who sprinted round the cover defence to open the WKD account. The conversion was missed, but the score was vital to give the girls belief that the revised tactics would result in success.

The second half continued in a similar manor with Welwyn winning the scrums, but WKD were winning the line outs and more than there fair share of the breakdown. With decent possession WKD were now able to consistently run at Welwyn and the momentum of the game began to changed, not only as a result of the slope, but also as further substitutes allowed fresh legs to take the game to Welwyn

A second try followed a movement along the back line, releasing Alice who made 50m before being bundled into touchdown. Fiona won the lineout allowing the ball to be spun out wide to the right. Again quick recycling resulted in the ball being passed back to the centre, where Fiona found a gap to cross the try line near the post, converted by Elli.

The third and decisive try again followed concerted pressure, involving much of the team. The ball was passed to Alice, near the 22m line and using speed an power, cut through several defenders to score under the posts. The conversion by Elli, took the scores to 19 -17 and the momentum was with WKD

A fourth try came from a turn over, the ball being passed through the hands of Ceri and Ella, who then released Megan in to space, from which there is only one outcome. Converted again by Elli

A fifth try to secure a bonus point, was scored in the last play of the game. It again followed sustained pressure before the ball was passed to Ceri who completed the play with a trademark dummy. Converted again by Elli.

At the end of the match special mention was made is made to Fiona and Ella, for there efforts and they provided such good entertainment with the mars bar challenge, but in reality, the whole team deserves special mention.
The collective forwards, for competing with and ultimately over coming an older heavier, stronger pack of forwards
The collective backs, who chased every player and tackled everything that moved,
The collective reserves who help the team and fitted in where the were needed
And finally the collective team, who believed in their own ability, to overcome the opposition, by playing a flowing, skill full team based game.

Very well-done everyone.

A proud coach.

Beckenham Rugby Football Club

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