WKD Girls under 15, runners up at Worcester Festival

On a not so fine day in April, WKD travelled to Worcester to take part in an invitation only tournament for teams from all over England.

The tournament was organised as a round robin event with games against, Welwyn, Exeter, Worcester and finally West Park, to complete a gruelling days rugby, where there would be no easy games.

The Squad gathered about 10.00am, some travelling in the morning while other had travelled up the night before. I was informed the 10.30pm curfew was enforced and adhered to.

Once the squad had gathered our newest member of the WKD coaching group, took the girls for a gentle warm up. I must admit I was a little concerned, as they came back 30 minutes later in military style uttering words like “please never again”, that our suggestion of gentle warm up had not been conveyed correctly.

First Game was against Welwyn and a confident determined team lead by Fiona took the field and elected to play against the wind, hoping to use the advantage of the elements in the second half. There was concern from some that the wind might easy off by the second half, but alas it stayed with us all day and had a significant impact on all the games.

Team, Cerys, Fredi, Olivia, Fiona, Ella, Erin, Ceri, Alice, Sophie, Akina

The earlier warm up must have worked as WKD came out of the blocks fast. From a deep kick off, the ball was controlled by the forwards, passed out to Ceri who took it on, sucking in the Welwyn defence , before off loading to Elle, then Alice for Akina who ran 50m before cover defence caught her. The ball was secured by Sophie and Alice took it on, but the attach was stopped. This was going to be a tough match. In Repose Welwyn’s large centre, broke though initial tackles, drawing in the majority of the back line. Quick recycled ball allowed Welwyn to pass the ball round the WKD players to score the opening try.

WKD came back strong and with good interplay and recycled possession, made steady progress to the try line, forcing a scrum. Possession was secured by the pack for Erin to pop a short ball to Ceri on the crash ball who scored without contact.
From the Kick off received, WKD, repeatedly attached the Welwyn team, winning quick ball and finding wiling runners to take the ball on with support to secure and recycle, before the ball was shipped out to Akina, who this time ran round the defence to score.

Second ½ with the wind, but it was so strong the kick off ran dead. From the restarts, Welwyn used their larger players to drive through the WKD team, but there was no way through. The larger players did suck in defenders though and on 2 occasions outside defenders were left covering to many attackers. From 10, 5 up it was soon 10- 17. Despite constant pressure for the last five minutes, WKD could not find a way through the Welwyn defence. Although the game was lost WKD must have taken a lot out of the Welwyn, as they were then beaten 10 v 7 by a spirited Worcester team.

The girls did not play in the next round of games allowing the coaches to observer Exeter and West Park for the first time.

After a break the girls played Exeter, with 4 changes made to the team.
Team, Cerys, Francesca, Olivia, Leila, Ella, Erin, Ceri, Alice, Megan 2, Megan

After early exchanges, WKD all realised this was going to be a tough match. Early possession was dominated by WKD, but it took several phases of play, before the ball reached Alice in space and she ran in the opening try.
This did not deter Exeter, who looked to attach on every occasion they could and this match was most memorable for the great running and attacking intent shown by both teams. On several occasions Exeter were able to beat the first tackle and break the line, but scramble defence by all and especially Megan who completed a number of last ditch tackles. On one such occasion, Cerys chased back 50 and was first to the break down, secured the ball and initiated another attach which saw the ball pass along a back line, nearly resulting in a score. The defence was exceptional, all working together and earned clean sheet against a very determined side. It is worth noting both Megan2 and Leila helped keep a good defensive line and tackled effectively, Megan slightly unorthodox and Leila using those long arms to great effect. The second and decisive try, was scored by Megan, who had a mere 60m, 2 defenders and a narrow gap to negotiate. Final score 12 - 0

Next up Worcester and more changes. Generally team that faced Welwyn with Luana playing her first game. Team Cerys, Fredi, Olivia, Fiona, Ella, Erin, Ceri, Alice, Luana, Akina

Worcester as anticipated proved a very competitive match. Again sound defence, not over committing to the tackle area, meant there was always someone prepared to make the tackle, or in a position to take the ball forwards when possession was won. During all the matches and especially in this game our Scrum and Line out performance was excellent and we secured a good portion of opposition ball as well as ours. Again good team work and movement of the ball resulted in an early try but a second eluded the girls, despite a penalty near Worcester line where the ball was taken on by Ceri, Fiona, Olivia, Cerys, and finally Alice who was held up short. Excellent work by both teams. In the second ½, Megan replaced Luana and playing against the wind now, attacks by each team were thwarted by committed defence. Even so it was WKD who always looked to be on top, probing for gaps and off loading where possible. Eventually the ball popped to Alice, who once through, sprinted under the post to make the game safe. Final Score 12-0 and another clean sheet hard won but richly deserved.

The final game was against West Park. To win the tournament the team needed to win and score 4 or more tries while hoping Worcester did not win and score 4 tries or more. The girls were given the challenge and were up for it.
Changes to the team once more saw a surprise front row, but it did not affect the dominance of the WKD pack.
Team Cerys, Francesca Fredie , Fiona, Leila, Erin, Ceri, Alice, Luana Sophie. My notes are a bit vague, but think Megan, Akina Megan 2 and Olivia got on in the second ½ some how.
A good start was essential and soon the ball was shipped down line to Alice, who took an outside line and ran round what appeared most of the team for the opening score. From the Kick off she was there again winning the ball, showing the intent for the rest of the team to follow. For the second try WKD moved the ball well, through several phases, before Luana ran with the ball, passing to Leila, who then passed to Fiona to score a deserved try. The third try was again by Alice, this time taking the direct approach, weaving through the defence to score under the post. In repost West park scored an excellent try, through kick and chase, catching the pressing WKD defence flat footed. In the second ½ Akina scored the 4th try securing the bonus point. WKD had done all they could and held on for the rest of the match for a final score 22-10.

On the adjacent pitch Worcester were pressing hard for their 4th try and secured it with the final play of the game.

So fine margins is what it came down to, but everyone involved with WKD are extremely proud of the girls achievement so far this season, and with 4 events still to go, and I am sure there will be more to cheer.

As seen on the day, player of the tournament voted by the girls this time was Cerys a deserved recipient, however there were many other candidates.