WKD 20 v Welwyn 14

On the penultimate Sunday before Christmas, WKD travelled to Welwyn for a friendly to complete the first half of the season. Following a titanic struggle, WKD ran out winners, 20 points to 14, but it could have gone either way, right up to the final whistle.

On a cold damp day, and on a pitch that at best could be described as heavy going, fast flowing rugby was going to be hard, but all the girls put on a fine show, with each team having prolonged periods of pressure, with break outs and counter attacks serving up an exciting game. The overall memory is of total commitment at the tackle area, where possession was constantly under threat from the opposing team, resulting in numerous turnovers, providing opportunities to turn defence into attach, which was then countered by the opposition. With the benefit of reviewing the video which are available on U-tube, there are huge performances from many players and some great moments of individual skill. While Welwyn may possess one or two of the best players WKD have ever played against, the collective performances of the WKD team won through in the end, so well-done girls.

From an initial travelling squad of 16 girls, 14 travelled, with Luana and Rhiannon, both ill on the day. By prior agreement, Fiona Tapley, lined up for Welwyn in the first half, to make 12 a side. Fiona Taply, played 2nd row, for both teams, her first outing in the forward for some time and she did very well and got right stuck in, making a significant contribution to the WKD scum in the second half. It cant have been a coincidence Fiona was in the dominant scrum all game.

WKD starting team was Forwards, Olivia, Francheska, Amily, Ella, Cerys(Captain), Backs Erin, Ceri, Sophie, Fiona, Bobbie, Tatum, with Ellie full back. Madie, was sub for the first 1/3 of the game, then played for WKD on the wing.

Wkd received the ball from the kick-off and battle commenced, with a couple of nice phase of play by WKD girls, but it was soon evident that the teams were closely matched. The first try was scored by Welwyn, following a breakdown within the WKD ½. Welwyns inside centre ran down the blind side, evading individual cover tackles to score under the posts. WKD then responded with 2 trys in the first half. WKD opened the scoring following several phases of recycled possession, before the ball was passed to Fiona, on the narrow side to beat a single defender to score in the corner.

The second try came late in the second half. WKD had defended well, often near their own line, but a few clean breaks, several punt and chases resulted in a foot hold in the Welwyn 22. Several forays down the blind side eventually provide an opportunity for Ceri to offload in the tackle to Bobbie, who nipped in to finish.

In the second ½ the WKD distribution was better, but far to often, players were tackled before a pass to as supporting player which was often a better option, however credit must be given to both defences, who continued to pressurise and closed down the ball carriers quickly. WKD moved further ahead, with a 3rd try, again following multiple phases and then completed by a powerful run down the blind side touchline by Ella.

15 points to 7, moving into the last quarter but WKD were pegged back once again, giving away a couple of penalties, which gave Welwyn good field position to mount a major attach, resulting in a score under the posts. Game on was the cry from the Welwyn supporters.

WKD, were not finished though and worked their way back down field and score a 4th try followed recycled ball and Ceri made a quick switch to the blind side and scored out wide again, but still only 6 points ahead moving into the last 5 minutes so not safe. Welwyn through everything they had into the cause at the end, but determined defence by WKD would not allow the line to be crossed.

Fantastic effort and great relief for all.

During the game there were many excellent performance and everyone contributed to the result.

In the forwards, all deserve a mention. Olivia was a very big presence at the contact area and carried well, offering herself and a bettering ram. Cerys was her usual dominant force, sealing off the ball, on one occasion against 3 all by her-self. Amily, made a number of determined direct runs, straightening the line. Francesca was alert to the play and linked well and was even spotted playing scrum half, when Erin was at the bottom of a ruck. Special mention this week though goes to Ella for one of her best games yet. Her dynamic forward driving in the loose cause several turnovers and few turtle turns to take out the opposition jackal was top draw stuff. Add to this great cover tackles and charging runs, one resulting in a try.

In the backs, Tatum showed her potential as a dynamic runner, and Maddy, gained valuable match experience in a very high quality match. In the first half, ball distribution was stuttering and were obviously phased by the aggressive defence, who often stole the ball following the tackle but in the second half, things improved and 4 trys, demonstrated an ability to build an attack and find space. Within the backs, Erin scrag tackled every one and with the ball looked to engage the fringe defence. Ceri did well in the tackle area, securing possession and winning a number of turnovers, and following a slow start, distributed better as the game move on, varying the angle of attach. Sophie ran good an hard and showed good handling skills and awareness and complete a number of cover tackles. Fiona marshalled the wide defence, linked well, but her most telling contribution was in the lineout, which she dominated from the moment she joined it. Do look out for the catch and drive.
Bobbie probably made the most meter, if we were counting, having several long runs either down the touch line or with kick and chases and was always looking for an opportunity to join the attach. Defence was solid also, with some good leg tackles. Elle provide a fine last line of defence, making a number of important tackles, but was also prepared to joined the attacking line as often as possible and her kicking out of hand was excellent and appropriate. It was good to see the team look to set the ball up for either Ceri or Ellie to kick effectively, on WKD’s terms, a significant improvement in this phase of the game.

So Half way through the season and a series of good performance to review and to look back to establish what to work on and improve, as other teams no doubt will. I hope you will all study the video, and enjoy the good play by WKD or Welwyn players, and seek to improve on what you already do well.