On a (rare) dry and sunny November day, Beckenham U15 Girls made the trip to Aylesford. With both sides carrying reduced numbers, Beckenham borrowed a couple of Aylesford players to make a 10 v 10 fixture on a full pitch - which always promises plenty of space and a high-scoring game.

Aylesford made a strong start to match, retaining possession relentlessly as their well-drilled players controlled the contact area, and two easy tries followed in the early stages. Despite this, Beckenham put in some significant tackles to show their intent to make this a good competition. As the half progressed, Beckenham finally gained territory, putting up a fiercer competition at the breakdown including captain Abby's textbook jackal and steal from her opposite number. Once Beckenham found their way into the Aylesford 22, they moved the ball with purpose and before long Mia forced her way through several defenders and stretched for the line for a well-earned score, converted by Abby. From receipt of the kick-off, Abby spotted the lack of fullback in the Aylesford defence and kicked the ball 40m upfield. They say a kick is only as good as its chase, and Beckenham were equal to the task, led by Ruby who regained possession, quickly getting the ball to Morgan who ran the remainder of the pitch to cross the try line, Abby converting, bringing the scores level. Unfortunately the efforts of their two scores resulted in some disjointed defence, allowing Aylesford across the line twice more to build a halftime lead of 28-14.

The second half followed much the same pattern, with Aylesford again outscoring Beckenham by 4 tries to 2. It is to the Beckenham Girls' huge credit that they stayed in the game, and the tries they scored were excellent. The first followed several phases of play with Beckenham retaining possession, working the ball out to strike runner Ruby running off Abby at fly half (just as we practiced in training!) to break through the Aylesford defence and run in a 35m score - not bad for a second row! The second came from a perfect angled run off first phase by centre Mia, who took the ball at pace and cut through the previously solid Aylesford defence to run in her second try of the game. Final score 52-24 to Aylesford.

Despite the result not going our way, both coaches and girls agreed the overall performance was a step up from the previous week, and as coaches it's always great to see the girls putting into practice on the field the skills we develop in training. Thanks to Aylesford for being excellent hosts and giving us a great game. The girls now have a couple of weeks of training to prepare for our next fixture in the cup.