Today’s match against Birmingham Exiles saw the girls play in very cold, wet and windy conditions. The squad wasn’t at full strength, but you wouldn’t know. From kick off, the pace was blisteringly quick. The need to stay warm as much a motivator as anything else. The tries came almost immediately as the Exiles struggled against our multi-phase play, determined support and physicality in defence. For every player to score was a season first for us. One of the tries involved every single player and was a masterclass in quick thinking, brave rucking, communication, support and strength. Every single player should be proud of themselves.

Ellamai was this week’s captain, and she kept her team going, communicated well and was tenacious in attack. Phoebe worked hard in attack and defence and was yet again strong in the scrums. Molly took her chances well with the ball and put in some crunching tackles. Tori had a strong all-round performance with some powerful tackles and strong support play. Caitlin’s catching from kick-offs is growing ever more reliable and the subsequent counter-attacks, ever more dangerous. Finally, this week’s Player of the Match was Megan who set the pace from the outset with her strong tackling. In attack she was as quick as ever and bravely took on defenders to win hard yards.

A final thank you to our stoic parents’ group for braving the weather today to support the team. You are amazing and were repaid today with some excellent rugby!