Cambridge Women delivered a performance of two contrasting halves on Sunday, combining attacking fluency before the break with outstanding defensive resilience in the second to overcome a determined Bletchley Ladies side.
The first half belonged firmly to Cambridge’s attack. The forwards established early momentum, giving the backs the platform to play with width and confidence. The opening try came from a well-executed maul that drove deep into Bletchley territory before the ball was shifted quickly across the pitch, allowing Kate to finish out wide. She played a key role again soon after, winning a turnover and breaking the line to halfway before Cambridge moved the ball to the edge, where Molly crossed after a perfectly timed support run. Mez, relentless in the tight exchanges, powered over from close range following a series of strong forward carries, with Kate adding the conversion to reward a dominant opening spell.
The second half demanded a very different response. Bletchley’s bench had a huge impact, increasing the intensity and attacking resolve. They spent long periods camped inside the Cambridge 22, pinning the visitors back for 20 minutes. Despite conceding 12 penalties after the break, including a yellow card for Lily, Cambridge’s defensive organisation and commitment never wavered. Bletchley entered the 22 on multiple occasions in the second half but were restricted to just five points, underlining the quality of Cambridge’s collective defence. The impact from the bench proved vital in the closing stages. Quin and Leane delivered excellent defensive performances out wide, with Quin not missing a single tackle and playing a key role in denying more than one try. Alex also made a strong contribution with powerful carries that repeatedly put Bletchley on the back foot.
Mez was a standout performer and deservedly named Forward of the Match, producing an incredible work rate alongside dominant ball carries and uncompromising defence. In the backs, Molly claimed Back of the Match honours after an outstanding all-round display, covering space superbly in defence and showing excellent vision when stepping into the attacking line.
Overall, this was a committed and authoritative team performance from Cambridge Women, underlining both their attacking threat as the league’s leading points scorers and their defensive resolve as its most miserly side. The result moves Cambridge five points clear at the top of the table, with a game in hand over second-placed Stockwood Park. Conceding on average less than a converted try per match and holding a commanding +85 points difference over their nearest rivals, Cambridge continue to strengthen their push for promotion.
Cambridge women’s 1st remain undefeated
