Our women’s team put in a fantastic performance to take a 20–12 win in the second home Town and Gown clash…
The Uni side arrived with an experienced squad featuring several of last season’s Blues and Tigers, though they were a little short on depth. Both teams had agreed to move to uncontested scrums in the final quarter, but injuries to their front row meant we switched earlier than planned.
The opening 20 minutes were all Uni pressure, with the opposition spending most of their time camped in our 22, but our defence was outstanding. Margaux Forner held up a certain try, and Phoebe Peacock turned over several crucial balls with some excellent jackaling. Eventually the Uni managed to break through for two tries, converting one to lead 0-12.
We fought back strongly before half-time, with Louise Hamilton, back from university for the weekend, going from the base of the scrum to narrow the score to 5–12 at the break.
Fresh legs made all the difference in the second half. Back of the Match Kate Willis made an immediate impact with her trademark strong carries and rock-solid defence. Vice-captain Allegra Sloot tore through their back line time and again, and after one of her runs was stopped just short by an excellent tap tackle, Alex Perez Pion picked and went to score and bring us within two points.
Minutes later, Allegra took a quick tap from five metres out and darted through for a well-deserved try, putting Town ahead 15–12.
The final quarter was a huge defensive effort from everyone on the pitch. Kate continued to make big hits, Forward of the Match Sophie Liddiard worked tirelessly in attack and defence, and Natasha Sterecki tackled everything in sight. Natasha’s persistence paid off when she spotted a gap near the line and powered over for our final try.
That sealed the 20–12 win — and a clean sheet in the second half!
Skipper Molly Henthorn says, “We love playing the Cambridge Uni side – they’re always so much fun – and we have a co-op arrangement where we borrow some of their players when we need to. We have such a good relationship with them and it’s great to play them again – it was such a good competition and I’m ecstatic with the result.”
Special mentions to Amy North and Floor van Donkelaar, who both made excellent debuts and slotted right in with the squad. A brilliant team effort all round!
Womens Team Manager Ali Elsley