9th March 2003 - Beccs win 39-22 away to Staines in Division 5 SE
Beccehamian Ladies continued their strong season in the National League with a 22-39 win away to Staines. In gale force winds and on a pitch with virtually no lines(!) it proved hard work at first for Beccehamians who were slightly disorganised at playing 10-a-side and with just three in the scrum as Staines have a few injury problems.
Still there was no excuse for the lax defence in the first 10 minutes and Staines were quick to score using some good kicking skills to secure territory and then using their big number 10 to batter through the line. In chaotic scenes with the howling wind against them Beccs were momentarily at sixes and sevens and Staines were again able to take advantage when Beccs failed to clear up a loose ball from the floor.
With the score 12-0 Beccs fought back and began to work hard into the wind and were rewarded when some good hands swung the ball out to winger Wendy Stevens who sped down the field for a try. Now growing in confidence Beccs began to secure the ball, however playing against the wind was extremely difficult making line-outs a lottery and loose balls anyone’s! The second try was similar to the first with winger Wendy Stevens getting some space on the wing before cutting back inside the Staines defence to score under the post. With Staines kicking the territory well they were able to go over for a third try just before half-time.
Playing with the wind in the second half the pendulum started its swing in the other direction and Beccs began to take charge with some excellent work in the maul to steal possession from the Staines girls. Within minutes winger Wendy Stevens was back on the ball and flying in under the posts for her hatrick – the try converted by Alex Tyson to bring the score to 17-17 - Game on!
Now beginning to play their own game, Beccs were able to make good use of possession straight from kick-off and using the wind ran the ball straight back at the Staines defence. Centre Alex Tyson was able to make use of space on two occasions to run through midfield and along the wing to score. Gaining ground with quick ball out from good rucking saw fly-half Cat Blanc claim her 2nd try for the team in only her 2nd game for Beccs!
Staines were unable to make as much progress up the field in the second but managed a final score by kicking up-field from a scrum. Alex Tyson grounded the ball in-touch, however the lack of lines on the pitch meant that it hadn’t been grounded in the right place and Staines were able to take advantage and score the try.
With the minutes ticking away in this 20-min each way game, Beccs went on the attack again. Getting a penalty in the Staines twenty-two, hooker Gill Horn took a quick tap and ran at the Staines defence before diving for the line. Taking three defenders with her she was able to ground the ball for her first try of the season in what was the last minute of play in the match. The game ended 22-39, a messy game in howling winds but a good win and two points in the league!
Thanks go to Staines for playing when they do have injury problems and for giving us a really good game - we wish them the best for the rest of the season.
Beccehamian Team
Forwards:-
Lucy Chitty, Lara Fisher, Sarah Henson, Gill Horn, Sam Howe, Tracey Roper
Backs:-
Catherine Blanc, Eve De Maertelaere, Wendy Stevens, Louise Thomas, Alex Tyson, Carolyn Waugh, Lianne Wilson
Players of the Match
Forwards:-
Gill Horn
Backs:-
Wendy Stevens
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