15th September 2002 - Beccs beat Old Caterhamians 25-0 in their first ever National League match
This Sunday, Beccehamian Ladies hosted a match against Old Caterhamians in the first ever game that Beccs have played in the National League. Playing in Division 5 South East, Beccs were winners by 5 tries to nil over Old Cats, a win which takes Beccs to the top of Division 5 SE, where they hope to stay for the rest of the season.
Three ladies were making their debut for the club today, prop Kira Heaton, lock Amanda Fenwick and out on the wing, Jane Richmond. In a quick moving match, Beccs were initially denied possession of the ball, however Old Cats were unable to take any territorial advantage. Pressure was applied up front by Beccehamians and after a short passage of attacking play, Beccs were able to score the first try of the match with new prop Kira Heaton crashing over the line.
Stepping up the forward play, Beccs scrum began to apply the pressure. With two new ladies in the front-five, the scrum was entirely successful with hooker Gill Horn managing to win most scrums against the head, with the pack holding firm behind her. It was the forwards again who scored the next try with Number 8 Sarah Cobb having an extremely lively game and going over for her first for the club.
Beccs backs certainly weren’t going to be left out of the match and put together some great moves through midfield and out to the wing. In defence the whole team were solid with some great tackles made which meant that Old Cats could find no way through the line. Shortly before half-time the ball was quickly distributed out across the field where flying wing Lara Fisher took on the Old Cats defence to score in the corner for her first try for the club.
After half-time, Old Cats dug in and began to use their fly-half more to kick the ball to gain a territorial advantage, however with line-outs being stolen by lock Sarah Henson, Beccs were able to secure possession and take the advantage.
An unfortunate injury was sustained to the nose by hooker Gill Horn who had to retire from the game. Hooking duty was taken over by Tracy Roper which meant that Beccs scrum could still hold firm. The first try of the second half was scored by centre Alex Tyson, with a charging run through midfield and around 3-4 defenders to score under the posts. (Alex has just been selected for the SE Regional squad and this try proved exactly why!)
With both teams still up for it in the final quarter of the game, the ball began to move quickly by both sides. Beccs were able to use their backs to full effect with some great moves and good hands from all. Special mention must be made to Jane Richmond, playing on the wing in her first ever game of rugby. Showing some great skills for a newcomer she was able to do some good links and also went on a couple of great runs, very nearly making it over the line on her debut. Scrum-half Charlotte Boultbee however was able to complete the scoring for the day with her first try for the club. Picking up the ball from the ruck she was able to dart around the defence to score a close-range try to set Beccehamians up for a 25-0 win.
Altogether a great start in the National League for the ladies and a result which should give them confidence for the rest of the season.
Beccehamians next match is in the Southern League on Sunday 22nd September away to Aylesford, Kick-off 2.30pm.
Read this report on the BBC Kent Site..
Beccehamian Team
Forwards:-
Sarah Cobb (No 8.), Amanda Fenwick (2nd row), Jo Henson (prop), Kira Heaton (prop) Sarah Henson (2nd row), Gill Horn (hooker)
Backs:-
Alaina Allen (full-back), Charlotte Boultbee (scrum-half), Lara Fisher (wing), Jane Richmond (wing),Tracy Roper (centre), Hannah Tyson (fly-half), Alex Tyson (centre)
Players of the Match
Forwards:-
Kira Heaton & Tracey Roper
Backs:-
Jane Richmond & Tracey Roper
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