14th Dec 2003 - Beccs lose 63-10 to Teddington in the National Shield.
Beccehamian Ladies lost in the National Shield this Sunday 63-10 away to Division II side Teddington Antlers. The score-line does not tell the whole story in a match played with great spirit which was thoroughly enjoyed by all the Beccehamian girls.
With both Captain Alex and Vice-Captain Amanda unavailable and Coaches Mickey and Mark not around it was a rather mixed-up side to normal who travelled to Teddington to take on the Antlers. With only 14 girls available for Beccs and three of them playing their first ever games of rugby it was Teddington who were at an advantage. However if Beccs ladies take the fantastic team spirit and momentum from this match into the new year it should be an exciting second half to the season.
The three new Beccehamians today were Nicola Hammond making her debut at wing making some great tackles out wide and showing good hands with the ball. Flanker Fiona Keith-Lucas made her debut at flanker and showed a natural flair for the position getting involved in every breakdown. And Josie Barnard made her full debut playing half the match as lock and half at flanker and again showing great enthusiam getting stuck into both positions. Congratulations to all three!
Captain for the day was No 8. Kelly Malynn who led from the front throughout putting in massive tackles and covering the ground at great pace. The pack were forced to work extremely hard against a big and experienced Teddington pack but got stuck in to compete well. Ball possession from Teddington was very good and they were able to spin the ball out wide and run through midfield at speed to score. Beccs defence stood firm on numerous occasions with a couple held up over the line and some close range mauls defused to grab possession back.
Beccehamians fought back well and were able to get a couple of attacks of their own where ball was shipped out through the backs where Steph Kaleta was able to run in two tries from the half-way line. Winger Alaina Allen had a good game interlinking with Steph and also having some fast chases back to stop the Teddington backs getting through. Scrum half Steph Godsland and fly-half Carolyn Waugh were also tireless in their pursuit of the ball and using it well to distribute to the backs. Throughout Beccs ladies never gave up and played with great spirit, determined to have a good game and determined to enjoy the game to the full.
Our thanks go to Teddington for a good, hard game. They are a very good team and we wish them the very best of luck in the next round of the Shield. The game was exactly what our team needed at this point and provided a great game to introduce our new girls to the game. Thanks also for the Christmas meal after the match which was very much appreciated!
Beccs ladies next game is home to Thanet Wanderers in Division 3 SE-E on Sunday 11th January.
Beccehamian Team
Forwards:
Josie Barnard, Yvonne Baxter, Lara Fisher, Sarah Henson, Sam Howe, Fiona Keith-Lucas, Kelly Malynn, Michelle Pope
Backs:
Alaina Allen, Stacie Baxter, Steph Godsland, Nicola Hammond, Steph Kaleta, Carolyn Waugh
|
