16th Nov 2003 - Beccs lose 5-42 at home to Aylesford in the Challenge Cup.
Beccehamian Ladies were knocked out of Round 2 of the RFUW Challenge Cup this weekend 42-5 by Aylesford. However it was a good positive game of rugby from which Beccehamians will have learnt a great deal.
Having most of the front-row missing this weekend it was all hands to the deck to fill in at the scrum. Steph Godsland did a great job for half the match with flanker Karen Benham filling it towards the end. Tracey Roper played the whole game at prop having a storming match in her first appearance back after completing her police training. Michelle Pope also played the whole match as hooker despite still suffering with her torn ankle ligaments. The girls were superb, competing well against the big Aylesford pack, managing to hold their own and with a number of scrums taken against the head.
During open play it was hard work for Beccs to compete against the Aylesford forwards who are extremely well drilled and have an very competant rucking technique. The Beccs ladies fought back hard though and managed to hold them back on many occasions. With the ball in hand the backs ran some good lines, however the Aylesford defence was solid and hard to penetrate.
Aylesford played some sensible rugby, playing through their forwards to secure possession and then along their backs to attack outwide. Beccs only score of the game came through a break from number 8 Sarah Henson passing out to winger Alaina Allen who with great hands collected and ran in from nearly half-way.
Special mention must be made to Helen Appleton and Josie Barnard who were both playing their first games for Beccehamian Ladies today and putting in good solid performances on their debut - well done ladies!
Despite losing, Beccs ladies learnt a great deal from this match which will hold them in good stead for the rest of the season. Thanks go to Aylesford for two great matches over the last fortnight and we wish them the very best of luck in the next round of the cup.
Beccs ladies next league game is away to Blackheath II in Division 3 SE-E on Sunday 7th December. The match on 30th November at home to Thanet has been postponed until 11th January.
Beccehamian Team
Forwards:
Josie Barnard, Steph Cleough, Amanda Fenwick, Jacqui Fincham, Steph Godsland, Sarah Henson, Michelle Pope, Tracey Roper, Hannah Watts,
Backs:
Alaina Allen, Helen Appleton, Stacie Baxter, Karen Benham, Charlotte Boultbee, Colette Johnson, Kelly Malynn, Alex Tyson, Carolyn Waugh
Players of the Match
Hannah Watts plus everyone who played in the front row (Steph Godsland, Michelle Pope, Tracey Roper, Karen Benham)
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