UNDER 14                    Kent 7 - Hampshire 7

Hampshire came to Kent on the back of a resounding win over Sussex, but Kent were not intimidated and they stepped up to the mark taking them on in every department. The tackling and commitment from both sides was awesome. Kent's game plan was to play a tight game which they did very well, forwards picking up and driving and the backs running back to the pack.

Hants forwards were very tall and Kent had to work extremely hard in the lineout to win ball. The Kent forwards were quick to breakdowns and kept the phases alive, recycling good ball for Proud and Taylor to run at the Hants defense. Papworth, Stone, Howland and Todd work tirelessly driving at their bigger opponents forcing them back. The first half saw a lot of stoppage time as Hants felt the full force of Kent's tackling, rucking and mauling. At half-time it was all square at 0-0.

The second half saw Hants moving the ball out wide on numerous occasions and it was only good cover tackling by the Kent backs that saved certain trys. Prall and Herman combined well to keep out the Hants right wing who had a blistering turn of speed. Hants finally broke the dead lock as their forwards drove over for the first try from close in, the field position having been created by their backs.

With time running out Kent went on the offensive bringing their fullback into the line, moving the ball out wide. Good support from the forwards kept the move going. Hants stopped the attack 10 meters from their line, Kent piled in and won possession again and there was just enough room for Taylor to power over in the right hand corner. With play now in stoppage time Drabble had a difficult conversion attempt to draw the match. She struck it well and it snuck over after glancing the cross bar. A huge cheer and relief all round for the Kent players and the vocal support.

This was an excellent team performance with every player upping their game to the next level. The end result was a fair one to both sides and all the spectators were entertained to a display of quality rugby. Next up for Kent is Sussex away.

Mark Proud

Kent U14 Team

Hannah O'Donnell       Folkestone

Kristy Papworth          Gravesend

Iona Todd                    Tonbridge Juddians

Laura Stone                Gravesend

Abigail Howland           Folkestone

Hannah Daw               Folkestone

Ellie Drabble                Cranbrook

Philippa Proud (capt)  Cranbrook

Sarah Egan                 Swale

Jenny Taylor                Medway

Helen Sears-Stewart  Thanet

Danielle Prall               Bexley

Niamh Herman            Dartford

Roanna Fawcett         Tonbridge Juddians

Rebecca Proud           Cranbrook

Scorers :- Jenny Taylor (try), Ellie Drabble (Con)
Referee :- Graham Stroud

UNDER 17 Development                             Kent 20 - Hampshire 0

Many of the Kent Development players are novices, but their ranks were strengthened by the inclusion of Lucy Francis at 10 and Holly Hughes at loose head.  Their experience facilitated success at the line out and in the defensive organisation.

Hampshire arrived late, and with the sun low on the horizon play was started. Loose handling by Hampshire and strong forward play from Kent, kept play in the oppositions ground for much of the first half. Good tackling from Kent allowed them to get the initiative, which was rewarded with an early try by Issy Hopper.

With Kent giving away penalties, play was taken into Kent’s half, but good tackling again allowed Kent to score the second try by Heike Niemand.  Despite the opposition having a huge weight advantage in the scrum and injuries when the scrum collapsed, Hooker Kelly Tanner being taken off the pitch injured for five minutes, Kent was more than able to hold their own until the loss of one of Kent’s second row players, Kent having no replacements the match was resumed with uncontested scrums. 

Neither side gave an inch, but Kent’s determination and team work paid off.  Heike Niemand was an inspiration at number 8 and was ably supported by Staff and Braganza.  Special mention must go to Hannah Park, who played out of position at 2^nd row to enable the game to progress.  She, along with the other members of the squad gave 100%. 

Despite two penalties against Kent, taken quickly by Hampshire, great forward play and tackling allowed Heike Niemand to sore two more try’s, taking the final score to Kent 20 Hampshire 0 before bad light stopped play

The coaches and parents were delighted and applauded the great team work and commitment shown by the Kent players.

UNDER 17 COUNTY                                  Kent 17 – Hampshire 12

The young women were focussed and committed and really worked hard for this victory.  The players played with a passion, which led to a thrilling match and great result. 

The forwards and backs combined well to put into practice their well-worked moves; a model of 15-person rugby.  Excellent county training and club matches have led to the girls reaching their highest level yet.