Match Report

Girl’s U17 County A Squad

Sussex v Hampshire

This A Squad County match provided a good crowd with a feast of rugby played by two teams intent on playing running rugby.

Sussex started well with powerful running from their two strong centres, with initial exchanges in the scrum and lineout fairly even, however the Hampshire pack quickly took control and dominated, releasing good ball to their back line. They pressurised the Sussex backs into mistakes, their handling errors allowing the hungry Hampshire pack to pick up loose ball and turn it into direct forward motion,  supplying the  backs who ran good lines, creating overlaps. Hampshire soon scored a well worked try with flanker Poppy Cleall taking an inside ball at pace to cross the line in the right hand corner, with scrum half Aisling O’Connor converting superbly from a wide angle.

For the remainder of the half Sussex were not allowed into the game, Hampshire’s collective spirit was epitomised by the high work rate of the pack, and great support running from the back line, and on the rare occasions Sussex gained possession, strong  Hampshire tackling denied them any territory. Continued pressure lead to the second Hampshire try, with outside centre Captain Alicia Galway and Emma Smith on the right wing combining effectively to see Galway over the line in the right corner.  Again O’Connor wowed the spectators with a conversion from close to the touch line, taking the score to 0 –14. Despite some determined efforts to push into the Hampshire 22, Sussex were repeatedly thwarted by Hampshire clearing their lines well with impressive line kicks from the half backs and the score remained unchanged until half time.

With a change of half backs in the second half Hampshire continued to apply the pressure, using their superior handling skills to constantly change the position of attack. The forwards in particular performed handling skills beyond expectation, keeping the ball alive “NZ”  style, providing more quick ball to the backs. Only excellent defence from Sussex, particularly cover tackles, prevented wingers Katie Forbes and Katie Sage breaking through. Hampshire’s dominance in the scrums was neutralised when one of the Sussex props had to leave the field with an injury, and the scrums had to go uncontested. Eventually the Hampshire pressure resulted in an excellent score from No8 Alice Hoole, breaking through after a scrum just outside the Sussex 22. Bryony Cleall’s wide conversion attempt was agonisingly close as it bounced back off the cross bar.  Unfortunately Emma and Charlotte Smith had had to leave the field due to injury, but replacements Katie Sage and Aisling O’Connor (first half half backs) proved their versatility by playing out of position, fitting seamlessly into the back line. 

The whole of the second half, except for one break, was played in the Sussex half - a testament to the commitment and teamwork of the entire Hampshire squad with the final score being 0 -19. All of the players were congratulated as they left the field by the travelling support and it was difficult for the coaches to single out anyone as the entire squad played with 100% commitment, but captain Alicia Galway and “Blonde Bombshell” hooker Kate McDermott were named as Hampshire Players of the Match.  It was an outstanding performance by all – long may it continue.

Hampshire Girl’s U17s A Squad

Laura Cowlrick – Petersfield RFC

Kate McDermott – Havant RFC

Charlotte West – Peter Symmonds College

Georgia welsh – Havant RFC

Jess Weymouth – Andover RFC

Steph Prior – Basingstoke RFC

Poppy Cleall – Wimbourne RFC

Jo Bannard – Havant RFC

Lissy Richards – Basingstoke RFC

Alice Hoole – Andover RFC

Aisling O’Connor – Havant RFC

Annie Browne – Petersfield RFC

Katie Sage – Havant RFC

Byrony Cleall – Wimbourne RFC

Emma Smith – Havant RFC

Rachel Smith – Havant RFC

Alicia Galway  (C) – Basingstoke RFC

Katie Forbes – Petersfield RFC

Charlotte Smith Havant RFC