The first game of the 2006/7 season saw this largely new squad of Kent U14 players visiting Surrey at the O Caterhamians’ ground for a (delayed) 2:30 k.o.

Kent kicked off and immediately put Surrey under a period of pressure. After a series of phases, Kent full back Sam Parker ran through a crowded midfield to score a try near to the posts. Niamh Herman added the conversion for an early 7-0 lead.

Surrey’s restart put Kent under pressure in return. After Surrey players had been held up over the Kent try line on four occasions, including one great try-saving tackle from Holly Tobin, this led to a series of 5m scrums. Kent eventually broke out and attacked the Surrey end.

Kent forwards continued to make forceful runs into the Surrey half, while the backs made some good individual runs. However, the Surrey defence prevented any further Kent score. In contrast, Surrey added two tries, converting the first, to give them a 12-7 at the break.

Half time saw two changes with Ellen O’Connell replacing Ali Stroud, and Sam White replacing the winded Holly Tobin. In the second half, Kent again took the battle to Surrey with some good straight running by the forwards and bursts by the flying wingers Rose Atkins and Nakita Reid-Nurse. Only great cover tackling by the Surrey fullback prevented three Kent breaks down the right being turned into tries.   

Surrey added two further unconverted tries as Kent brought on replacements for tired or injured players, giving some of their newer girls playing time. The final score of 22-7 masked the closeness of the game, with the Surrey fullback being the outstanding player.

The Kent girls all played extremely well and contributed to a good, all-round performance even if it was not a winning one. 

Kent Team:

Iona Todd

Hannah Daw                  (replaced by Emma Paice)

Megan Sears                 (replaced by Hayley Morgan)

Abi Howland (capt)

Sophie Fannon  (replaced by Aimee Riley)

Ali Stroud                      (replaced by Ellen O’Connell)

Niamh Herman

Rose Atkins                  (replaced by Olivia Clarke)

Callee Hart                    (replaced by Meghan Rice-Wilson)

Holly Tobin                    (replaced by Sam White)

Nakita Reid-Nurse

Sam Parker

Unused replacement – Rachel Davies