Chesham ladies faced their first real test of the new season on Sunday when they travelled away to meet St. Albans in a friendly, Chesham were wanting to improve on the 5-5 draw from the team’s last meeting. Unfortunately, Chesham couldn’t match this and came away with a 22-12 loss. However, with a side much changed from last season and with a new coach, Andy Ireland, Chesham will take strength from this tough game and go into the league season with confidence.
The Match:
St. Albans took the early initiative pushing hard at the Chesham defence who held strong until the 20th minute when a breach in the line allowed St. Albans to touch down. Soon after, Chesham began to take control and re-gain possession which was rewarded by a Sally Greenly try created by a pick and drive from the back of the ruck. The converted try left Chesham 7-5 up. St. Albans continued to fight back in an evenly matched contest with hard hitting tackles and attacks from each side. St. Albans again breached the Chesham defence in the 33rd minute to take them into half time, leading Chesham by 10 points to 7.
The beginning of the second half saw the equally determined sides matched in both attack and defence with no further points coming until the 60th minute where the St. Albans backs saw a hole in the Chesham defence and ran through to score. Chesham continued to contest and had particular success in the scrums and rolling mauls which St.Albans found difficult to defend. Chesham closed the gap with a try following a penalty given against the opposition in their own 22. Number 8 Mel Roberts took the quick penalty and passed out to the forwards who used their strong rolling maul to push the ball over for a further 5 points (try: Tracy Glen/Mel Mckenzie, 15-12). St. Albans secured their win by scoring a converted try in the 70th minute to end the game 22-12.
The Team:
Congratulations to Helen Ringsell, Hannah Smith and Fiona McNicholas in playing their first full game for Chesham, and to Andy Ireland in his first game as coach. Congratulations also to Vicky Boorman, our player of the match, especially as she played out of position!
Interested in playing? We are always on the look out for new players and everyone is welcome, regardless of age or experience. Call Jo on 07973790988 to find out training times and further details.
Published on: 22/09/04 |
