Sun 11 Dec 2016
High Wycombe Belles ventured off to Hampstead where they would play Hampstead Ladies II in the RFUW Women’s National Challenge. Wycombe were confident and looking forward to this match due to the Belles securing a comfortable win of 25- 22 earlier in the season. Even though the Belles had lost a lot of key players due to injuries, Wycombe were very determined to show off their skills yet again and put on another great performance.
In the first 10 minutes, Wycombe Belles played great set play and put in some huge hits from Captain Belle, Karen, Emily, Sam and Nina. With Wycombe making yards and Hampstead putting on huge pressure, Wycombe were in yards of the try line, but Hampstead unfortunately turned over the ball; however, with Nina being in the right place at the right time she managed to block Hampstead from kicking the ball and it was back in the Belles hands! It was though, unfortunately unlikely that eventually Hampstead started to make infringements which the ref didn’t see which led to their back score the first try of the day.
Wycombe were definitely more dominant in the scrums pushing Hampstead miles back and winning Hampstead’s ball each time the Belles scrummed down. However, due to an unseen injury from Hampstead, Wycombe were forced into playing uncontested scrums.
Wycombe were now determined to get some points on the bored, however Hampstead were now constantly making dangerous high tackles which Elsbeth Pearman made clearly to the ref and eventually after the 5th high tackle Hampstead were punished and went down to 14 players. Wycombe were awarded the penalty, which was taken by Heather McDonnell quickly and Wycombe supported, but unfortunately was pushed out in a huge maul and was not awarded the penalty for Hampstead being off side and the final whistle went.
Wycombe should hold their heads high as they never gave up. The score does not show how well the ladies played, all 18 players who participated on Sunday should be proud of their efforts.
MOM
Forward: Heather McDonnell
Back: Raven
