Match Report
High Wycombe Belles vs. Westcliff Ladies
18/11/2018
Final score: 55-5
Captains Foreword
By Heather McDonnell
What a fabulous day for a great game of rugby! I'm very proud of all the Belles who pulled together, many playing out of position - we communicated well and played our game with a sense of unity and confidence. As it was a development game it gave us the opportunity to try out different postions and techniques, which I thought all the ladies took in their stride. Shoutout to Elyse on getting a try on her debut home game and to Amy S. and Becky on their hat-tricks!
A special thanks to everyone who took part in Movember and raising money for a charity which we as a rugby club hold very close to our hearts. Onwards and upwards to the next match!
“If you’re not first you’re last”….coming second was not on the mind of the Belles today!
By Louise Payne
Taking plays straight from the notebook, the High Wycombe Belles assembled on a cold but bright November day. Westcliff RFC had travelled from sunnier climbs to commence battle with a platoon hungry for victory.
A newly appointed captain Heather took the reins; she wasted no time in leading the team in to their first scrum… without full side (Westcliff fielded 10). Strong efforts form Lauren in second row, Lee quick on he ball, rhinos-a-plenty for Rox!
Early injury for Westcliff saw numbers dwindle to 9; the pace slowed down and the communication dipped to near silence (of the lambs). Rachel followed some beautiful straight running lines, then Rox came charging from nowhere to score our first try, converted by Lee!
Scrum down, their ball and Amy S. straight on it like she escaped to victory, passing to Rachel as she made a dash over the line, a try that Coach Carter would be proud of. Lee ‘Kinky Boots’ Danagaher converted yet another kick!
Westcliff came back with a strong defensive wall - it was a dig-in type moment for the Belles, they had to make sure they hadn’t left any holes to let their 9 through… No fear readers, we kept the pressure up - penalty to the Belles. After some cool running from Rachel, Rosie and Lauren, the Belles found themselves nearing the try line. The whistle blew and then emerging from what looked like a human centipede, Sam, the prop extraordinaire, stood victorious…her first try. Lee accepted the cross bar challenge, something not usually done during a rugby match, needless to say she was victorious in hitting the bar - so small win!
Throughout the match a ferocious forward had been working hard, jackling, tackling and rucking Nina (Forward of the match). Her strength and character lifted the spirit in some tight situation.
Some have said white men cant jump... this isn’t true of our own jack in the box: Roxanne. Great line out work, lifted by goddesses Heather, Sam and Nina – you can really see the effort you have made in training coming on to the pitch – well done! Some of the biggest tackles today were made by none other than Lauren! She got knocked down but back up she got, what a fantastic effort. Second half saw some new faces Becky „Blue Gloves“ Bristows (who scored an impressive 3 tries!) and Sarah Keeble (jet propelled) and some Forest Gump like running from Jess C.
Newbee Elyse played her second match, scored her first try and lived to tell the tale… awesome effort!
A final big push as Becky ran with background music playing (Chariots of fire, obviously), so close yet so far, caught by the opposition. Luckily Rox supported her - and the reward would be a gift wrapped rugby ball. She stepped over the line and scored.
Forward of the match: Nina Schembri Burch
Back of the match: Rosie Binnie
Tries scored by: Amy S., Becky, Roxanne, Rachel, Elyse, Franzi, Sam
With thanks to the referee and coaches.
Date of next fixture: 02/12/2018
