U17: Milton Keynes Match Report and Awards

Starting XV: 15 Hobbs 14 Randfield 13 Threlfall 12 Robinson 11 Schipani 10 Alcock, N .9 Alcock, K (C)

1 Randall 2 Kelly 3 Watson 4 Birch 5 Glenister 6 Guilder 7 Parnell (VC) 8 Acheson

Replacements: 16 Jordan 17 Boorman 18 Hughes

After a month of preparation and just two injuries we made the trip up to Milton Keynes with possibly a record size squad for our Under 17s. Missing just Emily, Danni and Steph the squad was bolstered by the arrival of Sophie Boorman, who was yet to play a game of rugby, and Charlie Hughes, who has joined us from Bishops Stortford after they folded at the end of last year.

And so we started with the warm up, in what can only be described as very poor weather, the girls took their time to adapt to the slippery conditions. Warm Up completed, a quick jog to the changing room and back saw the girls come sprinting out in their brand new shirts ready to go.

At last it was time. Our season was underway.
The conditions took both sets of backs by surprise with much of the early part of the half being taken up by scrumaging for innocent handling errors from both teams. Hayley powered over mid way through the half to break the deadlock and score our first points of the season but the conversion was missed. Letchworth’s unorganised defence then saw them conceded two tries in quick concession both of which were converted. Letchworth were awarded a penalty 5m giving Sasha the opportunity to force her way over from close range and ground the ball to give us our second of the game. Nim them proceeded to strike a wonderful drop kick that sailed through the middle of the posts and saw us narrow MK’s lead to 2pts. A sustained period of pressure by Letchworth before half time came to nothing and we went in at the break trailing narrowly.

Half Time Score: Letchworth 12 Milton Keynes 14

A slow start to the second half saw Letchworth concede an early try under the posts only for the MK kicker to slice her easiest kick of the afternoon past the left hand post. Suddenly mid way through the second half Letchworth upped the intensity and dug themselves into the MK half creating several opportunities one of which was converted by debutant winger Sophie Boorman. With a new found desire Letchworth worked their way back up towards the MK 22 and finally with 6 minutes still to play Hayley broke through the MK defence to sprint away and touch down for her second and Letchworth’s third. The girls then proceeded to mob Hayley as the conversion was missed leaving Letchworth 3 pts ahead with 5minutes to play. Letchworth then proceeded to play the game of keep ball denying MK of any scoring opportunities and when the MK winger was bundled into touch in her own 22 the game was over and the girls were ecstatic. Good performances all round.

Full time Score: Letchworth 22 Milton Keynes 19

Tackle of the Match: Nim
Towards the end of the first half I looked up to see one of our players putting in such a big tackle that it even made me go ouch!!!!

Player of the Match: Sophie
Just two training sessions. No previous experience of rugby and a try scoring debut!!!!Says it all really