Soaking Sunday

That rare phenomenon in girls rugby- the morning kick off - happened on Sunday at Chesham where Bucks Jesters played Letchworth Saracens. Normally this would be much appreciated but, unfortunately, the weather forecast was quite accurate and we were treated to a warm-up and first half of the match in pouring rain which eased off in the second half. If only we had had the usual afternoon start, it would have been a very pleasant dry day!

U18s captain, Claire, was poorly and unable to play so Bubbles stepped in to the scrumhalf role and Nikki took over the kicking duties for this match. With the wet and windy conditions and the slippery ball, this was not a good day for flowing backs moves and the match was largely a tough forwards battle. In the first half, Jesters had the better of things particularly in the rucks and they were rewarded with two excellent break away tries to reach the interval leading 10-0.

With the wind and the slope in their favour in the second half, Letchworth Saracens raised their game and were in the ascendancy both in the forward battle and in territory throughout. However, they were unable to make that pressure count on the scoreboard. Scoring a third break away try midway through the half made the game safe for Jesters, but did nothing to dampen the attacking desire of Letchworth Saracens or the defensive determination of Bucks Jesters.

Despite the heavy rain, both sides played the game with great spirit with every ball fiercely contested and it was a much more even contest than the 17-0 scoreline suggests. In the end, the difference between the sides was that Bucks Jesters took their chances and Letchworth Saracens did not manage to take theirs but that wasn't for lack of trying! All the girls should be proud of the way they stuck to the task and kept pressing right to the final whistle.

The U15s league match could not be played as both teams were somewhat depleted this weekend. However, a 6 a side friendly game was played between the teams which everyone took to with great enthusiasm. With so much space around the field, this game was obviously one for the backs to enjoy (... and the forwards to endure!) and it did indeed turn out to be an end-to-end match. Despite a brace of tries from Sydney, and one each from Ellah and Vicky, the home side ran out comfortable winners by 42-20.

Result

Bucks Jesters U18s 17 v 0 Letchworth Saracens U18s

Bucks Jesters U15s 42 v 20 Letchworth Saracens U15s

Scorers

Tries : Sydney (2), Ellah, Vicky