Westbury Ladies RFC started their new league campaign with an away trip to Thornbury, coming away with a 39-7 win.
Westbury were determined to start the season well after a great pre-season. The away side kicked-off and immediately put pressure on the home side. They quickly turned the ball over with the forwards gaining good front foot ball. The backs worked the ball to wing Lauren Balchin who scored within 2 minutes on her first start for Westbury. Conversion missed 0-5.
Westbury attacked well from the kick-off and were soon in the opposition’s 22. The ball found its way to flanker Holly Noble who raced in to score. Conversion missed 0-10.
The ladies were now in full attack mode and fly half Becs Lamb was controlling the play well. From a great attack Thornbury’s defence held strong, but captain Anna Hemingway burst through to score Westbury’s third of the day, conversion unsuccessful 0-15.
From the kick-off, Westbury gained great territory up the pitch and again the ball worked wide with Centres Liz Clancy and Chantelle Rugman pulling off a lovely move to create space for the outside centre who stepped the defence to sprint clear and score her first of the day, conversion missed 0-20.
Westbury seemed to ease off and the home side took advantage with some good attacking phases. Westbury defended well but were guilty of making a few silly errors which Thornbury pounced on to keep Westbury in their 22. Westbury defended well and finished the half with some great running by the back row to gain good field position. Maisie Chester took the opportunity to crash through and score, Becs Lamb converted to make the score 0-27 at half time.
Westbury received the kick off and carried on where they left off, attacking well. Centre Chantelle Rugman went on another superb run to score her second of the day. Becs Lamb converted 0-34.
Westbury took the opportunity to try some players in new positions, substitute Lana Plummer playing at 13 went on a trademark run and powered through the defenders to score, conversion missed 0-39.
With 10 minutes to play, the home side rallied around, determined to show their supporters what they were capable of and pinned Westbury inside their 22. Westbury defended well but from a scrum, Thornbury crashed over to score and convert with the last play of the game final score 7-39.
Credit must go to the home team who are new to the league but showed real fighting spirit right to the end, and were also a pleasure to play.
Our best wishes go to the Thornbury players who unfortunately got injured during the game.
Special mentions go to forward of the match Cara FitzGerald who stood in at prop and played fantastically, also to back of the match Chantelle Rugman who carried well all day constantly making ground.
Westbury Ladies will welcome Old Bristolians to Knott Field on Sunday 7th October.
Report by Becs Lamb
Westbury Men’s RFC vs Melksham Development XV
The scheduled match between Westbury RFC and Melksham Development XV on Saturday 15th September was cancelled just before kick-off due to no referee.
