WESTBURY Ladies RFC head into 2019 top of the table, still retaining their unbeaten record at home for over two years.
The 2018/2019 season started slowly for the team, with rescheduled games and a walkover early on, but the women soon got into the swing of things with their first game of the season, playing new-to-the-league Thornbury, notching up a 39-7 win.
The winning continued as the team travelled to tough competitors Hornettes, whom the team have struggled against in previous years. However, their determination and team-work paid off and Westbury left the Weston-Super-Mare-based team with an away win of 24-14, even despite a few disallowed tries, on both sides, for not knowing where the try line was!
A few home games followed as the team welcomed Gordano and Chipping Sodbury to Knott Field, both unable to take away the unbeaten home record, a record that still stands after two years.
Westbury Ladies took a knock to their confidence during November as they took the trip to Bath Ladies 2nds where they took their first loss, 40-7, but were determined to keep positive for the rest of the year.
The final two games of the year welcomed North Bristol and Thornbury Ladies to Westbury’s territory, amping up the pressure to win, to retain the top spot over the Christmas break. North Bristol challenged the team, their closest rivals, but the ladies’ defence stayed strong, not letting the opposition through, managing to trump the visitors 15-7.
The final league game of the year, playing Thornbury again, saw Westbury’s enjoyment for the game. Smiles all round as they head into Christmas top of the table. The game was unfortunately cut five minutes short after a Thornbury player broke her ankle during a tackle.
Captain Anna Hemingway said, “We have had a cracking start to the first half of the season, only losing one game, which leaves us top of the league for Christmas.
“Our second half looks promising with a few hard games to start, but with the ladies’ grit and determination, on and off the pitch, we will definitely give it a good go to stay top!”
Westbury Ladies coach, Jack Bates said, “The first half of the season has gone superbly.
“The most pleasing part has been new players joining the team and some ex-players returning. Big thanks to our supporters who come rain or shine, always filling the touch line to cheer the ladies on.
“2018 has been a great year for Westbury Ladies, now to push on and hopefully win that league title in 2019. Happy New Year to all players and supporters!”
The next game is away to Old Bristolians Ladies on Sunday 6th January.
If you are interested in trying rugby, beginners and more experienced players are welcome to join training sessions on a Wednesday night at 7pm-8.30pm at Knott Field, by White Horse Country Park. For more information, contact the club secretary, Becs Lamb, on westbury ladiesrfc@hotmail.com.
