Great win for U15s Girls

The girls had their first competitive game at Dartfordians today. Playing on the “park” pitch, our girls gave a masterclass in how to play. The front 6 of Ciar, Lucy, Lola, front row, Emily and Jess in the boiler house and Taier at 8, gave an arm chair ride to Lauren, who was able to distribute to Aleisha, Georgie, Lizzy and Evie.
With the wind at their backs in the first half, the girls buried the demons of previous games where slow starts allowed the opposition to cross the line before a fight back. Not today, from the first whistle, the girls attacked the ball. A scrum deep in Thanet’s half, saw a clean strike from Lucy our hooker, the result was quick ball, Lauren the scrum half delivered a perfect pass to see Aleisha grasp the chance with both hands and going over to score the first try of the match. Aleisha then slotted the conversion with a drop kick.
The re-start kick was gathered and Lola went on a storming run up the centre of the park, in the resulting melee, the ball spilled forward and one of the girls had overrun the play and conceded a penalty through her over enthusiasm. Not to worry, Thanet kicked to touch, a lineout was followed by a scrum where our girls again dominated, the strength of the front row complimented by Jess and Emily in the second row, they provided quality ball to the backline to see Georgia go over for the second try 15 metres in from the touchline. Aleisha slotted the conversion to make it 14 – 0.
The resulting kick off was caught by Ciar, who terrorised the opposition defence with her power. The offloaded ball was passed to Evie who was guided in to touch. After another passage of open play, the girls were awarded a penalty on the 22, a rare miskick resulted in a scrum to Thanet which was won against the head, the ball was swiftly passed to Aleisha who went over for her second try of the match.
Another well fielded restart created an impressive display of power from Lola, who used all her strength to burst tackles and go over the line for a well-deserved try. 24-0. Sadly she had to leave the field but was replaced by Kitty, who was superb in her game, coming on at 8, with Taier moving up to the second row and Jess sliding in at prop.
Strong carrying again from the girls, the offload game working well meant that Ciar was over for the girls’ 5th try. 29-0.
As half time approached, knowing that they would be facing the elements, the girls unleashed Lizzy who tore down the wing, a try saving tackle from Thanet produced a well drilled ruck, the ball floated down the line and Georgie was in for her second. 34-0 Not content with that, a scrum drew in the defence, quick ball to Lizzy who showed her pace again and she got her just deserts by scoring an impressive try. 39-0
One substitution at half time with Izzy coming on for Evie, both girls punched well above their weight, they may not be big in stature but they have huge heart in the way they played.
With the wind in their faces, blowing from the village end to the clubhouse end, the girls received the kick off, they progressed into the Thanet 22 and a scrum was awarded to Thanet, a re-set scrum was called by the referee who called reminded both hookers of their duty to strike for the ball once in an not before. The over exuberance of our girls, resulted in Thanet receiving a free kick for an early push. In the resulting play, the ball was turned over and spread along the line to Lizzy who dotted down under the posts. 44-0
A lapse in concentration gave Thanet their best chance, a blistering run from their winger saw her go over the try line to the cheers of the Thanet supporters, but she ran out of the back and could not therefore pick up the points.
Lizzy, almost got an interception but was unlucky and the ball spilled forwards. A dash by Louise from Thanet saw some great tackling, however the Thanet front rower had to be carried from the pitch with a knock to her knee. Uncontested scrums saw Izzy move from wing to hooker, Taier was let loose in the backline which was ruthless.
Ciar benefitted in the lineout and the quick ball released the backs, Taier was superb and took one of the remaining tries. Whilst the attacking play with ball in hand was a joy to behold, the tackles that were put in by the girls were ferocious at times, drawing gasps from spectators who had not seen girls rugby before. A further 2 tries in the last 2 minutes by the backs meant the score at full time read Dartfordian/Aylesford 59, Thanet 0.
The game was a played in great spirit, the girls earned the plaudits of their opposite numbers and their coach. Well done to each and every one of you, you made us proud.