U15's Girls, don't secure the wins but there efforts are "lionhearted"

What a day for the U15s to return, for those watching on TC the weather looked perfect, sun clear skies and a firm pitch. However, the wind was blowing arctic temperatures across the pitch freezing the players and spectators. The girls had 3 games, the first against the cluster side Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells. It was clear that our girls had missed the training that we would have had but for unplayable training pitches. We suffered from a lack of match fitness and our thinking was a little off the pace.

In the second game we played another cluster side, we started well a try from Shauna and we were ahead. BAMS the opposition struck back and were able to slot the conversion to make is 5-7. At half time there was plenty of encouragement but a quick try meant that BAMS extended their lead to 12-5. A very impressive performance where all the girls put in big hits was rewarded with another try about 10 metres to the right of the uprights, Ewa took the conversion, the ball rose high heading towards a goal, alas denied by the post. The whistle went and although not a win it was a gutsy performance and shows why this team with a few more training sessions will be back to winning ways.

The last game was against Old Alleynians, and the girls pressed hard early in the match. Unfortunately a turn over saw one of their backs glide down the wing in front of the club house, Ewa made a brave attempt at the tackle taking a boot the lower lip and OA's progressed to the try line. Losing the captain and kicker had an affect on the game. Not completing a drop kick meant that the opposition were awarded the scrum, Darts were dominant but too much so, the ref had to remind the girls not to push more than 1 1/2 metres. Some lose play allowed OAs in again. At half time the coaches emphasised the importance of concentrating on their effort and line speed. All the girls raised their game, the score line went against them but you cannot take away the lionhearted efforts that our girls fought with.

At the beginning of the day I said I wanted the girls to enjoy themselves first and foremost, I think they did but they must realise how proud all of us are with their grit and determination. I look forward to seeing them at training so we can iron out the problems. COYD. – Author Head Coach - Gareth Nicholl