Another good outing for U18 girls

Darts entertained Deal in what was the first match between the two U18 teams. Deal have only just formed and had a decent 12 players and as it was a friendly fixture we lent them 3 players to make up the 15. The match was split into four 15 minute sessions to enable the teams to discuss what to work on in the next session. It started well for the more experienced darts team with Emily going over for the first try of the match. The rucking in the team was far better this weekend which ensured we got decent ball. Pelumi who volunteered to play for Deal in the first 30 mins was up against BK and that was a great battle. A great break by Lizzie saw Darts move the ball up the field and pop the ball to Phoebe whose good support was rewarded with her first ever try. Deal were far more competitive than their experience would have suggested and they will have a good team once they have had more games. They did not lack in bravery in the tackle and scored a nice try themselves before BK used her pace and power to score two typical BK tries. Rebecca and Megan look very comfortable at prop and hooker and were ably backed up in the second row by Jess and Pip. Pip having moved from centre to back row is performing really well in her new role helped by the more experienced Jess. Our back row is very strong and mobile with Karis providing the power at No8 supported by skipper Lola and Lara whose pace and workrate is terrific and they stopped any Deal attacks early on. Abbie played in the centre and later showed her versatility at Flanker also got in on the try scoring act with two tries and Lizzie as usual also scored.. With the large squad we have we were able to rotate yet again players and Poppy after hooking for Deal in the first half came back to the team along with Libby who went into the centre and Pelumi and BK swapped at Prop. Melissa was on the wing in the first half and had a number of decent runs but the ball didn't quite get out to her as much as we would have liked. Talie and Evie both came on playing on the wings and both had a decent amount of ball and had to be sharp in their defensive duties. Cindy only playing her second match was again in the centre and once she gets some ball in space she will be a real handful as her pace and power is incredible. Robyn was playing initially at full back and had one terrific run from her own 22 metre line to pop the ball to Lola just short of the line to give her the first of her two tries. In the second half Robyn replaced Emily at fly half who generously for the second week volunteered to play for the opposition and both played extremely well. Lillie came on at full back, her first outing there in only her second match and was fantastic in twice tackling BK despite who small stature and again showed some great skills with the ball in hand. It was left to Ellie to finish the scoring with a great run following another good game at scrum half. Emily converted 4 and Lillie one.
A really enjoyable match against Deal who showed great spirit and determination as well as a decent amount of skill and we hope them the best of luck for the season when I am sure they improve dramatically with more game time.
Another good Sunday for the girls who are showing the fruits of all their efforts in pre season and we look forward to the remainder of the season with great confidence.
Player of the match was Lillie.