Streatham-Croydon would be forgiven for going into this game expecting something of an easy ride, with Millwall having conceded nearly 400 points in the first 5 games of the season. However, they faced an organised outfit with strong carriers and a spirited defence that thwarted Streatham time and time again, ultimately denying them the bonus point.

Streatham started the match confidently, with the SCRFC skipper winning the toss and choosing to play with the stiff wind in the first half. The elements still provided something of a challenge, however, with a low and bright sun making linking up difficult and adding complications to the lineout. Streatham played a territory game and spent the majority of the first quarter in the Millwall 22, which was ultimately capitalised on by a pick from the back of a scrum scored by number 8 Mel Laidlaw-Anderson.

The day was to be typified by the battle of the number 8s; Millwall 8 was a strong carrier, and even with the Streatham scrum in the ascendency, she was able to secure the ball well and make metres despite the brave efforts of Streatham scrum half Rachel Drapper.

Streatham looked likely to go over for the try after a great run from Chichester University combo full back Ana O’Connor and winger Katie Corr but a player of the match performance from Millwall full back put in a fantastic try saving tackle - her first of many - to deny them. Streatham had to wait patiently for their second try which came from a crashing run from a quickly taken penalty by captain Paige Abbs who found a gap to go in under the posts. With a half time score of 12-0, Streatham knew that the game was there for the taking but against the wind they would have to play some more accurate running rugby.

The second half saw some changes, and finishers Ceri Buck, Alix Bushnell, and Jas Ball were brought in to bring some more momentum in the pack. This helped create space for the backs, and eventually another quick penalty through the hands of the fly half saw centre Jenny Frost cross the whitewash for a well-deserved try.

Streatham then entered a period of defence, with forward of the match Helena Solomon saving the day on multiple occasions, racking up her tackle count to undoubtedly well into the twenties. She also made good inroads into Millwall territory in attack, cutting some nice inside lines off the backs. Streatham’s discipline would ultimately let them down, giving away numerous penalties for offside and high tackles, leading to Millwall having the lion’s share of possession and territory for a substantial period. Eventually Streatham managed to score their 4th, with the defence focussed on the constant threat of Laidlaw-Anderson, fly half Millie Ross was able to find a gap and cut inside the full back to score.

With 10 minutes to try and find the bonus point, Streatham unfortunately were not able to finish their chances in attack, and with ill-discipline in defence culminating in a yellow card for captain Paige Abbs, the visitors spent the last 5 minutes in try line defence in the red zone. In managing to hold the ball up over the line, they were able to keep another clean sheet on the road, but the team will be disappointed not to have come away with the bonus point. However, a 5th victory from 6 games brings them to 3rd in the league with one more game to go in the first half of the season.

Next Sunday sees the ladies welcome top of the league Sutton & Epsom to Frant Road in what will undoubtedly be a difficult fixture. The 16th man will make all the difference so get down to support your team.

Forward of the match: Helena Solomon
Back of the match: Millie Ross

Scorers: Mel Laidlaw-Anderson (1T), Paige Abbs (1T), Jenny Frost (1T, 1C), Millie Ross (1T), Dani Reynolds (1C)