Match report: SCRFC Ladies Development vs Westcliff Ladies

“I was proud of every single player on that pitch, everyone gave it 100%” Rosie Carr - Development Captain

With Streatham-Croydon ladies continued recruitment and development, Dev captain Rosie Carr took a combination team to play NC3 team Westcliff Ladies over in Southend-on-Sea. After a long minibus journey expertly navigated by development coach John the ladies were more than ready to stretch their legs, and they did so in style.

Playing the first quarter with 12 against 13 Streatham were challenged by some hard runners in the centres but managed to contain them well and ensure they didn’t exploit the overlap. Streatham showed confident handling skills to get the ball to Dani Reynolds at outside centre, who went over for Streatham’s first. With Jenny Frost gaining more experience at 12, she was puncturing holes in the Westcliff defence, forcing some good cover tackles. Not only did Jenny score a try from a great running line on the outside shoulder of her opposite number, but Streats were also able to take advantage of her astounding boot, with 2 conversions and some lengthy restarts.

Newcomers Ceri Buck and Emma Rastall were in the engine room at second row, and the scrum was holding firm, allowing Streatham to take advantage of the hosts handling errors. Ceri also demonstrated her exceptional handling skills with a storming run down the wing, drawing in the defence, leading to a try in the next phase. With big carries, and hits, coming in from stalwart front row Shay Davies and newcomer Ellie Wright, space was created on the outside, enabling winger Amy Allen to take advantage of the wide channel and stretch her legs to cross for a whopping 4 tries.

Back row convert Helena Solomon also added to her try tally for the season with a strong break down the middle channel. Novice player Kimmy Bennett, who has been to one training session, demonstrated great tenacity in her defence on the wing but wasn’t seeing a lot of ball. After moving to inside centre she showed confidence with ball in hand, culminating in an exceptional try from short range on debut (pictured). The ladies will take heart from this game and lots of players have put their hands up for 1st team selection.

Massive congratulations to Streatham debuts: Ellie, Ceri, Emma, Kimmy and Julie.

The ladies 1st XV will play Barnes ladies in a league match at home this weekend Sunday 7th October, 2pm KO (tbc). Your support will be greatly appreciated as ever.

Forward of the Match: Ceri Buck
Back of the Match: Kimmy Bennett

Scorers: Amy Allen (4T), Dani Reynolds (2T, 2C), Jenny Frost (2T, 2C), Helena Solomon (1T), Kimmy Bennett (1T)

Updated 11:25 - 30 Aug 2019 by Millie Ross