Match report: SCRFC Ladies vs East London

A 24-0 win sees the ladies move up to 3rd in the league whilst keeping a clean sheet on the road this weekend.

Streatham Croydon took a full travelling squad to East London on Sunday, and the weather finally started to feel more autumnal with the rain being fairly relentless in the build up to the game. The team were grateful therefore for the strength in depth of the forwards, despite skipper Paige Abbs’ persistent ankle injury. With Rhi Kennedy returning from injury, in addition to Lou Gavin back in a break from university, and experienced player Laura Mace all on the bench, there was no concern about the finishers in the front row.

There was no doubt from the start that it was going to be a game for the forwards. Streatham-Croydon started well, putting pressure on the home side and playing an intelligent territory game using the boot of full back Ana O’Connor. The pack held firm in the scrum and kept the ball tight, playing well around the fringes of the ruck with quick phase pick-and-go, resulting in the first points for Streatham scored by Shay Davies burrowing under the East London defence.

Having identified their strength in the game, Streatham’s second try was very similar. The ball went through the hands of the backs but decent line speed from East London prevented them going over. Scrum half Dani Reynolds was stopped just before the line but the forwards took over again and Rosie Carr crossed the whitewash for her first for the club.

The slippy ball was proving somewhat challenging for the backs to link up, but with Rosie Carr taking advantage diving on loose ball at the breakdown to effect the turnover on more than one occasion, Streatham managed to retain a great deal of possession and territory. With a scrappy ball from fly half Millie Ross ending up at the feet of winger Amy Allen, she identified the space on her wing and evaded the tackles to show her pace in running in a 40m try in the corner.

Streatham’s defence didn’t let up all game and the opposition were tiring, and starting to lose discipline. Ana O’Connor kept us moving down the pitch with good territory gain from penalties and the ladies were largely able to keep ball in hand. Eventually captain Dani Reynolds spotted a gap at the ruck and sniped around the edge to run in a try from the 10m line at the full time whistle, bringing the final score to 24-0.

The team will be pleased to have kept a clean sheet and performed well away from home, although unfortunately fell a try short of a bonus point. They move up to 3rd in the league, with four teams still to play next weekend. Next week the ladies have a break weekend - their next fixture is a cup match against Worthing on Sunday 28th October at home.

Forward of the Match: Rosie Carr
Back of the Match: Ana O’Connor
Scorers: Sholeve (Shay) Dustana Davies (1T), Rosia Carr (1T), Amy Allen (1T), Dani Reynolds (1T, 1C), Jenny Frost (1C)