Tough Day at the Office for CRFC Girls U18s

1st Cup Game as Chippenham Girls Rugby host Ding Crusaders

Yet another mild sunny day saw the first cup game for Chippemham u18 Girls and a first time playing Ding Crusaders.

The first 5 minutes were back and forth with both teams getting the measure of each other. Ding then slowly gained ground and pushed Chippenham past their 22 before. Ding were awarded a penalty 10 yds from the Chippenham line and after some stout defending Ding score the first try. Which was duly converted.

From the restart Ding’s confidence is evident and they quickly run in a second try, also converted.

The first half follows this theme, Chippenham have some great moments of possession, with some strong runs from Oumou, Lani, Nadia and a lovely high ball catch and run from Abigail. However, Ding commit more players to the breakdowns and drive through them effectively, giving them the possession to set up the runs that, combined with a fast set of backs, ultimately lead to more trys.

At half time Ding have a very convincing lead of 52:0 and the coaches for both sides agree to record the win to Ding at the end of the first half.

The second half is different game. Chippenham had clearly gathered themselves in the break and came out fighting, there were several breaks from scrums won, the most notable a great run from Oumou out of a scrum on the 10yd line, Oumou looks like she might go all the way but is tripped 10yds out, Ding get back quickly to defend and the move ends with Chippenham being pushed into touch.

Eventually after 14 minutes a chip to the wing from Ding is caught and after a long chase and a couple of passes, Ding get the Try.

From the restart Ding retain possession and with good pace and passing, break through for another try.

The next 10 minutes sees 2 more trys from Ding, but these are from open play and not set up from rucks as Chippenham are now committing to the breakdown and shutting down the Ding forwards.

Credit to the Girls, they never let their heads drop in tough games and once again, in the last 10 minutes Chippenham are fighting for possession in the rucks. Chippenham are now winning the breakdowns and with 3 minutes to go are 10 yards from the Ding line when the ball is passed out wide down the line, safe hands all the way out to the wing where Jess Richard sprints over the line giving Chippenham a well deserved 5 points.

For the last few minutes Chippenham look dangerous but time is against them and the second half ends before they can look for more consolation.

The final score is 5-80.

It was a very tough lesson for Chippenham today. The teams didn’t feel as uneven as the score would suggest and there were periods of the game where Chippenham looked stronger. However, Ding are a very good team and they played with a hunger and confidence that consistently gave them the edge.

Watching Chippenham Girls, it is always inspiring to see the team spirit and the way they never let their heads drop, they always play to their best and never stop learning and trying.

The final try was the result of that Chippenham spirit.