Unfortunate loss to top of the table Bletchley

A 60 minute match report as the match report writer unfortunately didn't make the last 20 minutes of the match...

Moseley were completely pumped for this match against the top of the table, the last time we met with Bletchley we narrowly lost by 2 points so we knew it was possible to come away with a win.

Both teams started off rusty, giving away penalties and not utilising them effectively and with the referee having to talk to both captains within the first 15 minutes of the game in regards to high tackles everyone just needed to sort their stuff out!

After a short chat Bletchley were on the front-foot and crashed over their tryline first converting their try early on in the game, but not down-hearted Moseley got right back into the action defending excellently and after a few held up tries followed by a couple of Bletchley penalties Lauren, at 8, went over the tryline in the corner to tighten the scoreline to 7-5.

Moseley were penalised first, will fullback Ruth getting a questionable yellow card tackling someone twice her height (but what do I know, I'm biased), luckily the ladies didn't let this one person deficient interrupt their game and they managed to hold the 7-5 scoreline until we were back to a full compliment and it was the Bletchley 9 then told to take 10 minutes for a high tackle to even out the card-giving.

After holding Bletchley in their own 22 for the majority of the first half we started off the second half in high hopes after a good motivational talk from Coach Nick, Mel at 9 and prop Nic. We were ready to get this exciting game going again.

A defensive push from Moseley to start off the second half with Bletchley this time taking possession but struggling to convert any points and gaining another yellow card (Bletchley 10) for another high tackle.

The Bletchley 9 then had a serious injury to her knee so there was a stoppage in play just after the snow had stopped falling. Unexpectedly, during this stoppage in play, Moseley captain Clare took a turn for the worse and ended up needing urgent medical attention.

Not caring what shirt was on someones back, 2 Bletchley players, and (thankfully) neuro nurses, took control of the situation and helped out a fellow rugby player in need, remaining calm and professional the entire time.

This was a sudden shock for the Moseley team, after seeing a player and friend in an uncertain situation their heads were, understandably, just not back in the game and Bletchley ran away with the win to score another 4 tries and end the game 29-5, but this doesn't count, because I wasn't there, so let's say it ended 7-5 yeah?

Shoutouts to back of the match Rosa for another superb game and really solidifying her position at 12, forward of the match Amy for yet another great performance breaking gainlines and carrying the ball like a tank! Sham at second row for making a nuisance of herself at the breakdowns. Liss at 13 for some smashing tackles, as per! Nic at 3 for keeping strong and motivating the team from minute 1 to 80, but most importantly, every single one of the Moseley girls for giving it your best during the last 20 minutes of that game, the result does not reflect how we started and how we were feeling before match. Something very unfortunate happened during that game and it only goes to show that we're not just team mates, and rugby is not just a sport. Everyone who has played rugby can understand the term 'rugby family', we have the highs of tour, socials and winning, the lows of losses, injuries and misfortunes, but what's important is that we all go through these things together.

From your captain, who is back to full health, I love you all dearly.
*sheds single tear*

Over and out,
Clare.

Updated 17:28 - 27 Jan 2020 by Clare Bowyer