Boston continued to improve as they delivered another powerful display against Kesteven Ladies, coming away from the game 45-0 victors.
Both Lilly Smith and Tianna Woollaston continued their rich scoring vein, with another brace of tries for Woollaston, and Smith adding to her hattrick two weeks ago. Clare Wright, Mollie Smith, debutant Jen Braysher and the powerhouse Lycia Elston all added tries, in a performance which melded power and speed, with Boston’s forwards and backs combining superbly.
Kesteven fought bravely throughout the game, showing great determination in defence. A real positive for the Grantham based club, was seeing several girls, successfully transition into the Women’s Senior squad from their girls ranks.
After an initial early exchange, Boston’s forwards began to stamp their authority on the game, making inroads, their ‘Go Forward’ in both attack and defence, made it extremely hard for Kesteven to find their rhythm. After a series of forward surges, the ball was released to the back line, with Jen Braysher feeding the ball to an onrushing Elston, who crashed forward into the Kesteven line, managing to slip the ball to centre partner Woollaston to open the scoring.
After the restart, the game continued in a similar fashion, with Boston exerting intense pressure on the visitors. On the 15-minute mark, the ball was shipped quickly out from a scrum to the backs, with full back Simpson entering the line wide, she drew a defender and shipped the ball to Left wing Smith, who lit the afterburners, out pacing the onrushing full back and touched down from 40 metres out. As Boston established their game plan, a succession of scores followed, all results of slick forward and back combinations with the half ending 35 – 0.
The second period saw Boston continue with the same game strategy, with tries for Wright and Jen Braysher, coming within the first 10 minutes. In the final 25 the Boston coaches emptied the bench, allowing the finishers a greater opportunity to impress ‘en masse’, and all of whom took the game on, allowing a seamless transition. Kesteven came into their own midway in the second period, the introduction of Hermione Farmer, brought a noticeable edge in both attack and defence as the women in black ramped up their performance. However, Boston’s defence remained strong, and the game ended with no further score.
Boston’s forward of the match was awarded to Mollie Smith (Sponsored by NJS Safety), who performed strongly, supported by the mobile pairing of Catelyn Etherington and Cath Neville on the flanks, all three covering every blade of grass throughout the game. Back of the Match went to Jen Braysher on her debut for the club, who delivered a commanding performance from 10, as well as converting 5/6 conversions, this selection was reinforced by Kesteven’s squad who elected Jen their player of the match.
The Boston coaching team said of the game,’ The Senior Women put in another great shift today, Kesteven would not give an inch. The team were forced to carve out a performance, through sheer hard graft. Once we hit our stride in the first half, we settled and became relentless. The forwards carried well and, in general, were making ground with each carry, earning the space for the backs to go wide with great effect.’
‘As we now enter a series of back-to-back games for the next 5 weekends, we are happy with the performances the Senior Women have delivered so far. We are improving with every game but more importantly we are getting everyone game time, which will undoubtedly benefit the squad going forward.’
‘We have made a positive start, which always boosts confidence, but we are only three games into the season. The squad know there is a long road ahead, and that every week has a big game at the end of it. There is a palpable buzz in training, and the girls are thriving in it, knowing that there is real competition for the 22 playing places each week. But every member is buying into the season, wanting to improve individually and as a squad’
With the Women’s Rugby Union World Cup underway in New Zealand for the next few weeks, and the Women’s’ Rugby League equivalent happening alongside that here at home, it would be great to take advantage and bring in more Women and Girls to this fabulous sport. If you fancy a go, the Senior Women train, every week, on Tuesday or Thursday evening, 7:00pm – 8:30pm at the PRSA (covid Vaccination Centre), Great Fen Road, Boston. The girls, under 18s, train with the Senior Women on Tuesdays, and on their own Sunday Morning 1030 – 1200. COME ON DOWN LADIES, RELEASE YOUR SUPRESSED INNER WARRIOR SPIRIT.
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Written by Shaun Turl, BRFC ladies coach.