Boston ladies sealed their first win of the season as they crossed the line eight times against a dogged and determined Sleaford side to emerge 20 – 46 victors.
Lilly Smith scored a hat trick, Tianna Wollaston a brace, with Paige Heeley and Maisie Austin scoring their first tries for Boston and Sophie Lorenz touched down late in the second half to complete the victory.
Sleaford fought bravely scoring four tries of their own and gave the visitors a stern test, testament to their successful recruitment campaign, the hard work their coaches and squad have delivered in the off season. They attacked with guile, with great running lines and speed, and defended stoically, upsetting the Boston rhythm.
After Smith’s first score within five minutes, Boston struggled to settle, allowing the home team to come at them, and cancelling out the initial advantage. The game ebbed and flowed with the visitors’ showing glimpses of their potential, the first half ending 17-10. After the break the ladies began settling into their stride. The team shook of the nerves, and they kicked on from the cup victory two weeks ago, producing at times some fantastic rugby, with strong, powerfully running forwards setting the platform to allow the backs to express themselves with slick handling and superb support play.
Sleaford were not to be outdone and matched the intensity, showing just how far they, themselves have developed in a short space of time with aggressive running and dogged defensive tackling. However, it was the visitors who were more clinical in finishing their opportunities with the game finishing 20 – 46.
Boston’s forward of the match was awarded to Claire Wright, last year’s most improved player, who carried relentlessly and tackled hard throughout the game, Back of the Match, could have gone to several players, most notably hat trick scoring Smith, however the accolade was unanimously awarded to scrum half Jody Stobart, deputising for Ladies Captain Charlotte Daubney, who played a superb game from the base of the scrum, controlling possession, distributing well and turning over several balls in the tackle.
The Boston coaching team said of the performance,’ Sleaford gave us a real test today, and it was just what we needed. The girls reacted well to everything that was presented to them on the field, producing some great moments and totally deserve their success. It was great to see the ball travelling through the hands, and forwards and backs combining well. ‘Hats off to Sleaford they produced a great battling performance, which forced our girls to graft hard for the win.’
‘This season promises to be a long one, with games coming thick and fast, we are happy with where the squad is and what needs to be worked on before our next test in 2 weeks. It is always great to start to the league campaign with a win and these players delivered the performance we asked of them. The girls have given us coaches massive food for thought when it comes to selection, though it is a great headache to have’.

Written by Shaun Turl, Boston RFC ladies' coach.