Boston started the game at very high intensity and were over the line within 5 minutes. After some solid work in the tight spaces, Dennis crashed over the line from 10 metres out driving the defenders back. Mansfield woke up after this and enjoyed a long spell of possession but struggled to break down the Boston defence. Our centre partnership of L. Elston & Whittaker particularly holding up strong against continuous pressure. Boston started to pick up the pace again and were just short of scoring again as the back line produced some magic off the training field only to miss out by a metre. Mansfield cleared and Boston came back even stronger, Skipper Booth sold the defence a move and went through her own gap she created before sprinting the rest of the way to line making it 10-0 about 20 minutes in.

The second quarter was a defensive battle with Boston not having much possession and Mansfield showing how well they could retain the ball. Ultimately Boston defended well and Went in at half time still in the lead.

The second half started very much like the second ended and Mansfield applied a lot of pressure to the Boston pack, some great carries from Dennis and Lorenz got Boston out of danger and Boston were once again knocking on the door. After lots of short play, drawing the defence in was Peel as she linked well in midfield to ship the ball wide for S. Elston to get on the end of what was a lovely flowing Boston Move. Booth converted the try taking Boston 17-0 up with about 15 minutes to go.

Mansfield responded quickly and finally got the points they deserved scoring in the corner from a great turnover in the line out. Soon after Mansfield with their tails still up scored another, breaking the defensive line after multiple phases and attacking down the wing.

A fantastic first game back for Boston winning 17-10 and a great platform to build on. Next week we’re back with another friendly, this time away at Lincoln as we continue our preparations for the NLD Cup in June.