Swans lose their first game

On a wet, windy Sunday afternoon, Buckingham hosted Moseley Ladies in round 5 of the Championship Midlands 2.

Buckingham got off to a good start, marking there high standards from the word go.
The Swans got their tails up and put Moseley under some intense pressure early doors. Once again just needing to be more clinical. Having said that Julie Nichols was the first to cross the line. Some good phase play eventually led to the ball going wide and Julie powered her way over with a great stretch too. 7-0

Moseley didn't really look to dangerous and with the Swans defence in recent weeks being exceptional they should have been able to deal with the pace which Moseley tried to put on the game.
Half way through the first half Moseley started to gain momentum and scored a couple of quick tries attacking with width and using the fullback well creating overlaps in the defence.

Katie Clark and Sophie Lepper at 10 and 12 linked up well and often powered their way over the gain line putting the Swans on the front foot. It was Katie who clawed the Swans back with a cracking hard line leaving defenders clinging onto her but not managing to stop her from scoring. At this point it was a great shame to lose Justine Fielden through injury as she was having another great game.
The Swans went into half time trailing 14-12.

The second half was probably the most frustrating half of rugby the Swans have played for a long time.
A couple of decisions not going their way, and the girls failed to react upon this. Moseley fought very hard around the fringes and their rucking game was better than the Swans which in turn led to the Swans not being able to keep hold of possession. Moseley outplayed the home side in the second half and with 10 minutes to go the Swans were down 26 - 12.
Although a fraction late the Swans regrouped and showed good determination to score a try through Sophia Maynell, who under pressure at the back of the scrum managed to dive over from close distance. FT 17-26

Forward of the Match went to Emily Barker this week, she has started to find some form of late improving each week. With the back row being a selection nightmare it is good to see them all battling for their positions and not a lot of room for error.
Back of the Match went to Bec Bray. She adapted to the weather quickly and realised that she was going to have to scrap for the ball at every opportunity.

The Swans will come back fighting next week with a point to prove after a some what poor performance this week.
They play hosts to top of the table and unbeaten Loughborough Ladies. Usual 2:30 KO