A hard fought battle

Buckingham Swans travelled away to Shelford. With both teams positioned fairly similar in the league Swans knew that the needed a win to get some breathing space.

This proved to be a slow one with many scrums and a lot of injuries and stoppages. The first half was very even with both sides not being very clinical in the red zone, but equally the defences proved stronger than the attack.

HT 0-0

Like the first half both teams were creating very little chances. Within a small time period the Swans lost Kat Cook through concussion, and while Bec Bray was being treated for a blood injury, the Swans midfield defence became disjointed and Shelford replacement fly-half found her way to the try line from 50 metres out. 7-0

Buck then piled on the pressure, with some clever tactical kicking from Julie Nicolls putting the away side into great territory. The swans found themselves with a series of scrums which they capitalised from and Sophia Maynell scored from close range with Bec Bray adding the crucial extras. 7-7

The last 10 minutes Buckingham gained confidence and were by far the fitter and more determined side. Much to the credit of the Shelford side they held out and kept the score at bay. 7-7 FT

Back of the Match was Julie Nicolls. Tactically when moved to Fly Half she was spot on. Kicking out of hand put us in great attacking positions.
Forward of the Match was Emily Barker. The swans have many back row players Emily being one. She played in the 2nd row this week and was outstanding. Stood firm in the scrums and linked up well in the loose.

A quick mention for Em Bown who has a suspected broken foot and Kat Cook with concussion. Get fit quickly!