Sunshine with an autumnal freshness in the air meant for perfect playing conditions at Lobbingtons as Chew Valley Cats welcomed newcomers to league, Minehead for their opening match of the 2017/18 campaign. Injuries and absences meant changes in the line up and some players covering different positions throughout the game which the Cats embraced. It didn't take them long to open the scoring, Strong carries from the forwards, particularly Jo Pratt and Lauren Glover gained ground and created space for the first of two unanswered scores, first from wing Nancy Portsmouth followed by an almost copycat version from her fellow winger Baylee Hickery. This did not deter the visitors who took advantage of a surprisingly weak defence to reply with a converted try. Another soon followed making for an exciting game and a wake up call to the Cats. Chew soon found their heads again showing greater desire in the close exchanges to put two more scores on the board, firstly from outside centre Kat Roe and then from Fiona Penfold at outside half. Chew were never allowed to relax and a determined Minehead kept fighting and again pounced on poor home defending to score a third converted try. Chew again had to regain their composure and did so with more great work from the forwards, who throughout the 80 were solid in both scrums, open play and line outs with several steals from hooker Sarah Blyth. Once again they gained the ground and made the space for the backs to strike with firstly Georgina Bessel at inside centre to break the line crossing over for the score followed by Fiona Penfold to power through for her second of the game. The continued pressure from the Cats allowed for Captain Hannah Pearce to burst through for the final score of the day. A good opening team performance by all today with the Cats fielding some debuts, noted performances were from Michelle Evans, new to rugby and Maddy Portsmouth, playing her first ever game both on the wings who's composed performances were solid in the tackle and the carry as if that of seasoned experienced players. A well deserved victory and promising start to the season, testament to all the hard work they have put into their pre season training. No doubt this is the first step to what will be a thrilling and successful season.
Final Score 41-21 to the Cats -
Alex Jones - Coaching Team