Difficult Start for the ONs Ladies.

On Sunday the 10th of September 2017, the ONs ladies travelled to Olney RFC to start their league season off in the new NC1 league.

The game kicked off and saw the ball in the hands of Steph Radoja who made an excellent run with great support from Beth Taylor. The ball was lost in the ruck and Olney took full advantage of this, making ground towards the try line. A great tackle from Kornelija Adomaityte stunted their forward play for a bit, but they soon broke forwards leading to a scrum in the ONs 22. Despite some big tackles being put in by Jess Pickering and Laura Rose, Olney number 8 broke forward to score next to the post, which was then converted by the number 10 - 7-0.

With a determination to fight back, the ONs took the kick off and quickly gained the ball back as Beth Taylor caught it on the bounce before Olney had the chance. A strong run took ONs forwards with the ball, which was then offloaded to Steph Radoja and finally found its way to Laura Rose, followed by a close, but unsuccessful conversion - 7-5.

From kick off a knock on led to an Olney scrum, but the ball was turned back over to the ONs, but unfortunately lost back to Olney soon after. Jess Pickering prevented a kick over the top try for Olney by catching and moving the ball.
Soon after coming onto the pitch, Tasha Partridge made a great tackle to push Olney back with force. Fantastic run on the wing from Millie Aldridge saw ONs making good ground. After another scrum strong hits and support play were seen from Lauren Stewart, Laura Rose and Christine Kiarie.

A penalty to the ONs saw the ball shipped out quickly to Cheryl Smith, closely supported by Alice Morgan. This led to a fantastic try under the posts, converted by Christine Kiarie - 7-12.

However, Olney came back stronger in attack with determination to get back ahead and managed to fairly quickly, putting a try in and a conversion over soon after - 14-12. Feeling strong from this great attack Olney proceeded to place down another try in the corner after multiple phases. An unsuccessful conversion the score was 19-12. A further Olney try put the score at 26-12 at half time.

As the second half got under way both teams moved forward with determination and fight. Sophie Dolby and Christine Kiarie were making great tackles to hold back the relentless attack from Olney. A lovely run from Hena Kaur saw the ball moving forward, followed by support play from Cheryl Smith and Christine Kiarie. The ball was turned over and Olney made their way to the try line, but was stopped by Hena Kaur with a try saving tackle.

Unfortunately due to an injury from ONs the game was moved and play started to break down for the ONs as multiple injuries caused players to roll on and off. Start stop play wore both sides down, but Olney took the upper hand and put 2 more converted tries past ONs, leaving the score at Olney 33-10 ONs.
Credit where credit is due, the ONs girls were offered an early finish because of the volume of injuries, but fought valiantly to the final whistle, showing great pride and love of the game.

A fantastic game and a great opposition to play against. We look forward to the return game.

Forwards: Liz Thompson, Christine Kiarie, Lauren Stewart (on pitch VC), Kornelija Adomaityte, Steph Radoja, Chloe Warr, Laura Rose, Beth Taylor, Natalie Baker, Sophie Dolby, Amy Langford, Megan Jones (off pitch C), Tasha Partridge.

Backs: Sophie Slope, Nikita McGuigan, Hena Kaur (on pitch C), Cheryl Smith, Gina Strausa, Alice Morgan, Jess Pickering, Amica Hawksworth-Jones, Millie Aldridge.

Forward of the match was Christine Kiarie who tackled and rand hard, leading up the defensive line.
Back of the match went to Gina Strausa with excellent runs, powerful tackles and many metres made.

Well done to all players for putting your body on the line!