Away win for restructured ladies side

The ladies started off their season with a 62-0 away win over neighbours and newly formed ladies side Aretians.

The ladies have been training since mid July in preparation for the 2016/17 season under new coach Andy Fido and went into the pre-season friendly with 23 players and with a new attacking style of play.

The ladies controlled the game comfortably and eased to victory against a very green but passionate side that will no doubt fare well in their league campaign this year. The game saw players in new positions, new partnerships forming and has given Coach Fido a selection headache going forward!

The play of the match led to Nicole Crowley's try when fantastic handling, offloading and supporting running by forwards and backs alike through the middle of the park made way for her to score under the posts.

Massive credit to our new fly half, Kyara Martin, who controlled the game at 10 having only moved to the position a week before from open side flanker. Former openside flanker Victoria Shakspeare played outstanding at 12, being dangerous in attack with her hard running and a brick wall in defence against a very talented opposite number. Player of the match however went to Chloe Tucker for her vision and attacking play coming from full back, keeping the opposition second guessing where she was going to crop up and using her blistering speed and footwork to always break the defensive line. Coach's player was won by Tammy Howells on her debut who had a superb game at 9, her first ever at scrum half. Tammy was punishing around the fringes of the breakdown with snipping runs, controlled the pack, provided quick ball to the backs and left all supporters in shock and awe with her handoffs.

Welcome and well done to our newbies Sophie Williams, Michaela Excell, Sophia Henry, Emma Chaning-Pearce, Casey Bristow and Tammy Howells who played outstanding and fitted into the team perfectly, each showing their skill and ability on the rugby pitch.

The ladies now go into their NC1 South West league campaign away to Hornets on Sunday 11 September having won and gained promotion from NC2 South West North last year hoping to cause an upset and continue their unbeaten league campaign.

All the best to Aretians Ladies and we look forward to following you over the coming season.

Tries from: Jo Smith (2) Kirsty Fido (2) Kyara Martin, Nicole Crowley, Rebecca Beevers, Beki Evans, Victoria Shakspeare and Lisa Larsen
Conversions by: Kyara Martin (4) Jo Smith (2)