Depleted Thornbees go down fighting

With a number of girls unavailable the team selection included several forwards selected in the backs as the Thornbees took on tough opposition in the Newbury Ladies Development XV and delivered a gutsy performance from the first whistle to the last.

Early pressure from Newbury yielded a second minute try but the Thornbees looked to run whenever they had the ball. Bobbie Jackson made two early breaks, the second from a scrum took the girls from defence to attack on a fine run. However it was Newbury who scored again when their talented scrum half slipped through a tackle and scampered in from distance,

The Thornbees were then rocked when Bobbie Jackson suffered a worrying ankle injury and was carried off the pitch in great pain. Tina Pincott came on and a tough task looked even more daunting as Newbury looked to run riot, although Gemma Tyrrell pulled off an excellent try-saving cover tackle in the corner. But Newbury were not to be denied and ran in two late tries to make it 22-0 at half time.

In the second half the Thornbees were considerably more competitive and caused problems for the Newbury forwards. Emma Nicholson and Laura Panting were outstanding with several powerful drives and the defensive play of Lindsay Broughton was excellent. One tussle for the ball with a Newbury player at least three times bigger than herself exemplified the Thornbees determination and commitment. Julie Hutchings, borrowed from Clevedon, showed good skills and understanding of the game; it’s a shame she has to be given back.

But Newbury had a couple of players from the first team squad, and it showed. They ran in three further tries to run out 39-0 winners.

Although the girls were disappointed with the scoreline the evidence was clear that they have progressed significantly individually and collectively. The organisation is improving and in each game the rugby foundations are stronger and better than in the previous. This game was full of challenges and upsets but the pride in the shirt and the dedication was wonderful to see. When Cath Fishlock came on for Cath Preston late in the game, knowing that she was not allowed to play, the message was loud and clear. The Thornbees are number one.

Team: Lou Oakey; Claire Kingston, Julie Hutchings, Rachael Underwood, Sharon Kingsland-Wain; Gemma Tyrrell (c), Bobbie Jackson; Kyleigh Knott, Elaine Romaeo, Cath Preston, Dani Telka, Jo Johnson, Emma Nicholson, Lindsay Broughton, Laura Panting. Replacements: Tina Pincott, Cath Fishlock.