A close north run

West Bridgford travelled north for the second week running and looked to build their previous performance, donning their new kit with thanks to ATG Equip. The coaching staff made some minor changes and were lucky to have another quality squad at their disposal. Skipper Laura Moore initiated proceedings by electing to receive the kick off and start the game with the ball in hand. Immediately, through the driving rain and howling gale, West Bridgford were awarded a penalty and pressed their way into blue and white territory. The front row of Pippa Arkle, Kiara Vincent and Bethan Arthur showed no quarter as they powered through their opposite numbers, winning turnover ball and ensuring the back row of Kay Searcy, Jennie Walker and Holly Donnely-Bush could break and support the backline; who were using every blade of grass available. Novos’ defence was holding firm as the black and gold runners of West Bridgford played several phases in tricky conditions. Fly half, Moore chose to run the ball on the blind-side, Searcy linking well giving winger Jordan Bixley a chance to show some pace on the outside, Bixley was eventually hauled down and recycled the ball, which was put through several sets of hands. West Bridgford appeared to get on the wrong side of the referee too often and Novocastrians were able to clear their lines, much to the delight of the partisan crowd. Further infringements gave the referee no option but to sin-bin full back Jasmine Coyne on the half hour mark. Novos took their only scoring opportunity well and scored an unconverted try as the Bridgy ladies continued to battle with the referee. The half time score was a reflection of two sets of defence that were working to capacity and it was a fitting end to the half as Novos were camped on the Bridgford try line, but getting nothing for their efforts against the 14 player team.

Replacement fly-half Debbie Mason entered the fray at half time, along with winger Amee Wilson, both of whom were making their league debuts. Mason immediately showed her class as she stepped inside her opposite number and waltzed her way to the line, converting her own try to take the lead 7-5. More pressure from the excellent centre pairing of Laura Groves and Tanya Bird allowed Wilson a trademark mazy run into Novocastrian territory. Arthur stole ruck ball almost at will and showed great awareness allied to soft hands as she put Groves into space. From the resulting penalty, Mason showed cool nerves and added three points to the Bridgy lead. Moore regrouped and asked for sensible play from the pack as Donnely-Bush looked to keep the ball alive and replacement scrum half Hannah Newsome spread the ball with ease. Further frustration followed as Groves found herself on the wrong side of the referee, taking her yellow card for persistent infringements. The black and gold players weathered the storm as Novocastrians looked to find the space left but Bridgy were resolute. Disaster struck as Novocastrians scored a converted try with 10 minutes remaining. Bridgy rallied and tried to turn their pressure into points, but simply didn’t have the time to convert any posession into territory and the points needed.

West Bridgford can be pleased with the performance, if immensely frustrated with the result. However, each game brings the team closer and improvements are being made week on week.

Credit should go to Debbie Mason for making an immediate impact and to Holly Donnely-Bush for being a constant threat on and off the ball. However, the player of the match plaudits went to Kay Searcy who was a thorn in the side of Novocastrians all afternoon.

West Bridgford are next in action at home as they host Camp Hill Ladies on Sunday 22nd September, kick off at 1400hrs.