Westbury Ladies play double-header against Aretians

Westbury ladies welcomed Aretians to Knott Field for their penultimate home game of the season on Sunday.

Having not played Aretians before, the ladies didn't know what to expect but were determined to keep up their success.

It was a very wet day and with swirling wind, the conditions weren't suiting running rugby. This didn't stop Westbury working the ball well though and trying to play an expansive game. Westbury's pack were showing their dominance in the scrums, turning 3 consecutive scrums against the head in the first half. The home side were beginning to string some phases together and worked the ball out wide to full back Lana Plummer who powered through several tackles to score her first try of the game. Conversion missed 5-0.

Aretians came back well with some good possession and phases, but Westbury's defence stood strong and with some great tackling from flankers Emma Pryer and Maisie Chester kept the attack at bay. Westbury continued to dominate the set piece and hooker Kerry Ackerman was making some great individual runs. The ball was popped through to Lana for her to sprint in for her second try, conversion missed 10-0.

With only two minutes left of the half, Aretians went all out from the restart. Westbury knocked the ball on and Aretians attacked well, breaking down the blindside. Scrum Half Maeve Taylor made a last ditch tackling to halt the attack and drag the Aretians wing into touch. Westbury secured the line out and kicked the ball out to end the half 10-0.

The second half started with Westbury determined to push on and they controlled the possession well. Some great defending from Aretians holding them back. 15 minutes into the second half Westbury captain Anna Hemingway picked up from the back of a ruck and powered through to score Westbury's third of the day, conversion missed 15-0.

Shortly after. Aretians prop had to go off injured so scrums went uncontested. Westbury kept attacking hard but with the rain now lashing down, it was becoming very difficult to string phases together. With the last play called by the referee Westbury's pack again turned the ball over. The forwards crashed it up and the ball was spun out to fly half Becs Lamb for her to score with the final play of the game. A great way to cap off a great performance. Conversion missed final score 20-0.

Special mention to all the supporters who braved the weather to watch the ladies and to Forward of the match Kerry Ackerman and back of the match Maeve Taylor.

Westbury now have a week off before their final home league game against Bath Ladies 2s on Sunday 12th February. We look forward to seeing you all there.