Greyhound Ladies travelled to Dursley on Sunday 13th January for the return fixture in the league. In their first meeting of the year, Dursley scraped a win 17-21 when they played against us at home due to their on par kicking and injuries on our side so Greyhound were out for the win today, and the win they received after the hard work and determination from the team.
Greyhound Ladies chose to go uphill first, hoping this would play to their advantage in the second half, kicked off to Dursley to be met with determined ladies charging down the hill at them. Greyhound fought them off with their superb counter rucking and jackling from a recent practice saw the ball be turned over and Carly Whent (13) storming over the line for her first try of the day by the touch line (unconverted). Dursley ladies fought back but after some quick rucking and passing, the ball found its way to Carly Whent again for her second try under the posts, after a sprint uphill from the half way line (successfully converted by Laura Jenkins). This game was 80% tackles and rucks with the forwards putting a big shift in, especially Michelle Ruddock (flanker) who was in everything, with the backs also participating in the most rucks and mauls of the season that they have encountered, so an unfortunate penalty was awarded to Dursley by the try line which saw them go over to end the first half 5-12.
With renewed vigour of facing the downhill in the second half, Greyhound Ladies set off in high spirits, moving the ball through the hands and from the back of many rucks saw Carly Whent with the ball in hand again and sprinting to the try line with Alys Probert (15), Charlotte Mayo-Evans (14) and Emma Downes (12) in tow, scored again with another conversion from Laura Jenkins (whose kicking is on fire at the moment). Dursley managed to claw back some points to make it 12-19 after a kicked penalty to touch, didn’t quite make it and their speedy feet and initiative took them over the line. However, this only spurred Greyhound on and after a successful penalty kick from touch, Claire Higginson received a short line out to Dursley’s surprise and a quick pass out to Michelle Ruddock with a great weave through the players, saw her with her try for the day, converted again from out wide by Laura Jenkins. The game ended with another converted try from Carly Whent, closely followed and supported by the back line, saw the game end 12-33.
Greyhound ladies now face a 2 week break before taking on Wellingborough Ladies at home on Sunday 4th February so please come down and show your support! Also, an inner warrior session is being held on Thursday 24th January for any new players or experienced players wanting to try out rugby with Greyhound Ladies from 6:45-8:30pm, so spread the word!
Stand out moments:
Charlotte Mayo-Evans and Alys Probert’s fantastic support play throughout the game
Michelle Ruddock for putting in a million tackles during the match
Lorna Cooke and Laura Jenkins for some outstanding rucking and tackling
Everyone who actually had the confidence to get into a ruck and fight for that ball, resulting in many turnovers.
Forward of the match: Lorna Cooke
Back of the match: Charlotte Mayo-Evans
Opposition player of the match: Carly Whent
Accumulated total points:
Carly Whent: 25 tries
Claire ‘Higgy’ Higginson: 5 tries
Bonnie Smith: 4 tries, 14 conversions
Michelle Ruddock: 3 tries
Georgina Evans: 3 tries
Emma Downes: 3 tries
Carly Phillips: 2 tries
Abbie Roberts: 2 tries
Jo Woolley: 1 try
Alys Probert: 1 try
Laura Jenkins: 13 conversions
