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Portsmouth Ladies Valkyries 0 Wimbledon Ladies 27
Wimbledon Ladies completed a resounding league double over Portsmouth yesterday and with the win, confirmed their status as League Winners of RFUW NC South East 1 as the Dons secured their promotion in fine style after a feisty, fascinating game that was played out on the South Coast.
‘It is just a normal game’ were the words of Andy as the Ladies sat tentatively preparing for their 13th league fixture of the season in the changing rooms. I think if you were to ask most of them what they thought at that stage, they would either have looked a little queasy or alternatively headed straight to the loo, such were the nerves in the changing room before the game but they threw those nerves to one side to produce a gritty, determined performance that had examples of all their qualities that they have displayed throughout the season.
With a couple of changes from the team that had beaten Teddington the previous week, there was always a risk that the Dons would be a little slow to get going against a big Portsmouth pack who have produced some good results this year following a difficult season last year. The match had finished 17-5 to Wimbledon earlier in the season at Beverley Meads and the Ladies were well aware of how tough this re-arranged fixture could potentially be without the importance that was attached to it.
Any nerves were dispelled in the first few minutes.
It was clear from the warm up that there was a focus and a determination to win the game, not just to confirm top spot, but also to keep their record intact of winning every single league game. They took that focus from the warm up and showed it immediately in the match, pushing Portsmouth onto the back foot with some good hard running from the forwards and backs and some strong defence to induce the mistakes.
It was a muddy, soft pitch with the wind blowing making conditions tricky and the game a little slower than usual but this also allowed the Dons to gain control in the opening exchanges and they always looked dangerous when the ball went wide and so it proved. After some hard yards were earned on the right hand side by the entire forward pack, the ball was spun wide and Kate stepped through the gap that had opened up to touch down under the posts for the first try of the game. It looked so easy but the pace and the handling ability of the backs this season often means that they have defences struggling to contain them. Gutti added the extras and the score was 7-0.
From the start the game had a bit of needle in it and it threatened to boil over once or twice at the break down but it was Wimbledon who continued to play the rugby and try number 2 arrived following a lovely break down the left from Cheese. She popped the ball off to Gutti who in turn fed Jo and as the defence faltered, Jo sent Zoe scampering away into space to touch down for try number 2 out on the left wing. It was no less than they deserved and really gave the girls the confidence to continue to play the running rugby that they all know they can play and more importantly, enjoy playing. Gutti was unfortunate to not add the extras with a difficult kick that nearly went over but with a lead of 12-0 and with the match starting to flow, the girls looked in good shape.
The game however entered a rather scrappy phase as both sides struggled to interpret the ruling of the referee at the break down and in the loose and the odd handling error meant that any promising attacks were thwarted. It was Wimbledon who continued to do all the attacking though and created another chance when the ball came narrow from Sonic and Cheese. Jen looked like she was going to make it across the line but just came up short when she was well tackled by the covering defence but it kept the Dons down on the Pompey line and it wasn’t long before try number 3 arrived.
The forwards this year have often been able to put pressure on their opponents by their technique and ability in all situations on the field and especially at the line out. They win most of their own ball and are often able to disrupt their opponents enough to reclaim the ball at the line out. Pompey struggled to get any kind of territory as whenever it was required, Wimbledon came up with the ball and it was from a disrupted lineout that they scored. The stand off was unable to get any real distance with her clearance kick and from the resulting line-out, the ball was driven over the line and Anna touched the ball down. Gutti narrowly missed the conversion making the score 17-0 as the teams headed towards halftime.
The scoring was not finished though and the 4th try of the half from the Ladies looked to have finally broken the back of Portsmouth. Some good phase play saw the ball go wide to Olivia and she thudded her way over the line with defenders hanging off her to make it 22-0.
The second half turned out to be one that had little in terms of scoring but maintained the quality that both sides had showed throughout. The lack of scoring was down mainly to the odd fumbled ball or forced pass together with some good defending from both sides. Wimbledon never really looked threatened though and were able to deal comfortably with what was thrown at them. It looked for all intense and purposes as if the game would finish 22-0 as some chances went begging. Zoe and CJ were both held up well when close to the line, Jen was finger-tips away from making a decisive break through the midfield off the back of a scrum and Olivia was well tackled having been put through by Kate.
As the match drew to a close though there was one final chance for Olivia. Kate, who could have scored herself, was able to break through the line after some good work inside from Cheese, Gutti and Jo, she popped the ball off and Olivia crossed for her 2nd of the match and the Dons 5th of the game, giving them that all important bonus point.
Gutti was unable to hit the conversion for the extras but the Dons couldn’t care less as the final whistle went to confirm their status as Champions of their division. It was a thoroughly deserved win and one that delighted all involved. The coach trip back was full or merriment and good cheer but thoughts are immediately turned towards ending the season unbeaten.
Next up is Harlequins in a friendly, the only side to beat the Ladies this year and is a game that the girls are desperate to win. There is also the small matter of the Surrey Cup which could provide the girls with a chance to end the season with a League and Cup double.
Congratulations to all the squad on their achievement this season. When people have not been available, others have stepped up and there is fierce competition for places across the whole team. The season does not stop now and the girls are well aware of what their potential is.
Forward of the match- Sophia- provided a useful outlet to Cheese and Sonic who used her to good effect to make yards and set the ball up.
Back of the match- Cheese- another superb performance from the fly-half who looked to get her players involved at all times and was a threat on the run too. She knew when to get the ball to the backs and when to use the forwards.
Player of the Match- Jen- in attack and defence Jen was superb, making hit after hit and carrying the ball into the Portsmouth defence in attack. Would have had a try had it not been for some good covering defence and took her usual short break to make sure she lasted the entire 70!
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