On Sunday 8th May Berkshire women’s took on Kent women’s at Reading RFC in the opening match of the Gill Burns Women’s County Championship 2022 Division 1 match.
On a sunny bright and increasingly warm day the Berkshire Women in front of a good crowd took the field ready for a fast start.
It wasn’t long after the whistle went before Berkshire Women found some momentum and after only 8 minutes in Sam Page was over the whitewash to make it 5-0.
Berkshire seemed to have control of the first 20 minutes working their way back up the pitch with some good, linked phase play. A well-positioned scrum penalty meant Berkshire were able to take a quick tap allowing Charlotte Faux over the line.
Kent came back with some fight and were camped in the Berkshire 22 for a good 15 minutes; however, they were unable to get passed the green wall of the Berkshire defence and a turnover ball allowed Berks to get out of danger.
Berkshire, back in control, were able to capitalise on their quick attacking play to get them back into the Kent 22 and just when half time was about to be scored Sofia Luxton bagged another try with Rachel Humphries slotting the conversion.
Finishing the first half on a respectable 17-0 lead
Coming back out for the second half Berkshire started strong once a gain with Annabel Hawkins getting over the line within just 4 minutes of the half starting to make it 22-0
The kicking game was well managed from the Berkshire back three with a great kick from number 10, Annette Bevan, and a rapid chase allowing them to pin Kent into their 22.
However, it was Kent who were able to get their attack firing this time to land their first try of the game 22-5.
There was 15 minutes of tempo play from both teams with some great determination for the ball to be won but it was Kent again who were able to get across the line capitalising on a loose ball off a line out just outside the Berks 22 – making the score 22-10.
As the heat beat down on the players there was a lot of tired bodies out there within minutes of the final whistle Kent were able to spot the Berkshire scrambled defence to score in the last play of the game.
Final Score 22-15
(Pictures kilndly shared by John Taplin “Rugbygrandad”)
Lots of great performances by the whole squad and Berkshire now prepare for their next game against Sussex at Maidenhead on the 15th of May which will be a double header as Berkshire U17 take on Buckinghamshire U17 at Maidenhead RFC at 11.30am. A great Sunday of rugby.
Forward of the Match (FOTM) – Sam Page
Back of the Match (BOTM) – Lizzie Harris
MATCH REPORT- Written by Nicky Patten
