What a lovely way to start off the new Season! 8 East Grinstead ladies arrived at Burgess Hill RFC to play our first 80-minute game of 10’s against the Burgess Hill Black Widows. We were joined by Chelsea, Jen and Katherine from St Francis who were amazing assets to the team.

The game was split into quarters, we started out defending our ground with high energy from all.

Gaining possession early on Chelsea, Katherine, Josie and Jo walls aggressively pushing forward supporting one another, meant an amazing break by Katherine scoring our first try with a conversion by Miriam. Another try by Chelsea after a fabulous run set us ahead.

Our scrums were a highlight of the game, Claire and Jen driving us, supported by Miriam, Holly and Jo Cox, with Emma stealing the ball meant numerous wins and ground made. Quick balls out by Jo walls kept the game flowing and Josie ready to orchestrate play enabling Holly and Katherine to score two more tries.

Jo Walls as 9 and Josie at 10 worked tirelessly throughout the game, Jo hitting every breakdown and Josie always there supporting in the rucks and strongly committing to every tackle keeping us strong throughout.

Jo Cox 5 weeks post baby Brody was back in full force with some incredible tackles and her strength in ball carrying parted the oppo scoring us another one of our try's.

Our line outs were another highlight of the game with Miriam being lifted, making some amazing steals throughout. Sarah on the wing always ready, made some incredible runs one of which scored us our last try at the end of the third quarter.

As we entered the last quarter carrying a narrow lead it was hot and hard to keep up energy but the team did amazing until the end. Going to uncontested scrums in this quarter was a disadvantage to us, as we’d been so strong in them. With a break through from the Black Widow ladies and a conversion it saw them take the lead 36-32 as the whistle blew.

Our woman of the match goes to Miriam! Her first match back after injury and she smashed it. Fully committed throughout the whole game giving 100% whether it be in a line out or a ruck.

It was a brilliant game that gave us some great experience and it was such a pleasure playing with such a great group of women. The Black Widow ladies made us feel so welcome and we look forward to playing them again soon.

Holly Gunter - Captain
East Grinstead RFC

Photo Credit @ Louise Oliver