TOP OF THE TABLE CLASH

Sunday at HQ saw for a top of the table battle for the ladies as they took on a numbers-strong Havant 2's side and wow, the game did not dissapoint!

Despite being light in numbers again, the ladies were determined to come away with the win and this was evident with an excellent try from Lewis (Naomi) scored in the first 4 minutes following some exceptional break through runs from Keenor and Kraus. A thoughtfully placed try under the posts allowed for an easy conversion for Lewis (Sian).

The limelight then turned to the forwards for a very energy-expensive 5 minutes with 5 scrums in that time alone, largely dominated by an incredibly strong Havant forward pack. Such strength allowed Havant to gain ground towards the try line to eventually get it out to their centres who narrowly touched the ball over the line despite an excellent effort from Wallis, who almost held the try up. Fortunately, this was not converted leaving the G's ahead 7-5.

Determined to bounce back, the ladies ran it back at Havant and held their heads high in the scrums to just be able to hold back the strength of Havant. 16 minutes in saw a Havant line out 20m from their try line, successfully stolen by Shackel to gain the ladies possession in Havants half. After a couple more scrums, the ladies capitalised on the speed in their back line with some excellent off loads and teamwork for Wallis to tumble over the line for the ladies second try of the match, with the conversion narrowly missed by Lewis (Sian).

Trailing 12-5, Havant appeared rattled, conceding a number of penalties and failing to get back 10m, which Lewis (Naomi) smartly exploited with tap and go's. Fast footwork, weaving and strength saw Lewis breakthrough a number of opposition players to score her second try of the match, again under the posts for an easy conversion for Lewis (Sian).

A 19-5 lead at half time had the ladies in good spirits but with limited subs in supply, could they hold on for the second half?

The first 15 minutes of the second half suggested that yes, the ladies could hold on! After another string of strong scrums, the forwards were in action again with Kraus joining the pack at half time from the centres. Despite being in the forwards, Kraus' leg's did not get a break from running as she took a great offload from Lewis (Sian) to storm through the remaining Havant players and the rest of the pitch for the ladies 4th try of the game, again with another narrowly missed conversion from Lewis (Sian).

The last 30 minutes saw some great defensive work from the ladies with strong tackles across the team. Lewis (Naomi), however, was not finished scoring points. With another tactical tap and go coupled with a frenzy a of fancy footwork, weaving and determination, Lewis stormed a 30m sprint to earn herself the hatrick. Converted by Lewis (Sian), extending the lead to 31-5. After a few weeks out, the crowd were also treated to a cameo appearance from Davey. On the tail of great hands, Davey scored the final try of the game with an iconic Davey 50m sprint down the wing to touch down under the posts for another conversion.

Big congratulations to the ladies for an excellent final score of 38-5, placing them narrowly top of the table with 2 points between 1st and 3rd! Welldone to BOTM Natasha Gayle, FOTM Naomi Lewis and POTM Issy Carrick.

The ladies are resting this weekend but will be travelling down to Farnham on the 4th of December.