East Grinstead Women gained their long-awaited victory against top-of-the-table-rivals, Portsmouth Valkyries 2’s this Sunday, rounding off a fantastic weekend of rugby at East Grinstead RFC.

The ladies were hyped for their first match together in nearly two months – having not met since their victory in the sleet against Horsham 2’s in December. Horsham Women 2’s sadly pulled out of the league this week due to lack of players which caused a stir across the league table and put a fire under the boots of EGRFC Women. We had been knocking on Portsmouth’s door for our last three meetings – would today be the day?
With a 17-woman squad the G’s were set to receive and quick line work by the Valkyries won them a fast turnover, followed by another from the G’s. The ladies took advantage of the space and with swift hands down the back line saw Kraus score to the right of the posts in the 5th minute, with two Valkyries on her back. The conversion was narrowly missed by Lewis (S).

Pleased with such early success, the G’s took advantage of the reset - but this time the Valkyries made excellent trouble and a knock on in the first line-out led to the first of many strong East Grinstead scrums. This was followed almost immediately by a Valkyries scrum and quick hands down their line, but the G’s were ready. They managed to overturn the ball, passing to Oliver who tore down the left flank only to be met with a wall of Valkyries. An inevitable line-out was won by Thompson.

A cheeky chip and chase from S. Lewis sent the ball into the Valkyries’ 22, where some excellent tackles by Oliver, Gayle, Shackel and Basterfield, allowed a formidable run by McCarthy to carve space for the back line. A filthy offload from McCarthy, and nimble hands, gave Kraus the time to place the ball elegantly between the posts for her second try of the day. By the 14th minute, S. Lewis had easily converted the try to leave the score 12-0 to the G’s.

The next chapter saw Portsmouth take quick advantage of an overlap in East Grinstead’s line, with a try narrowly avoided by a spectacular saving tackle by Oliver. The Valkyries were hungry however, and kept possession, disrupting the East Grinstead line and forcing an overlap which led to a well won try in the right-hand corner. This unforgiving angle denied Portsmouth the conversion but at 18 minutes in, they had 5 points on the board.

Now began some heavy work for the forwards, with strong tackles from both sides, and several scrums dominated by East Grinstead, the ball was kept within the centre half. A few injuries and a Yellow Card led to revisions in the scrum and taking the G’s to 14 players. The stalemate was ended with a fantastic pick and go by Kraus to secure her hat-trick. Another unforgiving angle denied S. Lewis the conversion, hitting the posts.
The final few minutes of the first half were dominated by East Grinstead and culminated in an explosive run from Em. The G’s were up 17-5 at half time.

Back to full strength, East Grinstead kicked to Portsmouth and chased them down into their 22. Despite quick footwork from the Valkyries, the G’s turned the ball over and began their assault on the line. A strong defence from Portsmouth forced a line out on the 22, deftly stolen by Sutton. Fantastic hands by Oliver, Kraus and Shackel led a renewed attack on the Valkyries’ left flank. Portsmouth’s numbers 12 and 15 worked together to stop Shackel’s formidable power on the wing. Portsmouth rallied and brought the fight back to the East Grinstead 22. A tackle and ruck from N. Lewis and Muggeridge forced a penalty against Portsmouth, which, in true Hobbit style, was taken before Portsmouth had retreated 10. Lewis (N)’s agility made light work of the broken Portsmouth defence and she slammed the ball over the line, left of the posts. Lewis (S) had another near miss in the kick, but the G’s were up 22-5 at 46minutes.

For the final 20 minutes, despite jokes between the sides about ‘Beer o’clock’, neither side relented. There were more scrums than the forward pack care to remember and a line discipline which belied the fatigue felt by all. The final moves of the game were owned by Sass, Kraus and Basterfeld who attempted a last assault on the Portsmouth line. The ball was knocked out and the whistle blew.
An elated G’s side thanked Portsmouth for a great game and ran to the posts singing.

We are hugely grateful to all who came to cheer us on - WUNDERBAR!
Player of the Match – Kraus
Forward(s!) of the Match – McCarthy and Em