G's v Hastings

The first cold morning of the year so far was met with an early start and a long journey to meet up with Crowborough for our match with Hastings. 18 Girls, four coaches and several parents made the journey to get some well needed pitch time as a combined team under their belts.

With all the usual tasks ahead, pitch inspections, taping knees, topping up water bottles and mental prepping for what laid ahead we were faced with a well drilled combination of Hastings and Uckfield flexing their muscles on the pitch in front of us.

From the first warm up exercise it was obvious all players remembered the hours of training, the art as working as a team, pace in the Auckland Square, line out drills and tackling exercises all successfully played out. We were ready to go with the last match fresh in their minds and the determination to bring solutions to the game and not linger on the negatives. There were two brand new players and two players with only one match under their belts, but the girls took them under their wings and guided them through the whole game with amazing results.

The whistle blew and what became apparent from the start was that they were playing as one, fast passing, pace getting to the ball and the tackles were fully committed. It was clear that both teams came prepared to leave everything on the field. The game began with an explosive start as we swiftly gained possession, launching a relentless attack on Hastings defence. The girls seamless passing and strategic manoeuvres put them in a commanding position early on, resulting in a spectacular try within the first five minutes.

Unphased by the early setback, Hastings regrouped and showcased their resilience by mounting a fierce counterattack. Our girls strong defensive lines and relentless tackling gave them a chance to regain possession allowing their lead to increase further. The intense battles for possession and the physicality displayed by both teams created an amazing atmosphere.

As the match progressed, it became evident that this was not going to be a one-sided affair. Hastings did not give up, but our girls didn’t either, even though they had a convincing lead their determination and continued teamwork continued to pay dividends. Exploiting gaps in their defence to continue to score try’s, EGRFC Girls continued to dominate.

The second half witnessed a remarkable comeback from Hastings, as they capitalised on a brief lapse in our girls concentration. Their swift and accurate passing allowed them to break through the defensive line, resulting in two try’s that turned the tables in their favour. Determined to reclaim their dominance, our girls fought back relentlessly, displaying exceptional teamwork and tactical brilliance. We had two try’s scored by the newest player who covered over 60 metres on each try to extend further, the support didn’t waiver at all during both runs to ensure the try was made with a pure display of teamwork throughout. The girls grew in confidence as the match developed. Some superb running lines through midfield and devastating ball carrying by the players. Ruck speed gained momentum but the big improvement was the tackling. Aggressive and dominant, well done ladies.

As the final whistle blew, both teams displayed immense respect for one another, acknowledging the incredible effort and sportsmanship demonstrated throughout the match. The parents and coaches, having witnessed a true spectacle of rugby, left the ground with full stomachs, hearts full of admiration for the girls skills and the belief that they had just witnessed something truly special.

This women's rugby match was a testament to the growth and development of the sport, highlighting the incredible talent, teamwork and
determination exhibited by these exceptional ladies. It served as a reminder that women's rugby deserves recognition and support, as the adult players continue to inspire future generations by breaking barriers and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of rugby.

EGRFC / Crowborough Under 16’s Girls 53 – Hastings / Uckfield Under 16’s Girls 23