Deeping Devils Ladies 17 Harlow Ladies 10

RFUW South East Eastern Div III

11th November 2007

Harlow Ladies produced their best game of the season to hold the league leaders to a margin of one converted try. Deeping had a strong pack and play the rucking game better than anyone else in the league. It is the credit of the Harlow squad that they matched them in the contact area and were prepared to put in tackle after tackle to break down almost constant pressure.  Despite this the Harlow half back pairing of Nicky King (9) and Keighley Diprose (10) got a significant amount of ball away to the backs where Harlow the measure of the opposition in terms of pace.

The game started well for Harlow taking play into the home half.  From a ruck quick ball from King launched Diprose on a penetrating run taking her into the 22 before an offload saw winger Sarah Stimpson outpace the defending winger and centre to touch down for a 5 – 0 lead.  Deeping countered strongly keeping the ball in the pack. On the few occasions they did move the ball wide the pace of the Harlow backs allowed them to cover and as the game progressed they relied more and more on their forwards. On about 20 minutes the home side finally managed to drive a maul over the try line and touched down for their first try. The conversion game them a 7 – 5 lead.  Harlow came close to a second score when Diprose made another good break only to be taken out a few yards short by a marginally high tackle which escaped penalty. All of the Harlow pack contested strongly and in the front row in particular Sam Acreman, Emily Gizzi and Sara Lucas did well in the set scrums. Towards the end of the half another drive by Deeping saw them cross the line to extend their lead to 12 – 5 at the turnaround.

The second half was a continuation of the forward battle of the first but with Harlow now managing to attack more with the ball in hand. Deeping extended their lead when their scrum half cleaned up a loose ball and made a 40 yard run for the line. Harlow did not relax and a break by Diprose from her own 22 saw her leave four defenders for dead in a sprint the length of the field for the try cutting the margin to 17 – 10. Harlow had a number of other chances. Emily Gizzi making a welcome return after injury produced a great break from the maul and went close to the line. Another 50 yard run by Stimpson was stopped just short when it looked as though she was clear. Harlow kept up the pressure to the end but Deeping held on, just.

Tries: Sarah Stimpson, Keighley Diprose

Team From: Sam, Acreman, Emily Gizzi, Sarah Lucas (Capt.), Zoe Walker, Sarah McCarthy, Michelle Stannard, Gemma Acreman, Kelly Cotterill, Nichola King, Keighley Diprose, Nikki Millman, Sarah Stimpson. Amy Kent, Claire Lacey

Match played at 12 a side as allowed under league rules for this division

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