Harlow 34 Beckenham 0

(11th October 2009)

RFUW South East Eastern Div 2

With the weight of two losses hanging heavy on the girls shoulders and facing the current league leaders, the prospect of another very hard and physical game against a much larger team was a real test of character. And it was that character that really shone through as Harlow put in the performance of their lives to take home a superb win.

 Right from the kick off Beckenham wanted to stamp down authority by utilising their very large forwards, quick to most break downs and well organised they were able to ship the ball well to their very talented inside centre. But after a mistake from the back line Harlow where able to regain the ball and it was their turn to attack. Using their far superior pace and handing Harlow shipped the ball cleanly down the line to Abi Perry,  tearing up the wing she side stepped her opposite number on the inside to be met by Beckenham’s outside centre. Maintaining composure under pressure she was able to make a great inside pass to Sarah Stimpson who running full tilt in support took the ball and run it under the post, quite possibly the best try I have ever witnessed by the ladies.  Emily Gizzi converted to make it 7-0

 Beckenham not flinching decided to up the pressure. Again using heavy forwards and quick passes from tackles Beckenham’s backs start to make some great progress down the middle of the park. Some fantastic tackling from the Harlow backs closed the door on most of their moves with a number of try saving tackles from Conway. But Beckenham had the try line in sight. With a break from the winger and a great tackle from Abi Perry just over our own 22 yard line Harlow where given a line out. A sweetly thrown ball from debut  prop Tina Baldwin to Gizzi who popped down to Millman. Shipping the ball fast to Conway who popped outside to Stimpson crashing tight on her shoulder all Beckheham could do was stand and watch as all their hard work went down the drain as Stimpson went over for her second try. Converted by Gizzi put the score at 14 - 0

 Beckenham clearly shaken and being punished for every mistake their heads started going down. With clinical tackling from Davina McLellen the psychological battle was won and Beckenham’s solid 10 was reduced to rubble.. The game started to get messy and Harlow were awarded a penalty just outside Beckenham’s 22 yard line. Using a brilliantly executed penalty the forwards faked taking the ball and Millman ran hard across the pitch popping to Davina, who simply crashed through the huge gap to run the ball under the posts for Harlow’s 3^rd try of the day. Gizzi slotted the conversion to make the score 21 – 0 and the half.

 With the visitors having the hard work of going uphill and into the wind Harlow could relax knowing they were only 35 mins away from their first league victory following their promotion last season but in no way where they going to be complacent. Going for the kill and seeing Beckenham off was mission one. With every player now seeing a win in sight everybody was working at their best. With good hands and good support it was only a matter of time before Stimpson ran in her 3^rd try with a classic arcing run. 26 -0

 Now playing for pride Beckenham showed great spirit and did their club proud to prevent Harlow putting more tries over the line. With wave after wave of attacks Beckenham fought well. As the Harlow forwards went in for the kill and wanting some of the glory for themselves a push over try was on the cards.  Beckenham wasn’t having any of it. With what seemed like a 16 player maul Harlow forwards where denied a try 2 feet from the line. Beckenham giving away a penalty Harlow gave the ball  to Gizzi to kick over the posts putting the score at 29 -0

 A new lease of life near the close of the game Beckenham wanted a try. Pulling themselves together and regaining composure they went on the march to get on the score board. Putting Harlow under pressure and forcing Harlow mistakes they took full advantage a tired team who started to get sloppy and give away penalties. A penalty move inside the Harlow 22 looked like a sure thing but the Harlow forwards fought with pride and passion closing the door on Beckenham. Stealing the ball in the contact Harlow backs shipped the ball out down the line to Stimpson and all Beckenham could do was watch bewildered as Stimpson run the length of the pitch to get her forth and the final try of the game. Final score 34 – 0

 Harlow Ladies put together an amazing performance beating the current league leaders so convincingly. Showing skill, dedication and brilliant team work they sent out a message that the new kids on the block are not to be messed with.

 Next Fixture is Sunday 25^th October away to Old Dunstonians

Tries: Sarah Stimpson (4), Davina McClellen
Conversions: Emily Gizzi (3)
Penalty: Emily Gizzi

Team: 1.Tina Baldwin, 2. Carla Souch, 3. Sarah Lucus, 4. Gemma Acrman, 5. Tracey Lee (Sub Toni Beard 60 min), 6. Emily Gizzi 7. Claire Lacey, 8 Kelly Cotterill (Capt), Nicky Millman, 10. Becky Conway, 11. Abi Perry, 12. Davina McLellen (1 Try), 13. Dani Mckenna, 14. Emma O’Donnell (Sub Emma Dunkley 45 mins), 15. Sarah Stimpson

Pictures to follow