RFUW National Challenge South East: North 1

29th January 2012

Harlow Ladies travelled to 4th place Hammersmith & Fulham to face a large squad who from the outset were determined to smash their visitors off the park. Harlow spent the first 15 minutes defending in their half before Hammersmith finally broke through Harlow’s resolute defence to score a converted try.  Harlow’s forwards dominated the scrum as usual but struggled against Hammersmith’s rucking and counter-rucking techniques and another 15 minutes later Hammersmith’s strong running lines resulted in a second try. 

From the next restart a long kick and a Hammersmith fumble led to Harlow attacking deep in Hammersmith’s territory: a wide pass from Stimpson to Lee followed by an offload to Morgan led to Harlow’s first try of the day and Morgan’s first try ever!

Half Time: Hammersmith & Fulham 12 Harlow 5

Harlow started the 2nd half with renewed enthusiasm but so too did Hammersmith as they scored after 8 minutes of play. Following the restart Harlow found themselves yet again defending their try line but a cheeky interception by Stimpson saw her sprinting from her own 22 to score a try under the posts.

Harlow were struggling to find their unity and spirit from the previous week’s annihilation of Chesham and together with a couple of injury substitutions and positional changes, heads were down as Hammersmith scored another 3 unconverted tries.  But in the last 5 minutes of the game Harlow came alive and rediscovered their collective fight and determination: they attacked Hammersmith’s half solidly although unfortunately Harlow failed to come away with a consolatory try.

Full Time: Hammersmith & Fulham 32 Harlow 10

Harlow Ladies next game is home against old rivals Southwold in the second round of the RFUW National Challenge Cup on Sunday 12th February

Harlow ladies are always looking to recruit new players:

Please contact Tracey Lee by emailing ladies@harlow-rugby.co.uk

Squad: 1.Kelly Cotterill, 2.Carla Marshall, 3.Emily Wooller, 4.Stevie Doherty (sub Kat Mockeridge, 50 mins), 5.Tracey Lee, 6.Leah Dixon (sub Emma O’Donnell, 60 mins), 7.Nikky Millman (C), 8.Julie Gilbert, 9.Charlie Smith, 10.Lucie Gibson, 11.Abi Perry, 12.Davina McLellan, 13.Dani McKenna, 14.Shelley Morgan, 15.Sarah Stimpson

Tries: Shelley Morgan, Sarah Stimpson

Back of the Match: Shelley Morgan

Forward of the Match: Tracey Lee

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