Harlow 0  Lakenham Hewitt 36 - Womens Eastern 2

It was a bold step for Harlow ladies to join the RFUW league competition for this season. They knew it would be a major step up from the friendlies they had played in the past. At the start of the season they had only the minimum fifteen registered players required to join and with absences and injuries had to rely on the rule which allows sides in the lower divisions to play reduced numbers. The squad has grown however and they can now regularly field a full fifteen and have the luxury of substitutes.  A look at the league table shows that they are more than capable of holding their own. Sponsorship from Charvills has been a big factor both in meeting the high cost of playing in the league but also in boosting team morale by letting them know their efforts are recognised. 

When viewed in context they can be pleased with the result on Sunday; Lakenham have only conceded 24 points in the whole season and were always going to be a tough proposition. The improvement in the Harlow squad over the season was very clear. For months ago they would have been overrun by this team but on Sunday their tackling was first class and their ball re-cycling at the ruck was very good. Harlow started strongly and their forwards drove the opposition back into their twenty-two. They forced two penalties which they opted to tap and run when perhaps a kick for position would have offered more. It was only after twenty minutes that the visitors attacked from deep with their winger making 50 yards before she was stopped by a very good tackle. Lakenham were however quicker in their support, running and recycled the ball for the try. Two more tries from Lakenham made it 19 – 0 at half time.

Playing against the slope Harlow were forced to defend hard in the early part of the half. One of the best moves from Harlow came when  ball was turned over just off the their own tryline. It was then passed out to Sarah Stimpson who made good ground with a break on the blind side, finally passing out to the wing Claire Phillips who took the ball deep into Lakenham’s half. Harlow recycled but Lakenahm were just too strong in defence and managed to clear their lines. In the final quarter the visitors exploited the slope and wind kicking to the corner a tactic which gave them one try directly and established the attacking position for two others. The game finished at 36 – 0 to the visitors but Harlow kept attacking right to the final whistle. They have learned a lot this season not the least that rugby is a game to enjoy and in this game their enthusiasm was clear for all to see.

With the whole team so commited it is difficult to single out individuals. A few credits are however in order. Sarah Stimpson played her first game for the club and played with lots of energy and confidence. The fullback, Nicola Millman, provided good cover and played an excellent defensive game. Nichola King is developing well in the scrum half position. The team find her inspirational. Chloe Van Dop has been brilliant with consistent tackling and try-saving moves.

Jo Coare has improved greatly as a forward. She is a relatively new to the team and her strength and determination as a player will be an asset next season.

Team 1. Claire Schneider, 2. Alice Gladden, 3. Sharon White, 4. Eve Clarke, 5. Anne Ford, 6. Jo Coare, 7. Chloe Van Dop, 8. Kelly Cotterill  (Capt.),  9. Nicola King, 10. Keighley Diprose, 11. Kim Hunter, 12. Rebecca Nicol, 13. Sarah French, 14. Clare Phillips, 15. Nicola Millman, 16. Sarah Stimpson, 17. Ann Marie Terry     

League Table: Eastern 2