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Harlow Ladies 19  Peterborough Ladies 5

WRFU Eastern Div 3

On Sunday Harlow Ladies scored a convincing win over Peterborough, a side they have never beaten before. Team sponsors Essence of India joined the squad before kick off for a team photograph in the new kit which they have provided and stayed to support the girls.  The biggest change this season is the much greater coordination in the team particularly in defence. In this game the visitors had a lot of good ball which they distributed to their backs but the Harlow girls were right up on them often committing two players to the tackle but with the rest of the defence line closing the gaps to leave no attacking option.

Harlow put down a clear marker when Sarah Stimpson totally outpaced the defence running 50 yards scored a try in the first minute which was converted by Nicola Millman. Kym Hunter came close to scoring with an excellent run but was tackled on the 22 yard line. Chloe Van Dop scored the second try after taking the ball at pace and breaking a tackle after a great charging run by lock Tracey Lee.  Nicola Millman again converted giving Harlow a 14 – 0 lead at half time.  Originally it had been mutually agreed that the game would be played at 12 a side but in the second half Peterborough put on their 2 replacement and Harlow added their one making it a 14 – 13 advantage to the visitors. Despite this Keighley Diprose scored early in the second half for Harlow chasing up on a kick ahead and beating the defence to the touchdown. Harlow continued to dominate the game despite losing Kym Hunter for a large part of the second half because of a blood injury leaving them 2 players down. In the closing minutes Peterborough scored a try against the run of play to make the final score 19 – 5 to Harlow.

Tries: Sarah Stimpson, Chloe Van Dop, Keighley Diprose

Conversions: Nichola Millman (2)

Team: Sharon White, Jo Coare, Clare Schneider, Tracey Lee, Francesca Barnes, Kelly Cotterill (Capt), Kym Hunter, Nicola King, Nichola Millman, Keighley Diprose, Chloe Van Dop, Sarah Stimpson, Emily Gizzi.

This win put Harlow into second place in the league. If they can continue their winning run then the home match against league leaders Cambridge on the 12^th of Feb. could well be a league decider. The only cloud on the horizon is that Harlow are working with a small squad and really do need a few more players especially if they were to be promoted. Although experienced players are very welcome they are also happy to welcome beginners as well. Many of the squad came to rugby from other sports and beginners are welcome to learn at their own pace starting with the non contact skills and will only move up to the full game when they want to. Interested players please contact Nina Earle: on 07743 674172 or email nina.earle1@ntlworld.com

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