Match Report

Ampthill Ladies 0 - 37 Biggleswade Ladies, Challenge South East

Match Store: 20191201 Store

Ampthill ladies played a good Biggleswade side in the reverse fixture of the first ever game the ladies played back in September. This game was a huge improvement on the previous with Ampthill getting the better of the early exchanges and dominating the lose but for one mistake which Biggleswade punished with a good break away from their winger on 5 minutes. The game was very competitive with both sets of forwards evenly matched, both teams winning scrums against the head and creating opportunities.

Ampthill forwards Gemini Gloria, Nichole, Erica, Charlotte and Bethan were winning the physical exchanges but the backs were not firing today and squandering chances to get the ball wide to the pace of Ellen on the wing, Biggleswade on the other hand with a settled three quarters, attacked well with width and on 10 minutes doubled the score. On 15 minutes the Biggleswade winger made a break on the half way and looked like she would romp home to score but for dogged chasing down by Gemma and Bethan, with Gemma making the try saving tackle 5 metres out and Bethan getting her hands on the ball for the penalty for holding on. This lifted the ladies for short period, but they couldn’t capitalise, and Biggy did the same on 20 minutes with a sweeping back move straight off the training ground their coaches will be pleased with. Ampthill’s came back into it before half time with some fine attacking play going through the phases but for the final ball to go down and be punished by another break away from the pace outside in the Biggy backs. 0-20 HT

The second half started where the last ended with a quick break from the impressive Biggleswade 14 breaking the line to score after 3 minutes. The game then stuttered with a bunch of injuries on both sides and was a bit disjointed with neither side gaining the upper hand. Biggy scored after 12 minutes with another fine opportunistic try from a turnover from an Ampthill penalty, where execution and a bit more support would have stopped the break away. Ampthill trying to get out of their 22 in the last few minutes gifted Biggleswade the final score of the game with another well worked back move. One last Ampthill thrust almost brought the elusive score only for a knock on to bring proceedings to a close with the final score. 0-37

A huge contrast to Septembers game with confidence growing all the time this bunch of players has a lot to be proud of, the comradery and play at times was excellent, but all are very aware of what needs to be done to improve further as the season progresses and the team learns the game. The future of Ampthill Ladies rugby is very bright. Huge thank you to U18 graduate Megan for stepping up today and for debutant Claire. A few injuries to nurse for Charlotte and Sammie and some hard work Wednesday will prepare the group for Harpenden away next Sunday.