Challenge South East
On a good day for rugby the Ampthill Lionesses travelled to 3rd place Welwyn Ladies. With a number of injuries the Lionesses had players out of position and 2 debutants Lorraine Claxton and Rachel Board but all 18 girls acquitted them selves superbly well.
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Read MoreStop the press…….Ampthill Ladies have won their first game!! Everyone involved in the squad knew this day was coming and on the weekend of Brexit, England losing to France and Ampthill's 1st XV taking a bonus point away at Newcastle Falcons, the ladies emulated the lot with this performance where nearly everything clicked.
Read MoreMatch Store: Match Store
Ampthill ladies travelled to Harpenden Sunday for the return fixture and their 5th game in this historic season. The game kicked off in blustery conditions and Ampthill buoyed by their recent performances took the game to opposition knowing that they could potentially get something out of this game. The forwards really started well, with phase after phase and defending well and the game ebbed and flowed between the two 22’s for a good twenty minutes.
Sian Mills charging for Ampthill…
(Photograph: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
Then on twenty two minutes Gloria Mills, Ampthill’s captain got a yellow card for a high tackle and the dynamic shifted in favour of Harpenden, their dangerous backs got the ball in the extra space and scored a fine breakaway try, Immediately from the kick off a lack of concentration and some missed tackles allowed Harpenden to score again and convert. With Gloria back on the pitch equalling the numbers, another fine worked try from Harpenden took the score to 17-0, as Ampthill responded with force, battering the try line with Gemini Forster almost crossing the line, the Harpenden 15 was yellow carded for a hands on in the ruck whilst off her feet and in a tense final minute the defence held out the Ampthill attack. HT 17-0
Gloria Mills with the try that almost was…knock on awarded due to loss of contact!
(Photograph: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
With a refocusing by the coaches at half time to bring the dangerous backline into play more, the ladies immediately fell asleep at the kick-off gifting an easy try to take the game to 22-0. The ensuing barracking seemed to work, with Maddie scoring a fine try from the forward drive. 22-5.
Madeline Moore opens the socre for Ampthill Ladies
(Photograph: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
With their tails up Ampthill, started putting phases of forward and backs together with Harriet, Sian and Ellen starting to make ground with fine breaks. Fifteen minutes in it finally worked with Sian breaking through the middle after some excellent team play, Gemini converting. 22-12.
Sian Mills crossing the line for Ampthill under the posts!
(Photograph: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
Harpenden responded with another excellently worked try by their backs 29-12 seeming taking the game away from Ampthill but no…. Five minutes later Sian again broke through after fine interplay with carries from Nichole, Erica and Gemini. Gemini getting the extras 29-19.
Sian Mills over the line for the second time this game…
(Photograph: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
Ampthill then turned the tables on Harpenden straight from the kick-off, with Ellen catching the ball and dancing through most of the opposition to score a superb try 29-24.
Ellen Walsh adding Ampthill’s 4th try of the game…
(Photograph: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
The last few minutes were a frantic seesaw with Ampthill almost scoring at the death through quick thinking from Chloe Pearce who hacked the ball through and Nichole popping up with the ball, tackled by the Harpenden defence and causing an Ampthill knock on, Scrum and kick to clear and the game was over. FT 29-24
Chloe Pearce denying Harpenden possession and creating a chance for Ampthill…
(Photograph: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
Huge thank you to Flix and Harpenden ladies for the two tough games and great hospitality, good luck for the remainder of the season, to Mike Skeels the referee for letting the game flow in tricky conditions and for being a brave man and sin binning Gloria.
Post match, the Ladies and Coaching Team
(Photograph: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
But, wow…. the team have progressed from humble beginnings to within nearly taking their first scalp and credit to all the players who never gave up, played some fantastic rugby and should be really proud of how far they have come in 5 games. Bring on the new year and new teams, challenges and some returning players from injury. 2020, watch out Ampthill Lionesses are ‘Coming up the hill’
The coaches are now going to lie down in a dark room and a stiff drink. :-)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
Harpenden Ladies host Ampthill for a return match in Womens Challenge Series South East (North)
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.
Physical exchanges abounded between both sets of forwards…
(Photograph: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
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
Sammie Goldleman trying to overcome the laws of Physics…
(Photograph: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
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
Gloria Mills giving subtle guidance as always…
(Photograph: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
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.
Both Teams and Coaches at the end of the match…
(Photograph: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill Ladies host Biggleswade for the return leg of the season.
Ampthill played their first ever home game in glorious sunshine in front of a bumper crowd at Dillingham Park on Sunday. Both sides coming off first week lose wanted to get their first win and during the initial exchanges played some fantastic rugby, with no side giving anything up. The game ebbed and flowed within the two 22 metre lines and super defence from the back-line halted some determined Harpenden attacks, with debutante Harriet Southwell plus Gemini Forster and Nikki Millward stopping the big Harpenden runners.
Megan Parry forcing a drive through Harpenden’s lines
(Photograph: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
First blood went to Harpenden on 14 minutes with a fine run from deep by the fullback scoring after breaking a few tackles in midfield. Ampthill then had some fantastic possession, capitalising on the powerful running from Ampthill player of the match Megan Parry with Gloria Mills, Bethan Scarr and Nichole Neate allowing Annie Tomblin to score her first try for Ampthill under the posts.
Annie Tomblin crosses the whitewash to score her first try for Ampthill
(Photograph: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
Gemini Forster converting to edge the ladies into the lead. Harpenden hit back almost immediately with another fine try from their impressive back-line scoring and converting just before the break. Ampthill lost their flanker to a knee injury prior to half time meaning both sides were reduced to 14 players. 7-12 at Half time.
Ampthill Ladies working hard at the ruck…
(Photograph: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
The second half kicked off with the titanic forward battle continuing with big hits and scrummage, Harpenden getting the better initially but No8 Bethan Scarr started picking from the base allowing the pressure to be eased and bringing Ampthill’s backs into the game.
Bethan Scarr leads the charge down the field for Ampthill Ladies…
(Photograph: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
As the match and the heat of the day intensified, players started to wilt on both sides and Harpenden’s subs started to make an impact, scoring again on 50 and 55 minutes to take the game away from Ampthill. The A’s hit back again through the impressive Forster crashing over with 12 minutes to go, duly converting the extras. The game was finally taken away from the ladies when fly-half Sammie was yellow carded for a high tackle and Harpenden scored a final try, converting and taking the score to 12-31.
Gemini Forster forging ahead just prior to her injury
(Photograph: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
The game was halted with 5 minutes to go with a neck injury to Gemini Forster meaning she needed a hospital assessment. Everyone on both sides wishing her well and a speedy recovery.
Ampthill 12, Harpenden 31
Match Store: Match Store
Bethan Scarr leads the charge fo Ampthill Ladies
Bethan Scarr forging a break for Ampthill Ladies
Megan Parry (Player of the Match) powers towards the line for Ampthill
Annie Tomblin crosses the whitewash and her first try for Ampthill
Ampthill Ladies cover the Ruck
Megan Parry on the Rampage for Ampthill LAdies
