20190915

20191201 Ampthill Ladies vs Biggleswade Ladies

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Match Report

Ampthill Ladies 0 - 37 Biggleswade Ladies, Challenge South East

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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)

20190915 Ampthill Ladies vs Harpenden Ladies

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Match Report

Ampthill Ladies 12 - 31 Harpenden Ladies, Challenge South East

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.

Final Score

Ampthill 12, Harpenden 31

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