Match Report
Harpenden Ladies 29 - 24 Ampthill Ladies, Challenge South East
Match 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. :-)
