Middlesex Rugby
Middlesex U18 Girls
First outing for the U18s
First Fixture for Middlesex U18 Girls
Middlesex fielded an U18s girls’ squad for the first time ever on Sunday 21st October. This achievement was brought about by the recruitment efforts of a number of clubs, alongside the support that MCRFU have given to girls’ rugby over the past two seasons. The squad travelled to Ely RUFC to face the experienced Eastern Counties U18s, writes Abigail Ashbey, U18s Coach.
Eastern counties started off strongly, making effective use of the ball and space. Some strong tackling from the Middlesex defence saw Eastern counties having to reset themselves for a line out.
With the ball played off the top the Middlesex backs made their counter attack, with strong running from scrum-half Georgia Stephenson and centre Claudia Martin. Forced handling errors lead to an Eastern Counties scrum on the Middlesex 22. Despite strong scrimmaging, the ball moved its way out toward the Eastern counties back line and they made their way down the wing to score their first try.
From the re-start Middlesex countered with some strong attacking play, but the Eastern Counties dominance of the breakdown allowed them to win turnover ball, and the quick transition from defence to attack saw Middlesex firmly on the back foot. Eastern Counties started to move the ball quickly and determined running from the Eastern Counties backs saw them over the line for their second try.
Middlesex chased the re-start putting pressure onto the Eastern Counties back-line and forcing a knock on. The Middlesex scrum was strong, allowing the backs time to make good use of space and the ball to gain territory and steadily progress towards the try line. But strong tackling and effective use of the ruck by the opposition lead to turnover ball.
Eastern Counties then began their counter attack towards the line, some strong tackling from forward Lisane Stock lead to the ball being knocked forward and a Middlesex scrum was awarded. A clever box kick from Stephenson behind the Eastern back line lead to a final Middlesex surge towards the line. A strong driving maul from the Middlesex forwards lead to a well deserved try by Stock.
Final Score: Eastern Counties 15 – Middlesex 5
Squad
Kiera Brennan (Saracens), Freya Doak (Grasshoppers), Florence Driscoll (Saracens), Claudia Martin (Harlequins), Billie Morgan (Saracens), Amy Porter (Saracens), Anna Pribisevic (Grasshoppers), Georgia Stephenson (Grasshoppers), Lisane Stock (Saracens).
