PHOTO:
Back Row (from L-R): Coach John James, Lyn Eglestaff, Nina Colville, Lucy Peach, Natalie Bowen, Kate Allen, Natalie Lingwood, Kate Beaumont, Chrissy Davies, Joanna Price, Angharad Heard, Helen Wilcox
Front Row (from L-R): Sarah Partridge, Clodagh Llewhellin, Jess Jones, Vicky James, Sophie Dockerty and Little Sophie (Jo Price’s Little Tee Girl)
Bargoed Ladies 17 - Haverfordwest Ladies 29
The Lady Blues travelled away to Bargoed and after their previous physical encounter and subsequent loss the Haverfordwest team were determined to play to the best of their ability and put down a strong account of themselves.
They started well with a quick try and conversion from number 10, Jo Price before Bargoed Ladies used their size advantage in the pack to take control of the scrums - but number 9 Lucy Peach was quick to slow down the ball off the back off the scrum to limit Bargoed’s progress.
Bargoed managed to use their physicality to score against the Blues but they were unsuccessful in the conversion before the determined Haverfordwest side were quick to respond and after evasive running from second row Natalie Lingwood and a storming charge from prop Natalie Bowen, Jess Jones broke through and crossed the line for a try. Jo Price was on fine kicking form into a tricky wind and converted to bring the score to 14-5.
Injuries defied
The Haverfordwest side lost Helen Wilcox mid-half due to injury but the resilient front row of Natalie Bowen, Kate Beaumont and Vicky James stayed strong against some tough opponents. Nina Colville got free, using her speed and strength to make valuable ground for Clodagh Llewellin to use the ball. Her agility shone through and with good support from Lucy Peach and Lyn Egelstaff another try was scored.
The Haverfordwest Ladies were dealt another harsh blow when their number 10 Jo Price was injured and unable to continue so the Blues Ladies had a whole half to play with only 13 players against 15.
Bargoed battle in vain
Bargoed came out and used their two-player advantage to exploit a gap and release their number 12 for a try but Haverfordwest captain Nina Colville took on player after player, gaining ground and offloading to Lyn Egelstaff for the final charge through to the line for a try which she was unable to convert in Price’s absence.
Although the Bargoed side were getting frustrated and aggressive their numerical advantage enabled them to get more points on the board with a try and quickly-taken conversion from a drop kick meant the score was 17-24 to Haverfordwest.
Brave prop Price powers on regardless
Players were picking up knocks all over the pitch but bravely played on to see out the game. Prop Natalie Bowen suspected she had broke her thumb (subsequently she had) but continued to hold the defensive line and prevent the Bargoed team from scoring any more points. The Haverfordwest team, ever determined to make the pain worth it, sealed the victory with a try from Clodagh Llewellin as she used her pace to outrun her opponents and get the ball down for an unconverted try.
· Training every Monday 7-8.30pm, at Haverfordwest Rugby Club. Contact Clodagh Llewhellin on 07769115124.