Mixed fortunes for Newbury Women at the weekend

Newbury Women’s 1st and 2nd XV were both in action on Sunday away from their home ground but running out in their new kit kindly sponsored by MKM Newbury, Bodyset and Eco Extinguishers.

The 2nd XV triumphed over Basingstoke, 19-12 but the 1st XV could not get points on the board as they lost to Henley.

It was action from the off as Newbury received the kick off and attempted to make ground with hard carries from the forward pack. Ball was stolen in the rucks and Henley made an early attempt to gain points but Rachel Martin covering on the wing stopped her in her tracks.
The battle for possession continued with scrums and lineouts being fought out and rucks being contested by both teams.
Henley gained possession from a Newbury kick trying to clear their own try line. The home team managed to keep possession and charge forward. An unlucky penalty given against the Blues in their own 22 allowed Henley to run a swift line and score in the far corner.
Having gained some momentum the home team continued to attack leaving Newbury forced to defend and gain possession where they could. The penalty count for both teams was high in this game causing flow to be lost on occasions and Newbury having to track back to cover defensively.

The second try from Henley came from a tactical penalty kick to gain territory and a lineout. The lineout was mauled and although Newbury managed to stop it before they crossed the line the ball was released to the backs and the try was scored under the posts by their stand-out centre.

The Blues dug deep and continued to apply pressure to Henley where they could but overlaps were left and the speedy number 13 for Henley found her groove and was able to outrun the Newbury backs. This breakaway try was repeated as the Blues tired and her pace was unmatchable.

The game finished 48-0 giving the Blues plenty of work-ons and areas for development as they prepare to face Sutton and Epsom at home on Sunday.

It was the 2nd XV that brought home the glory for the Blues as they continued their winning streak for their first year in the league.
Structure was in place early doors for the Blues and this provided them the platform for an early score by Zoe Gittens topped off by an immaculate conversion from Ollie Johnson.

Lineouts were dominated by Newbury as Leah Bertram controlled the ball for Newbury possession.
The Blues dominated the scrums with technique and power. This dominance provided Newbury with plenty of possession but an unfortunate forward pass gave a scrum to Basingstoke. This led to their first try with no conversion.

Further tries for Newbury came from River Lewis as Newbury crashed ball up the pitch from supporting runs by Leah Bertram and Sophie Bannister.

Basingstoke got back over the line for a second try despite Newbury’s best defensive efforts to close down space and stop the home team’s advancements.

The twos have a rest weekend whilst they prepare for their next fixture against Staines at home.

Alongside the 1st XV’s fixture on 15th October at Monks Lane the teams will be fundraising through a clothing sale so come along, watch some great rugby and freshen up your wardrobe for the winter!