50th cap for Kirsty Batten in derby win against Reading Abbey

The local derby between Newbury and Reading Abbey got underway at Reading Abbey’s home ground at Peppard Road. This was the first time the two teams have faced each other in the Championship and what a game it was. Newbury came away triumphant with a bonus point win with four tries scored by the Blues.

The Blues brought the tempo to the game from the off as they kicked to the home team, immediately regaining possession from a strong chase by Kirsty Batten. Gaining ground through confident ball carrying and creation of space an early line break from Tilly Burn. Abbey regained possession through a penalty and kicked for touch. An overthrow by Abbey’s hooker allowed Newbury to shut down the attack and once again turn over possession at the maul. The Blues utilised the width of the pitch to try and find space to score but it wasn’t until a further lineout with a superb driving maul gave Newbury a chase to show off their fast and accurate back line handling. The attack was sealed by Abbie Leadbitter carrying the ball over the line from the back of a ruck.

The Blues continued to dominate the game with their powerful lineout proving successful time and time again. The second try for the Blues came from one of these powerful lineouts as Meg Horwood was driven over the line to increase Newbury’s lead and keep the home team without points in the first half.

The second half provided opportunity for the backline to stretch their legs and show the supporters some of the speed the Blues harbour. A perfect link up between Ellen Thornton and Anna Kryzyżanowska allowed Amy Turner to fly past defenders and over the line.

Reading Abbey came back at the Blues and despite Zoe Vaughan’s dominant break through the Abbey defence the home team gained the ball and despite Newbury’s best effort to keep them out, the home team bundled over the line for their only points in the game.
Newbury used this try to fire themselves up and push back at Reading Abbey. The final try, giving a bonus point win came from Hettie Martín-Hierro tucked neatly under the posts as space was found to advance once more.

The boot of Sadie Mansell added to the team’s glory as her conversions upped the final score to 5-24.

Both Newbury Women’s teams will be playing next week as they face Dorking and London Irish in their leagues. The 1st XV hope to gain another win off the back of this week’s triumph and the 2nd XV aim to continue their winning streak.