Dominant display by Blues Women but no win

The Blues faced London Irish for the first time this season and despite an early lead they were unable to keep it and Irish came away with the win.

Newbury made use of early penalties against the home team to demonstrate the power of their mauling lineout and the dominance of the Blues’ scrum. Space was found and the back line looked wide to score but couldn’t get through. A scrum penalty 5 metres from the line allowed Newbury’s Meg Horwood to carry the ball over for the first points of the game.

The Blues struck quickly again off the back of another successful scrum. A few lengthy passes and Sadie Mansell charged her way down the left hand side of the pitch but was stopped just shy of the line. Ball was recycled and found Anna Krzyzanowska on the other wing with plenty of space to charge through and gain Newbury’s second try.

Newbury continued to attack the green defence but Irish had upped the pressure forcing handling mistakes from the Blues giving them possession in the lineout. Although disruption in the lineouts from Emma Paton-Robinson and pressure on the 9 at scrums from Meg Horwood, Irish remained with possession as they swung the ball left to right to find a chink in the Blues’ defence. They finally bundled the ball over the line and converted to draw the score closer.

This new found go-forward from the home side propelled their attack forward and although a valiant chase was made by Vicky Murdoch the greens were back over the line to take the lead.

A stolen lineout by London Irish took possession away from Newbury. Tactical ground-gaining kicks from both teams provided opportunities for possession re-gain but it was the penalty given to Irish after a yellow card for Newbury that allowed them to extend their lead having created a gap in the disorganised Newbury defence.

The Blues were still fighting to stay in the game and proved this through their determination to turn over ball in rucks and govern in the scrums.

Having worked the ball up into Irish’s 22 the ball was robbed in a ruck and the home team gained significant meterage from a lengthy kick to touch. This attempt to gain further points was stopped by Newbury’s solid defence and the half ended before any points could be gained.

The second half was a showcase of Newbury’s scrummaging power and technique. Open play from a scrum within the Irish 22 gave Newbury the space and a quick-thinking Meg Horwood found space around the ruck and scored a much needed try. Meg Mason cleanly converted bringing Newbury level with London Irish.

Fire and fight was obvious in both teams but it was Irish who were able to squeeze another three tries into the second half. The Blues were denied a precious try that would have brought them closer to Irish but the game ended with a final score of 36-17 to London Irish.

Forward of the match - Abbie Leadbitter
Back of he match - Meg Mason

Neither Women’s team have a game next weekend but the following weekend sees fixtures for the 1st XV at home and the 2nd XV away.