Newbury women fall to Beckenham Ladies

Newbury Women’s section had both their 1st and 2nd XV teams out for league fixtures on Sunday.

The 1st XV were facing Beckenham whilst the 2nd XV team hosted Farnham at Monks Lane.

Newbury’s 1st XV faced brutal underfoot conditions as the rain continued to fall before play started.

Beckenham’s star player at full back had a precise and lengthy kick and the home team utilised this early to gain ground and defend against the Blues forward moving attack. Their first try came from a kick chase that they were able to charge over the try line after a penalty against the Blues five metres out from the line.

Conditions caused an increase in knock-ons from both teams and also made scrummaging difficult. Newbury were able to leave their mark on the scrums but Beckenham utilised a turnover of possession from the back of the scrum and found space out wide to touch down for their second try.

Newbury continued to attack into Beckenham’s half and looked threatening but the phases were never able to be completed as Beckenham either pressured with defence or were able to clean up and utilise any possession kicks.

The second half saw only one score from Beckenham as Newbury fought ferociously to close down any advances but this score came from an eight pick at the scrum and a well drilled Beckenham back line who cleanly executed an overlap and scored in the corner bringing their lead to 19-0.

Despite great advances by the likes of centurion Meg Horwood and her other back row players, Tilly Burn and Becks Reeves the Blues could not find the line to fight back on the score board.

A great defensive fight was had as Newbury held on and kept Beckenham from crossing the line again and the fight and determination shown by all was admirable.

The Blues go again next week against a travelling Thurrock at home at Monks Lane.