Despite the torrential rain, Newbury brought home a convincing 5-31 win against Andover.
The scrum count was high due to the expected handling issues in the weather giving both teams opportunity for attack with ball in hand.

Newbury looked determined as they marched forward in attack. Sadly, a penalty was awarded to Andover five metres from the line which they cleared to a lineout to remove Newbury’s initial threat of a score.

The lineout was merely a challenge for the Blues and with a defensive jump and reach from Innas Sillence, the ball was regained for the Blues. A quick reaction at the back of the lineout from Amy Moody paired with a determined charge saw Newbury back into the red zone and threatening.

The attacking play was completed by the back line with a timely side step, gap creation and finally finding the overlap on the wing. Ellie Armstrong crossed the line to give Newbury the lead.

The poor weather conditions continued but both teams fought on.

Newbury remained in control and although attempting to challenge at the ruck, Andover were penalised for not releasing.

The quick tap was taken by Fouin pushing Andover on the backfoot. A neat pass out to the wide channel released Maddi Atherfold on the run making yards and forcing Andover back further. A high tackle on Atherfold gave Newbury another penalty within fifteen metres of the line.

Hard ball carries and an organised backline saw the Blues charge into Andover. Play was building forward and the backline was set with space but a solid pick and go from the back of the ruck saw River Lewis force the ball over the line. Again, paired with Fouin’s boot the score increased for Newbury to 0-14.

Andover fought back from the kick off and with a couple of breakaway runs they were able to dismantle the Newbury defence and release their speedy winger to edge around any chasing defenders to get some points on the board themselves.

This did not affect Newbury as they bounced back and continued to challenge Andover whether attacking or defending.

A scrum five metres out was easy pickings for the Blues as Moody, in at 8, broke away with the ball and stormed over the line for her first try with Newbury.

The second half was even stronger from Newbury as they continued to dominate in the contact areas with their speed to the breakdown and aggression in the jackal. This work put Andover under pressure and knock-ons were more prevalent.

As in the first half, a Newbury scrum five metres from the line set for an easy try. This time, it was scrum half Hettie Martin-Hierro who took the ball and stepped her way across the line.

A now tiring Andover were slowing in their reactions and Martin-Hierro would have a second try before ethe end of the game. This came from a gentle grubber kick through the defence. With no full back in place, she chased through, cleared up the ball and speedily crossed the line before the defence could react. A conversion by Laura Smith on her 50th cap for the Blues brought the game to full time and a win to continue their streak.

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