A double win weekend for Newbury Women as they continued with their league fixtures.

The 2nd XV played Windsor at home and finished with a comfortable score of 53-26.

The sun was out and the vibes were high as Newbury Women's 2s prepared to host their first home game of the season against Windsor Dames.

Newbury started strong from receiving the kick off, with 9 Maisie Litchfield running a try in within a few phases. Fullback Vicky Murdoch followed suit soon after, though the Dames were undeterred and put in some strong forward runs to create a break and find their way through for their first try. Both teams were competitive and the spirits were high. Newbury came through with a fantastic combination of forceful forward tries from the likes of Caitlin Steptoe, Annie Rankin and Rachel Hanna, as well as well executed (and beautiful to watch) backs moves from the likes of Vicky Murdoch and Beth Roch. Whilst Windsor showed great grit and determination and produced a fantastic combination of their own tries.

The 1st XV travelled to Henley to face the Hawks having not played against them since both teams were in Championship 1.

An early try from Henley with a quick outside runner put them ahead early. This was fuel for Newbury as they returned the ball to Henley at the restart but hard pressing defence from the likes of Fae Cutler and Sophie Forrester forced Henley’s mistakes and Blues gained possession. Rapid movement of ball and into identified open space, winger Jenny Buckley dotted down over the line for Newbury’s first try.

Finding their feet and gaining momentum the Blues went strength to strength. Strong carries paired with controlled cross field kicks kept play in Henley’s half. Newbury converted their advantage into a try by Abbie Michelow crashing through the defence.

Quickly the Blues added to the score sheet again with Meg Carter converting the advantage from returned kicks bringing the half time score to 19-7.

Henley opened the second half with another quick try, moving the Newbury defence until gaps opened for their rapid backs to move through.

Newbury doubled down on the home team and their scrum strength flattened their opposition, repeatedly gaining possession and advantage.

The home team would score again but it was a little too late as Newbury continued to control the game and push play into Henley’s half and gain points every time.

The final score at full time was 17-31 giving Newbury’s 1st XV another win for the league.