With Bicester unable to field a full XV, the game was played 12 v 12, and it had all the pace and width you might expect from such a game! With all that space out wide to play with, Newbury’s number 13, Abi Raymond had plenty of space to run in both the first try of the game and her first try for Newbury. Another opportunity on the wing, combined with controlled but quick hands in the back line, allowed Vicky Murdoch to crash over the try line less than five minutes later. A wandering tee made conversions difficult for the kickers. 10-0 to Newbury.

The third try for the ladies in pink also came down the left-hand side of the pitch, with winger Roisin Winston making plenty of yards. Her pace, combined with a clinical offload to Kirsty Batten, allowed Kirsty to tiptoe over the line and around the corner to touch down under the posts. The travelling opposition was not to be defeated and put up a strong defence, but with Krzyzanowska now on the pitch, there was little they could do to stop another try. Another well-timed offload to captain, Jennifer Mennel pushed the score up to 20-0.

By half-time the Vixens were struggling with a few injuries, pulling their numbers down from 12 to 9. But, thanks to a few extra Newbury players swapping shirts, the game was able to continue. The experience of the borrowed players brought more structure to Bicester’s play and allowed them to put first 5, then 10 points onto the board. The addition of two great conversions pulled the score up to 20-14.

Undeterred by Bicester’s newfound structure, Newbury found their own rhythm once again. After a strong line-out, Newbury demonstrated their signature strong ball carrying to put Vixens on the back foot. A stunning crash line from number 4, Natalie Bridges, saw her strike straight through the defence and straight across the whitewash to gain the fifth try for the Blues. 25-14.

With uncontested scrums and a few handling errors from the home side, Bicester soon found themselves with possession once again. They made good use of the ball and finished off the game with a final try and a third conversion, closing the score at 25-21 to Newbury.

A special shout-out must go to Newbury coach Henry Shannon, who (upon the discovery that there was no referee to officiate the game) stepped in with a whistle and a pair of tracksuit bottoms to ensure the match could go ahead.

The game was a brilliant show of women’s rugby and a true testament to the spirit of the game, with both teams showing real growth throughout.

This Sunday (20th March), Newbury’s 1st XV will be inviting Collumpton down to Monks Lane for their return fixture. The women in blue will be looking to maintain their winning streak in front of a home crowd. Join us for what will undoubtedly be another fantastic display of rugby. KO – 2.30pm.