The going was tough with underfoot conditions causing instability within the scrums and high winds challenging the lineouts, but the Blues brought the fight and fire to gain a win in their final match going into the Christmas break.

It was Newbury’s persistent defence that repeatedly shut down Cullompton’s hard hitting charging ball carriers and aggression at the rucks.

Flanker, Becks Reeves was key in the defensive rucks with her ability to steal possession and convert play into attack. This intensity in play allowed Newbury to get out of trouble when Cullompton were advancing.

The score remained 0-0 until a period of sustained pressure close to the Cullompton line saw Tilly Burn dive over to open the scoring for Newbury.

The match ebbed and flowed with no clear control until a superb pick from Emma Robinson off the back of the scrum forced a one on one against the winger. With a well-timed handoff, Robinson crashed over the line to take the Blues further ahead.

The penalty count for both teams was higher than wanted but playing off a well-positioned penalty for the Blues, the forwards charged into the Cullompton defence for two phases before releasing the backs with Georgia Smith on the end of the line being able to hold off the defensive winger to dot the ball down. A conversion added to the score brought Newbury ahead to 0-17.

Although opportunities for further points were available, the stop start nature of the fixture meant play was not very fluid and the backs had little ball to play with and complete opportunities.

The Women’s section go into the Christmas break and return to Monks Lane for a double header with the 1st and 2nd XV on 11th January.

Final score: 0-17