Gutsy Blues unable to close out against Guildford

The Christmas break wasn't to be found in evidence at Newbury ladies' first game of the year, with both teams looking sharp and full of running from the first whistle.

From the platform of their strongest set piece performance to date, the Blues' back line were able to whip the ball out and probe Guildford’s defence.

Strong ball carrying by Newbury and British Army rugby players Carrie Smith and Becky Wilson gained valuable territory for the visitors, but Guildford’s aggressive work at the breakdown enabled them to disrupt the Blues' progress, and gain several vital turnovers.

With Guildford conceding multiple penalties in their own half, the Blues looked to apply pressure early by electing for the posts. A rebound from Hunt's boot very nearly capitalised upon to open the scoring.

However, it was the home side who took the initial points. The decision to carry blind from the scrum releasing the Gazelles' pacey fullback to work round under the posts for the straightforward conversion.

Guildford’s second came from an early release from a maul at the line out. Newbury's defence, resilient throughout the match, unable to stop such a strong ball carrier, given a little more space than usual.

The Blues, though in deficit on the scoreboard, retained composure and began to string their phases together. Forward of the match Kirsty Batten applying pressure at the breakdown and winning several turnovers of her own.

From a quickly taken penalty, Newbury ended the first half with a well taken try, with hooker Hunt drawing the last defender to allow outside centre Sophie Dowson in at the corner.

Buoyed by their first, and now working down hill in the second half, the Blues work ethic and fitness began to pay dividends, with gains im possession and territory.

Newbury’s second try was a joint effort, with the elusive running of scrum half and back of the match Devon Holt carrying the ball deep into the Gazelle's 22, number eight Kat Smith driving the ball within metres, before Holt picked up the offload to touchdown out wide.

The final twenty minutes saw Newbury dominating possession and territory, but unable to complete the last pass to ensure the victory.

The last five minutes were played within ten metres of Guildford’s try line. The final whistle garnered an audible sound of relief from the home crowd.

Despite the defeat head coach Joe Harwood was happy with the performance
“The team executed the game plan and did everything asked of them, we were 95% there”

The Blues next face Ellingham and Ringwood at home on January 13th. Support is always welcome!

Tries:
S. Dowson 1
D. Holt. 1