A tough opener for The Blues

The long drive to Devon was full of nervous energy for the first game of the season against friendly rivals Cullompton.

The match opened with well rehearsed phase play controlled by Devon Holt and a solid Newbury scrum giving a good platform. However, a struggling Newbury line out and resultant penalty gave Cullompton an early upper hand and they seized the opportunity to ship the ball quickly, crossing the line out wide. 5-0.

The restart gave Lizzie Harris a chance to stretch her legs but the Cullompton defence proved too strong. A well drilled Cullompton line out and strong attacking phases continued to test the Newbury defence. Despite textbook tackles in the midfield from Emma Swinton and Niki Paton, Cullompton managed to find a way through. 10-0.

Another restart for Newbury and another rapid chase down by the tireless Rosie Archard. Newbury pressure led to one of many scrums which ensured Becky Wilson, having her first run out at number 8, was able to enjoy a pick and go, or seven...

An uncharacteristic high tackle from Cullompton gave Newbury their first chance at points. Chloe Hunt fancied her chances from the tee. 10-3.

Cullompton were quick to retaliate; holding up Newbury in the tackle gave them the scrum put in and the base required for their unstoppable runners to cross for their third try. 17-3.

Pressure from Archard caused a Cullompton knock on. The 8 pick from Wilson helped Newbury find their groove and play some excellent phases but a kick from Robinson was unfortunately a little too long and crossed the dead ball line before it could be touched down.

There continued to be glimmers of Newbury’s best play, including Harris’ ever present sidestep, but Cullompton’s brutal physicality all over the park ensured Newbury couldn’t gain points. The energy sweets came out early demonstrating how hard everyone was working to keep Cullompton from scoring for a quarter of an hour.

Newbury really had to grind in defence as Cullompted inched up the pitch. Forward wannabe Flo Piddlington wore the 6 jersey for the first time and proved to be a real asset, particularly in defence which at times was all Newbury was able to do. Relentless attack from Cullompton once again saw them close to scoring but for a Mason intercept 5 meters out. The scramble to clear was calmed by the trusty boot of Ashley Hunter with Harris’ chase proving to be a nuisance to the Cullompton counter attack.

Newbury saw a major blow in the first half by the loss of Holt and her calm control of Newbury’s attacking play. However, ‘any position’ Piddlington stepped in and helped Newbury put pressure on the Cullompton attack. This pressure was rewarded with a Paton intercept and rapid 25m break putting the Blues back on the front foot.

The advantage was short lived and minor mistakes let Cullompton enjoy their style of rugby and the 10 found another gap in the Newbury defence to cross the line. Another try mercilessly followed immediately after. 27-3 at the half.

The second half began frantically for both teams with little mistakes on both sides. A break from bulldozing Hunter seemed to motivate the Blues but it was once again short-lived. Newbury conceded a penalty which Cullompton were quick to capitalize on with a breakaway try. 32-3

A Cullompton turnover at the breakdown and it was the blindside flanker’s turn to have a break this time. Harris made one of her many try saving tackles but Cullompton were relentless with ball in hand. A few phases and Cullompton crossed again with another following shortly after. 42-3.

Despite the deficit Newbury kept their heads high and kept chipping away at Cullompton. A line out steal by Archard inside the Newbury 22 undoubtedly stopped another Cullompton score. Dreamy team work in the midfield saw Robinson hold up a player while Swinton ripped the ball. This set Harris up for a break through the defence and a timely offload to Archard who shipped to Paton to finish the play off and give Newbury some very welcome points in the dying minutes. 42-8.

Blues have a week to address coach Darran’s work on points before facing newly promoted Portsmouth at home on 15th Sep.

Forward of the match for dedication to the team and calm nature tearing up the opposition’s defence- Ashley Hunter.

Back of the match for her supporting running lines in attack and her consistency in defence, getting better in every game - Lozzie Price-Richards.