Basford U18's v Worthing

Sunday 28th October 2007


Overcast, grey, damp and showers – much more like the weather we come to expect when playing and watching rugby!

Rochford were pleased to welcome the girls and coaches from Worthing RFC for this first meeting of the clubs outside of the Worthing 10’s Festival – the Basford girls really appreciate the long journey made by Worthing and hope they enjoyed the day.

The game was played with 14 a side, with Worthing taking the kick off to start the game. Basford immediately started to press forward and took the ball into the Worthing half. Unfortunately, an intercepted pass led to the Worthing no 12 making the most of her pace, and she streaked away for the first score of the game with the Basford girls left for dead. An excellent kick took the extra points and Worthing led 0 – 7.
Going behind seemed to spur the Basford girls on and after two tries being ‘held up’ by some great Worthing defence, Sophie managed to get the ball down for the first Basford score 5 – 7.
A period of play between the 20m lines followed until the Basford forwards showed their dominance, pressing forward until Natalie managed to break the Worthing defence to score 10 – 7.
Basford continued to press forward through their pack, with the Basford ‘wing prop’ Sarah C making a storming run with three defenders hanging onto her! Some excellent Worthing defence led to another three opportunities being ‘held up’, until Sophie again, running from scrum half, managed to score her second 15 – 7, which was promptly followed by her hat trick (Cheers for the jug Dom!) 20 – 7 at half time.

The second half started with Worthing again being quicker out the blocks and providing the first score of the half 20 – 12.
Again this spurred the Basford girls on, and they pressed forward winning a penalty on the Worthing 20m line. The ball came out to the backs, with Frenchie making a good run up to the 5m line. The ball eventually came out to Shivy who crossed the line for a Basford score 25 – 12.
Basford continued to dominate territory and following a line-out on the 5m line, Natalie run in to score her second 30 – 12.
The Basford girls then produced the best move of the game – just outside their own 20m, Charlie took the ball in to contact, gave a great off-load to Frenchie who ran 35m, popped the ball to Sarah C, who then gave the ball for Natalie to score her hat trick (Cheers for the jug Tony!) – a great move and a great try 35 – 12.
Having done it once, Basford repeated the feat with another great move that led to Sarah C scoring a much deserved try, to make the final score 40 – 12.

Again, many thanks to Worthing for making the journey, and well done to the Worthing girls for putting up such stout resistance – we all hope that the player who had to be carried off after being injured in the last tackle of the game makes a speedy recovery. We look forward to meeting you all again later in the season.


Final result: Rochford / Basildon 40 – Worthing RFC 12.