U15's at Welwyn Warriors

Welwyn Warriors played host today as both Basford and Saracens decended on their Hobbs lane ground.

On a day when the pitches had recovered really well from the recent downpours and with sun shining all 3 teams contributed to some excellent and entertaining rugby.

Both Saracens and Welwyn had welcome visitors included in their teams today, with Alex and Robyn from London Irish making the long journey across to Welwyn. Alex turning out for Saracens and Robyn for Welwyn meant that all 3 sides were able to field a full 13 out on the pitch.

The first game saw Welwyn take on Saracens, and what a game this turned out to be. From the whistle the game was played at a terrific pace with neither side giving an inch.
Saracens took the lead early on with a well worked try from Alice Finn, and continued to press to try and stretch their advantage, but the Welwyn defence stood up to everything being thrown at them and in turn continued to harass the Saracens defence and mid way through the 2nd half they were rewarded for their pressure with Sam Voyle going over to level the scores.
The game was being played at such a pace, with big tackles being put in by both teams all around the pitch.
The full time score of 5-5 was probably a just result, as neither team deserved to lose following that performance.

After a short break, Welwyn took to the field to play Basford. Again the game was played with a high tempo with the Basford forwards making and receiving some big hits. The backs were seeing plenty of ball throughout and made some lovely runs at the Welwyn line.
A couple of lovely breaks from the centres allowed Alex and Olivia to cross the line to score tries with Maddy Converting one of them.
Turning round at half time with a 12-0 lead, the Basford girls continued to press, but were caught on a couple of occasions with some lovely breaks from, Sam, Georgia and Courtney. Only some resolute defending stopped welwyn from bringing the scores level.
Yas had found her kicking boots today and she put a couple of long balls upfield to try and put Rachel under pressure, who responded by running the ball straight back through the Basford defence.
The Basford girls were slowly starting to play the ball across the park to try and stretch the Welwyn defence, and a nice break through the centre from Alex was halted just short of the line but she managed to off load to mouse who only had to fall over the line to make it 17-0.
Shortly after the forwards stole the ball in a maul and some quick play saw Abbie free out on the wing to run at the Welwyn line, having evaded a couple of tackles she managed to cross the line for 22-0.
Alex crossed for her 2nd try just before the final whistle to make the final score
27-0 to Basford.
As with the first game this was end to end rugby with both teams refusing to lay down.

The final game saw Basford take on Saracens. As with the previous games this was placed at a fast pace, with the boot of Claire putting the Basford defence on the back foot on a couple of occasions. Neither of the two packs were going to give an inch, and for long periods the game was centred around the middle of the park.When ever one side tried to free their backs to run at the other team,they were quickly shut down.
First blood was drawn by Basford when Abbie made a break down the left and managed to hold of the last ditch tackle from Alex to go over for 5-0, with Maddy converting to make it 7-0. The girls soon found themselves desperately defending their line as Saracens launched attack after attack at them. When the Girls were penalised for failing to roll away just outside their 5m line, they were punished when a quickly taken penalty from claire was spun wide to give Alice space to go over in the corner to make it 7-5.
Turning round for the second half, again both teams refused to give an inch, however Alice found a gap to step inside and go over the line for her 2nd try to give Saracens a 10-7 lead.
As the game wore on the Saracens defence didnt look like they were going to be beaten, and with it inflict only the 2nd defeat on the Basford girls this season.
However with only a couple of minutes remaining, Abbie again stepped outside and made a break down the wing and again despite some great tackles managed to stay on her feet and cross for her second try to give Basford a 12-10 lead.
With barely time to restart the girls were relieved to hear the referee blow up for full time. Another victory but one that had to be fought for and ground out the hard way.

Final Results:
Welwyn Warriors 5 Saracens 5
Basford 27 Welwyn Warriors 0
Saracens 10 Basford 12

Well done to each and every girl who played today and made it an enjoyable day for all those who watched from the sidelines.


Welwyn Warriors Courtney,Oren,Becky,Jade,Ellie,Abi,Olivia,Abbie,Rachel,
Sidney,Sam,Georgia and Robyn.


Saracens
Sarah,Hannah,Alice,Clare,Megan,Sydnie,Sophie,
Chloe,Charlotte,Natalie,Ellie,Michelle,Melissa and Alex

Basford Ellie,Amy,Alice,Megan,Francis,Lucie,Yasmin,Layla,Alex,Olivia,Jess,Abbie,Maddy,Emma

Thanks to all at Welwyn for your hospitality.
Thanks again to Alex and Robyn and Georgia for coming along to play with the girls.

I think everyone who watched these games today will agree that each and every girl did themselves and their clubs proud.
What a teffific advertisment for Girls rugby.!!!!!!