As their Alter ego "Essex County", the Basford girls last weekend played host to Kent and Sussex at Southend.
On what was a cold,crisp but dry day both age groups arrived at Southend full of confidence following recent results both as the County and Club side.
U18's
The first game of the day saw Kent up against Sussex in what was an evenly fought game which following a couple of well worked tries went in Kents favour 12-0.
Essex v Kent
The 2nd game of the day saw our girls up against a strong Kent side who had gained the upper hand in the previous clash at Aylesford 12-0.
Determined to make up for this uncharacteristic defeat, the girls were quickly into their stride and from the kick off the ball was well gathered by Fi who played it straight out to Scottie who then whipped a quick ball out to Shiv on the wing to start the 1st of many runs at the Kent defence.
With the front row of Sarah MCB, Jemma and Sam hitting everything that ran at them it allowed the backs to get quick ball and run at the Kent line and supported at every breakdown by Meg and Frances, Jen was like a little terrier feeding of every mistake the Kent girls made and playing some terrific ball out to the centres.
It didnt take the girls long to break the line, and Jen fed Scottie who dummied the defender and ran from the half way line to go over right under the post. Scottie then converting the kick to make it 7-0.
With the forwards gaining the upper hand against a much bigger Kent pack it allowed the backs to continually run at Kent and some terrific phases of play between, Scottie, India, Frenchie, Kez and Sophie soon gave Scottie the opportunity to go over in the corner to make it 12-0.
Turning round in the 2nd half, Kent made a few changes up front which momentarily gave them the upper hand and following a couple of probing runs allowed Kent to go over to make it 12-5.
Essex made a couple of changes bringing on Siobhan, Anna and Tash which gave the line some fresh legs and it wasnt long before Jen had recylced the ball and quickly fed Scottie who went over for her 3rd try of the day which she converted to give a final score to Essex 19-5.
Essex v Sussex
With Sussex looking to make their mark following their defeat to Kent, the game started with at a fast pace, however as with the Kent game the Essex forwards were in no mood to give an inch and with Jen again hovering at the back of every ruck and maul she was giving plenty of ball to the centres to run at the Sussex line. Mid way through the first half the tenacious Frank again broke the line only to be dragged down, but with the forwards piling in to secure ball it was quickly fed back to Frank who this time needed no 2nd chance to go over to make it 5-0. With the game flowing from end to end, it wasnt long before Sussex recorded their 1st points of the day with a well worked try to make it 5-5.
Spured on by this, the Essex girls upped the pace and started to run at the Sussex line which resulted in a try for Jen after Frank had been held up inches short of the line. 10-5.
Sussex not to be outdone put a couple of lovely passes together and as their winger stepped inside and broke the Essex line she had a clear run to go over right under the posts and with the conversion being put away Sussex were in the lead 12-10 with 3 minutes on the clock.
From the restart Scottie put a high ball up into the Sussex defence which was knocked on and from the resulting scrum, Jen fed a quick ball out to Scottie who then drew the defender and popped a neat pass to Sophie to go over in the corner 15-12. Sussex put the ball deep into the Essex half from the restart but it was quickly gathered and put straight into touch with the Referee blowing up for the end of an exciting game of rugby.
U15's
The tournament’s opening game was between Kent and Sussex.
The match was fiercely fought with neither side wishing to concede a point. Kent dominated the forward play whilst the Sussex backs were the stronger of the two teams. Sussex scored first from a well worked move that resulted with a try in the corner. In the second half a further try followed the same attacking movement. Kent fought back bravely and their efforts were awarded with a try late in the game but the final result went to Sussex – winning 17-5.
Essex opening game was against Sussex, who had beaten them in a previous tournament played at the beginning of the season. The game was again a closely fought affair with each team dominating at different parts of the match. The Essex pack of Bron, Amy, Abbie, Maddie and Lucy continually drove into the opposition gaining valuable ground with the backs – Layla, Yaz, Hannah, Olivia, Addie G and Clare constantly breaking through their defensive line. The deadlock to this evenly fought game was finally broken by a determined run by the Essex Captain, Olivia Stembridge, fending off 2 defenders to score in the corner. Shortly after the restart Essex were awarded a penalty near to the Sussex line. Abbie Cook received a pop pass, scoring near to the posts, the final result 10-0 to Essex.
As darkness fell the last game of the day was between Essex and Kent. Even with the floodlights being turned on the lightwas fading fast and it became difficult for either team to really see the ball or what was happening around the pitch. With both teams making numerous mistakes the referee and both coaches agreed to abandon the game, which was classified as a draw.
Well done and congratulations to the U15’s for their tenacity and team spirit. This supports the view that with a full side they are more than a match for any county team.
Boack in the club house the presentations were made with each girl who took part getting a medal, then the Two trophies were presented to the Captains of the 2 victories sides.
Essex won the U18 triangular with 2 wins from 2 and the U15's won their triangular with a win and a draw from thier two games.
Presentations were also made as is the custom to the 2 captains who have led Essex admirably this season.
Congratulations to
Sarah MCB U18's
Olivia Stembridge U15's
Special thanks also to Southend rugby club for their hospitality on the day and to the Referees Steve Cleer, Ian McCready and Bob Lockwood.
Finally a big thanks to the Lady who makes Essex (and Basford) happen, Paula Bates who without her hard work week in week out the girls game would not be at the stage it is within the county.
match report courtesy of Jeff and Phil
