Friendly: LSE (19-0)

On this beautiful Sunday, we had our first proper game of the season - a friendly with our Strand neighbours, LSE, who are always great fun to play. It was the first game for many, many of our freshers and we're very happy to walk away victoriously, partly due to our great play, but also because lucky charm mascots Sarah and dog Luna were there to cheer us on (see photo with Paz below.. who's more excited, Paz or puppy??)

The scrums were initially contested and LSE dominated these and stole many of our balls. After injuries, we went to uncontested, though, which really put us back in the game, though it's always frustrating for the forwards not to get really agro at the bind (though that didn't stop fresher Angharad, hehe). Forwards phases worked really well, using our pod and rucking training to break the gain line and secure our balls - very few turnovers, yay!

Our backline showed excellent ball handling skills and managed to outrun the LSE defense on multiple occasions - shoutout to Reagan, Chiara, Marie-Lys and Helen, who really made a massive push for our first try, executed straight by the book. Defensively, tackles were solid from backs and forwards throughout the game, stopping even strong, tall LSE girls in their tracks. Special mention to freshers Ree and Tash who put in some try-stopping tackles and Paz who had a moment of fame as fullback.

In the final 20 minutes, LSE were getting frustrated at not using their opportunities properly, and we had to defend at our try line for 15 minutes, mauling, holding up balls and making turn-overs in the ruck. We were absolutely WHEEZING by the end, but still managed to kick and chase soooo many balls, keep our composure and play to the whistle. EXCELLENT PLAY!

Tries: Chiara (1), Mariama (1), Marie-Lys (1)
Conversions: Chloe (2)
Forwards of the day: Rosie and Jess
Backs of the day: Marie-Lys and Reagan
Dick of the Day: Angharad for hooking in LSE's uncontested scrum... woopsie