KCL Alumni Games (Loss)

The annual Alumni game is always one of the most fun event of the year where our old girls rejoin us for one match – as the opposition! This year at Honor Oak Park the weather was particularly awful, but spirits were high as our new freshers were eager to play and both teams were excited to be catch up after a long summer.

Because of the lack of alumni forwards, scrums had to be uncontested, which was unfortunately in Alumni favour as our scrum is definitely one of our biggest attributes. On the up side, this saved the forwards energy for tackling and defence, which after a sloppy start really became more organised with tackles going lower and hits getting bigger. Particularly our freshers showed commitment and determination as they thrust themselves into what for most of them was their first real taste of the game.

Our practically new back line with Jas as 12 and a vocal Claire as 10 showed great potential for development with their confidence and dare and helped in defence as much as forwards. They definitely laid the groundwork for moving into more advanced passing and moves in the future. Old girls continuously supported and directed, which was a great factor in our improved play. Once again: rugby is learning by doing! We saw this particularly when we only were penalised twice, which is really impressive considering the experience of the team. The same can’t be said about the alumni girls (looking at you, Sara Eskola) who awarded us many metres of free play throughout the match.

Unfortunately, we could not keep up with the long legs of ex-president Lilly and the experience of our alumni who have played together for so many years. In the end, we had to grant them a win, but not without mutual feelings of pride and respect.

After the post-game cheer, we all gathered around for the awarding of the very first Joanne Smith Award for Dedication, Selflessness and Adversity in memory of alumni Alice and Emily Smith’s mother Joanne who passed away this summer. The award was presented to current captain Lynn Januszewski. Joanne was an immensely loved part of the team and her support and kindness will continue to be part of the KCLWRFC spirit.

Finally, thanks for coming out to play a great game, whether you were fresher, senior, alumni or ‘old girl’!

Result: Currently unsure, but a lot of alumni tries (if anyone knows, please message Celina)
Forward of the match: Helen
Back of the match: Jasmine
Joanne Smith Award for Dedication, Selflessness and Adversity: Lynn