Sussex @ Home (10-27 loss)

Finally the first game of the season was upon us, and for some of the freshers it was the first game of their lives! Unfortunately this did mean it took us a while to settle into the swing of things and with our 12 taking an early injury leaving her on the sideline for most of the first half we also had to compete with a shift in positions as well as a mix of experience. Sussex worked to their game-plan which was effective in the first half leading to a couple of tries on the far wings (one of which was a not so try but the less said about that the better) and a couple of good breaks. Their competency showed as by the end of the first 40 minutes they were 4 tries up (albeit with no conversions)

The second half was where we stepped up the mark and became the team we've trained to be. Sussex got an early break with a sole sprinter leading to a try under the posts and a conversion. However our defensive organisation and support finally got under way and they never managed a break after that. Some epic tackles were made all round blocking off every attack from every angle. Needless to say 'tweedle dum' and 'tweedle dee' (who should have been off due to injury) both came on in the second half to see the game out. Some bold streaks to make ground from the backs was followed up with strong forward phase play. One try was held up only for us to come back 5 minutes later in the same manner for one that counted. Our second try happened in very much the same way as we dominated the rucks and again forced our way over their line. 

The game finished KCL 10 - Sussex 27 however by winning the second half we've already shown a lot of positives in our first game in a new league. 

Notable Mentions:

Try scorers - Anna MacDonald & Harriet Orrell(C)

Forward of the match - Joëlle Nadeau

Back of the match - Hannah Branford

Dick of the day - Hannah Branford ("Not round her neck you bitch!" & "grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!")

Congratulations on everyone for their first match for KCL Women's Rugby and congratulations to all those who played their first game ever. You've done yourselves proud :)