U18 GIRLS: BURTON (STAFFS CUP)

The first cup game of the season was an amazing one. The Tamworth under 18 girls faced Burton RFC at their home ground and the pitch and conditions were ideal. Both teams fought hard but it was Tamworth who emerged victorious with a final score of 5-59.

The first half allowed for the team to play their first 15-a-side game of the year and after settling into the rhythm of the game, the team performed and gelled well together. Several line breaks were achieved by both the backs and the forwards, as well as dominant tackling from all. However, an injury from the Burton side meant that both teams had to drop down to fourteen players. This didn’t deter Tamworth and the score was 5-33 at half time with scores from Millie, Lucie, Brogan(2), and Ayala. Of the five conversion opportunities, Brogan successfully kicked four.

The second half was just as eventful with another player injury from Burton to bring the game down to 12-a-side. Again, this only opened up more opportunities for the Tamworth girls, with more tries being scored: Ayala, Lucie and Martha all scored a try each, and Caitlin her first one! In an almost poetic way it was achieved in a cup match against her former team at their home ground. Brogan converted again and just like in the first half, only missed one of the kicks. Towards the end of the game, Burton called the match early, which allowed for Tamworth to take the win.

Dames of the game were Poppy and Ellie: Poppy for her weaving runs and Ellie for her metre-making runs and defence. Though only two dames of the game were named all of the girls had a brilliant match. There were competitive line outs from the forwards and playmaking moves from the backs, both which propelled the team towards their tries. The team’s line-up allowed for a recipe of success, even with a few players still not game-fit.

Match report: Grace Jay