U18 GIRLS: LEEK/LONGTON (STAFFS CUP)

Tamworth under 18 girls traveled to Leek on Sunday 3rd March for an episode in their Staffordshire Cup campaign where a successful match ensued. The girls played a sixty minute long match, initially starting with 10-a-side teams, before it was adjusted with Tamworth players loaned to the opposition allowing for the numbers on the pitch to increase to 12 players for Leek/Longton and 11 for Tamworth. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the result was 14-66 in favour of Tamworth.

The first half of the game amounted to a score of 7-54. The scoresheet started out with tries from Ayala, Lucie and Grace, two of three which were converted by Martha and Brogan - however Tamworth racked-up these early score within the opening 20 minuets of the game and so some adjustment was implemented with Tamworth players (Lucie and Poppy) switching to play for the opposition. More tries followed from Ayala x2, Martha, Millie and Becky, all which were converted by Brogan! However, after her success at scoring, Millie too was swapped to the opposition’s team and she scored Leek/Longtons first try of the game which was successfully converted.

Additional adjustment to the teams came at half time with Grace and Poppy exchanging their roles of playing for Tamworth/the opposition. The first converted try of the half came from Lucie, who wore the Leek/Longton shirt at the time, Tamworth immediately responded with a try of their own—thanks to Ella’s powerful drive. It was converted successfully by Brogan. At that point the game was stopped for the players and coaches to discuss if/how to proceed given that the 50 point differential had been reached.

Leek/Longton wanted to proceed and play our the remainder of the match and again crossed the line via Lucie, unfortunately the conversion attempt was not successful. Tamworth continued to work hard and were rewarded with a further four tries (Tia, Libby x2 and Brogan) with Brogans kicking on top form she successfully converted three of the four.

Dames of the game were Izzy for the backs and Tia for the forwards. Every movement and opportunity that Izzy took, saw her make ground as well being a pressuring defender in the game. Tia also made many meters for Tamworth through her powerful carries as well as providing great support and effective rucking.

Match report by: Grace Jay