A Game of 2 Halves for U15 Girls

The Good…….
Market Harborough U15 Girls travelled to Oakham RUFC to host Mansfield RUFC in a New Year ‘friendly’. From the outset, Harborough took control of the game and applied pressure on the opposition. With some excellent interplay between Forwards and Backs, it was only a matter of time before Mansfield’s defence was going to be broken. After a number of phases of play, it was Hannah West who opened the scoring with an excellent team try. The opposition quickly responded with a try of their own. With the game finely poised, it was really encouraging to see Harborough not afraid to play expansive rugby. Following some strong runs from the Forwards (particularly Caitriona Deely, Rosie Tremlett and Eve Pollard), the ball was then distributed wide, where Sabine Brewster used her pace to cross the line. Phoebe Andrews successfully converted to make the score 12-5. This score wasn’t to last for long though. The subsequent re-start was gathered by Tahei Baikeinuku, who, with her trademark demolition of opposition defence, singlehandedly scored Harborough’s 3rd try. The strength of Tahei’s running was simply too much for Mansfield, as she soon crossed the line again. With Phoebe’s successful conversion making it 24-5, it was indeed an impressive start for 2016.

The Bad (& the Ugly)
Regrettably, the game turned a corner when Harborough lost their fly-half, as Hannah West left the field dazed following a high tackle. This undoubtedly affected the Girls, who had to re-shuffle the Backs. What then followed though was not expected by anyone. 6 unanswered tries from Mansfield resulted in a final score of 39-24 to the Visitors. Although this was a huge disappointment, it should not be forgotten that Harborough hadn’t played together since 22nd November. Fitness certainly played a factor in the second half as well, although all credit to the girls for not giving up, particularly Olivia Perrin, who continually pressurised her opposition scrumhalf.