U18 Girls narrowly miss out in National Cup

On Sunday 13th November, the Loughborough Cluster (including 10 players from Market Harborough and 2 from Oakham) travelled to Ashfield. This was a key fixture, as a Win would mean top spot in the Pool for either Team. Ashfield, who were only able to field 12 players, used the slope to good advantage and scored 3 tries in the first quarter. Having been on the back foot in the scrum, the LHO Forwards started to win good ball and take the game to their opposition. After a period of prolonged pressure headed by Gina Watson, Jasmine Eames crossed the line for a well-taken try. Phoebe Andrews added the conversion to reduce the deficit to 15-7 at Half Time.

In the 2nd Half, LHO continued to apply pressure; however against the run of play, Ashfield scored next to extend the lead to 22-7. LHO were not going to give-in and found a style of play that delighted the spectators. Lovely interplay between Forwards & Backs sliced open the defence and resulted in an excellent try from Tia Rich.

With momentum very much in the favour of LHO, it was frustrating to see a number of decisions go against the Visitors, particularly when a crucial score was awarded to the opposition scrum-half, despite a knock-on and being off-side. Nevertheless, LHO never stopped fighting and following numerous charging runs from Ellen Ramsbottom, the ball was worked down the pitch and culminated in a try for Caitlin Haresign. Once again, the whole team dug deep and completely out played Ashfield. LHO were unstoppable now and the ever-sniping Lily Perrin crossed the line for LHO’s 4th try, which was duly converted by Gina. The Final Whistle blew : Ashfield had scraped the win 27-24.

The Girls should be very proud of their determined fight-back in the 2nd Half. They certainly ended the game the stronger team and were very unlucky not to take the deserved Win.

Squad : Phoebe Andrews, Sabine Brewster, Isabella Cranwell, Jasmine Eames, Lucy Gardner, Caitlin Haresign, Ella Herbert, Cassie Holyoak, Lily Perrin, Ellen Ramsbottom (captain), Tia Rich, Jordan Snow, Rose Smith, Gina Watson, Hannah West, Emily Wetherill, Eleanor Wilkinson