The Woodbridge Amazons miserable run in 2016 continued as the emerging form side of the division, the Wymondham Wasps carried off another major scalp. Having beaten league leaders Southwold a fortnight ago, the Norfolk side arrived in Woodbridge full of confidence. The hosts, on the other hand, were still reeling from defeats at Hammersmith and Fulham in the cup last week, and bragging rights after capitulation in the local derby two weeks before.
Things got off to a dreadful start for Woodbridge when the influential number eight Vicky Watts was helped off the field with a suspected broken ankle in the opening stages, and after a quick break, Wymondham fullback Kelsey Harpman scored the games opening try! Nicola Kaciubskyj converted and the travellers were 0-7 ahead. Gradually the hosts recovered and gained a foothold. Solid scrums ensured good quality ball for the backs and skipper Claire Brickley looked sharp.
Despite being camped in the Norfolk sides half for a good twenty minute period, the Amazons were unable to breach a well disciplined Wymondham defence and finally, after losing the feed at a scrum, the Wasps superstar number eight Libby Lockwood ran a hard line through tacklers for try number two. The half ended with the hosts down by 12 and a cause for concern.
In the second half Jody Lewin extended the lead to 17 and it was only then that the Woodbridge side began to react. Back to back tries from 40 metres out at the 55th and 60 minute mark from Centre Anna Dewberry lifted the Amazons gloom, and reduced the arrears to seven. Julie Tyler was then sin binned and Wymondham exploited the number advantage well. Harpman scored her second of the game as the visitors played with structure and great support running, now earning a 12 point advantage.
The Amazons character, that has lifted them throughout this campaign, once again shone and Chloe Stopard smashed her way over after a hectic period of good phases, converting her own try. Down by just 5, a massive effort to remain second in the league meant another thrilling finale for Woodbridge, but as in the previous weeks defeat, it was not to be on this Sunday. Another stinging defeat to cope with for the Amazons, and no respite as next week the ladies travel to Harlow, with several injuries to patch up along the way.
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