Thanks to Graeme for this match Report
Woodbridge Amazons traveled away to Harlow hoping to secure a win and eradicate memories of recent back-to-back defeats, which dashed their league title aspirations.
The conditions were not ideal but the muddy pitch and strong cross-winds couldn’t dampen the visitors’ high spirits who started well taking only seven minutes to get on the scoreboard. Solid possession from the start saw the Amazon’s work their way up the pitch for Brickley to make a strong run from just inside the 22 for the first try of many.
Woodbridge took control of the restart using the whole field, shipping the ball out wide to Black for try number two, converted by Robinson. Robinson continued her fine form, having moved in to the number 12 shirt, taking less than two minutes from the restart to power through three tackles to secure a third try for the visitors.
Harlow began to look strong after the restart and certainly had the measure of the Amazons in the maul. However, an unforced error from the home side turned the balance of play back in favour of the Amazons; Felstein forcing her way over the line for try number four, converted on this occasion by Stopard-Baker.
Continuous strong team effort and excellent rucking resulted in a fifth try for the visitors when Kelly pushed the ball over the line on the far right wing. Stopard-Baker ended the first half scoring with a 40-yard dash, fighting off two hard tackles on the way, shortly followed by her own conversion.
The second half started the way the first had ended with the Amazons enjoying good possession, field position and ultimately points, with another 40-yard run, this time by Dewberry. Despite Harlow losing players through injury they looked a lot stronger in the second half, especially in the scrums, where a number of balls were stolen against the head. However, it was again the unforced errors that put the home team under pressure with a knock on, leading to clean ball from the scrum, followed swiftly by try number eight from Stopard-Baker – her second of the day.
The restart saw Woodbridge driven deep inside their own 22 but just as quickly as Harlow looked a threat near the try line, a cheeky little steal saw the ball taken back up the field in two plays allowing Dewberry to secure her second of the day. Conversion of the Amazons’ ninth try brought the rout to a close.
An all-round solid performance by everyone, tight scrums and sleek line outs just proved too much for the Harlow ladies, who in fairness, never gave up. The match ended 59-0, firmly cementing the smiles on Amazons’ faces as they march forward hoping to regain second position in the league.
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