After beginning the season with three away fixtures the Amazons finally enjoyed their home opener after respecting a minutes silence on Remembrance Sunday.
The visiting team from Harlow however, found very little to enjoy as a rash of injuries has depleted their squad and they began without substitutes. Their cruel luck continued as Jennifer Miller took a blow to the head in the opening moments, she would play no further part in the contest.
The Amazons, on the other hand, are positively buoyant right now, with skipper Claire Brickley and new coach Jane Stokes having to decide which players to leave off the team sheet! There was a hint of nerves in the early exchanges, with the first try scoring opportunity juggled away by a Woodbridge back out wide. Strong running from centre Leonie Mahon up the middle, and Beth Clapson out wide led to an opening try from Paula Ireland, a welcome return having missed the first three matches. Stacy Robinson converted and the hosts were 7 points up.
The Amazons rucking was considerably better than it has been, with back row forwards Julie Thatcher and Vicky Watts quickest to the breakdowns. Because of the quick ball the hosts were able to use the power running of Victoria Felstein and Sarah Simms to great affect around the fringes. A penalty right in front of the posts presented the chance for Robinson to extend the lead to 10 and after some elusive sprinting from captain Claire Brickley, Anna Dewberry touched down from close range before halftime.
In the second half the hosts continued to use all their replacements, a constant supply of fresh legs to wear away at the tiring Harlow defence. They lost another player when Jess Costanza had to be carried off with a suspected broken ankle, and from the resultant scrum a number 8 pick-up from Watts resulted in a third try.
Some great runs by Carmel Roisin created opportunities and the tireless work by hooker Maggie Kelly was finally rewarded as she popped up on the shoulder of Toni Bell to cap a wonderful score that involved both backs and forwards. Robinson converted that try and there was just enough time for Roisin herself to get on the scoresheet after another terrific run through several defenders.
Robinson converted to end the game and the misery for Harlow, with the final score at 34-0.
Ian Girling
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