TRAVELLING with 15, Harlow Ladies knew they would all have to play a strong game to come away with a positive result at Wymondham Wasps. The start was a scrappy affair with errors from both teams. Harlow managed to control the mauls with Wooller driving forward enabling Harlow to gain territory. The Wasps, always quick to jump on an opportunity, gathered a loose ball to run quickly through the defence and score the opening try. The first half continued in a similar manner with some strong tackles from Mills and Hancock but the Wasps squeezed through a gap left at the side of the ruck to run half the pitch for a second try, which was converted.


Harlow were determined not to let Wymondham run away and composed themselves to take the game back to the home side. Costanzo kicked for territory after another penalty infringement from Wymondham to enable Harlow a driving maul from a solid line out. The home side were offside, and Dixon took a quick penalty to get Harlow on the score board 12-5 and to go into half time on the front foot.

Wymondham maintained their pressure, competing at every ruck and after a maul their Number 8 broke free to score again, 19-5. Knowing Harlow could play better they started to control play, not over committing at rucks and securing the defence. Smith prevented Wymondham getting any rhythm by stealing ball time and again.

Quick forward play by Boggas, supported by the rest of the pack, enabled space to open and moving the ball quickly through the hands gave Jenkins her first ever try which Costanzo converted. Confidence was building and as Wymondham were tiring Harlow stepped up and kept the pressure on. Stoneman, who had a brilliant game at full back, caught the ball after several simple passes through the back line and scored her first try in the corner. Unfortunately the kick was just out of Contanzo’s range and the game finished 19-17. It was great to see Harlow step up and nearly come back from being behind and their new players scoring!

Harlow Ladies train every Thursday from 7pm (Ladies and Girls over 11 years old all welcome, regardless of experience). Email [email protected] for more information.

Tries: Leah Dixon (1); Louisa Jenkins (1); Brittany Stoneman (1)
Conversions: Jess Costanzo (1)
Penalties: (0)
Forward of the match: Alison Boggas and Emily Wooller
Back of the match: Brittany Stoneman

Squad:
1. Alison Boggas
2. Kelly Smith
3. Lorna Hunter (Captain)
4. Emily Wooller
5. Tracey Wedd
6. Kathleen Blake
7. Anne-Marie Rand
8. Leah Dixon
9. Jenny Mills
10. Jess Costanzo
11. Lynn Bryant
12. Gemma Wood
13. Emma Hancock
14. Louisa Jenkins
15. Brittany Stoneman