Guernsey players (in blue) look to form a ruck as an opponent is tackled. (0863883)
They travelled to Jersey for a rematch with United Banks, keen to improve on their first outing against opposition who had beaten them 53-12 in September.
After a hard month of training the Guernsey players were confident going into the game with six making their debuts.
The first half saw Banks control the game as Guernsey struggled to get going after a long boat-ride over.
However, although they dominated possession, Banks were unable to break down Guernsey’s strong defence.
On the rare occasions Guernsey did get the ball in hand, they showed glimpses of their potential by passing the ball around and trying to keep it alive with the midfield combination of Jemma Crouse, Fiona Dawson and Lisa Jackson looking for the openings.
However, Banks’ persistence finally paid off when they managed to recycle the ball at the breakdown and pass it down the line for the winger to cross for a try on the stroke of half-time.
After some encouragement at the interval, Guernsey started the second half determined to bounce back after the body blow that ended the first and they nearly scored straight from the kick-off.
Following a scrum in the middle of the field, Daisy Scott picked up at the base and took the ball towards the Banks try line.
Some good covering tackling by Banks made sure she was unable to offload to any support players and they were able to drive her back.
Guernsey tried again, with some good handling through the backs releasing Aletta Gardner who was tackled just short of the line.
However, it was Banks who were to get the first score of the second half, if a little against the run of play, as they won a lineout and were able to maul the ball down the field to score to make it 10-0.
They were able to extend their lead to 15 points five minutes later when they turned over the ball in midfield, and a kick over the top resulted in the winger going over in the corner.
Guernsey, though, were not to be discouraged and went in search of a try for themselves only to be hit back by a resolute Banks defence, who were content to try to pin Guernsey back by kicking over the top.
One such kick opened the field for Charlotte Nichols who raced through the broken field only to be denied by a last-ditch tackle from the Banks fullback.
Unfortunately, time was not on Guernsey’s side as the clock run out to leave the final score 15-0 to Banks, but Guernsey were not too down-hearted as their performance betrayed their lack of experience.
Player-of-the-game awards went to Nichols and Annie Doherty for their stand-out performances in their first games.
Captain Scott had nothing but praise for her players at the end of the game.
‘The first half was probably a highlight for me, just to see how well the girls defended. Everyone was putting her body on the line,’ she said.
Although disappointed to lose the game and not get any points on the board, there was still an upbeat mood in the team.
‘The ladies have worked hard in training to improve their performance. And to see the difference in the score reflected the hard work everyone has put it in,’ said Collins Stewart rugby development officer and coach Geraint Cooper.
‘To come away with six people playing their first game was always going to be difficult but the ladies did very well.’Guernsey Ladies’ Rugby Team: Rematch with United Banks in Jersey shows improvement
Article posted on 30th October, 2009 - 2.29pm
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