Redruth 34 - St Mary's 12

 

Redruth – St Mary’s mini tour! … After arriving in the middle of nowhere after what must have been a 4 day bus journey, Rachel Amphlett’s ‘arousing’ team talk on the bus got us all pumped up. Lisa left us all a present in the non-flushing Cornish toilets and Dee got stuck on the clubhouse roof and had to be rescued by Olive!

The game was yet another of those where the score line did not reflect how well Mary’s played. It was a very physical game, as we have come to expect from Redruth and there were several knocks and injuries. Redruth were tough, led by pocket rocket Penny! one of the toughest players I have come across, but we kept up a solid pressure on them for the first fifteen minutes, rounded off by an awesome try for Jo after her interception of a stray Redruth pass, which was converted by Sammy. Unfortunately they struck back almost immediately but Mary’s never gave up and gave them a good competition.

Mary’s put in a good, solid team effort for this game to prove that we are improving all the time. We traveled down with only one sub and everyone gave it their all. The only true slacker was Dee who only lasted 5 minutes before deciding she couldn't be bothered any more and dislocating her shoulder! There were a number of people playing out of position and they certainly proved their worth. The back line (including Janner and then Jayne on the wing!) looked brilliant with good handling by all, calm control from Naz and some especially good strikes from the centres Rachel Amphlett and Jo. Gabby picked some good lines of running, and scored a well deserved try from one after a brilliant break from Jo.

The forwards all looked strong and gave Redruth a challenge all over the park. Lightening the load obviously had a good effect on Lisa who looked very good with the ball in hand and soared in the line out, so she can be forgiven for her fragrant gift to us all! Also good with ball in hand was our (nearly) new flanker Sarah. A scoring chance was lost after the Redruth fly half’s kick out of her own 22 was charged down by the most surprised flanker in the world ever… Who wishes to remain anonymous.

We were down to 14 players for the last quarter after Sammy had to leave the pitch with a head injury (after her third knock) forcing a reshuffle. We lost a fullback when Annie came in at scrum half, but our commitment did not fall and we held up well to Redruth pressure which goes to show how well our training and fitness is paying off.

All in all we put in another improved performance and made Redruth work hard for their points. They were not allowed to dominate, and we played better than in our last meeting. Our handling skills, support play and teamwork were all much improved, as well as our defensive work, which has been stretched to the limit this season. The tackle count was high and tackle of the day has to go to Homer whose valiant effort on the biggest girl on the park got her dragged halfway along the pitch before she finally hit the deck! Go Hoomy!

After our healthy post-match beer and pizza (“One slice! One slice!”) we set off on the long trek out of cow country… Big thanks must go to Mojo, Hannah and water girl supreme Olive who made the long trip down to coach and/or support. Olive opposing the line out in warm-up with her handbag on her arm was valuable learning material and no doubt only added to our performance!

Written by Bridget Sanger