MIDDLESEX GIRLS

Middlesex Girls v ESSEX

MIDDLESEX GIRLS v ESSEX v SUSSEX
Sunday 16th October 2011 at LEWES RFC

Middlesex kicked off their County season with a triangular fixture against Essex and Sussex last Sunday.

On a blazing hot day the girls took to the field at U15's and U18's full of optimism. This season the teams comprised of girls from Ealing Emeralds, Saracens Girls, Hackney Belles and Grasshoppers Girls.
The first fixtures saw Middlesex taking on Essex in both age groups.

MIDDLESEX U15's v ESSEX U15's

The U15's took an early lead through a close range effort from Teeba Khalid followed swiftly by a second from Nina Mayall. Essex rallied but quick thinking by Genevieve Elliot saw her take a quick penalty and power over from 20 metres out.

15 - 0 to Middlesex but Essex were getting stronger. They snatched a try back in the corner and this was followed by a second. 15 - 10 with 5 minutes to go. Middlesex rallied and some stalwart defence and tremendous tackling saw them hang on for the win.

Result
Middlesex 15 Tries: Teeba Khalid, Nina Mayall, Genevieve Elliot (all Ealing Emeralds)
Essex 10

MIDDLESEX U18's v ESSEX U18's

Middlesex went into the games already hindered by the unavailability of their first choice half backs and a couple of other key players due to injury.

Essex quickly got into their game and before Middlesex warmed up the U18's found themselves 12 - 0 down. We responded in the best way possible with a try from Tilly Kimbugwe (Grasshoppers) after a beautiful run by Grace Brown (Hackney). Grace was tackled just short of the try line and Tilly was there to support as all great poachers are!

Half time score 12 - 5 to Essex. Both teams were more evenly matched in the second half but Essex scored a third try to make the score 17 - 5. Middlesex showed Great Spirit and replied with a long range run in try by Aoife Tully (Ealing).

Middlesex pressed but Essex out for a 17 - 10 win. A good result as we had a number of girls playing out of position covering injuries.

Result
Middlesex 10 Tries: Tilly Kimbugwe, Aoife Tully
Essex 17

SUSSEX U15's v MIDDLESEX U15's

Middlesex were always going to be up against it having to play back to back games against the best team on the day that were well drilled but more importantly well rested.

The girls battled hard, and defended heroically but eventually were overwhelmed and came away on the end of a 45 - 0 defeat.

All in all, we would have taken won one, lost one before the start of play and with the majority of the girls at the lower end of the age range it bodes well for next season.

SUSSEX U18's v ESSEX U18's

Unfortunately again we were left with playing back to back games and on a warm day it was always going to be difficult.

Middlesex defended with all their heart in the first half and were rewarded with a try from Grace Brown. We went into half time with the game still winnable at 10 - 5 down but the second half proved a half too far with our girls eventually succumbing 39 - 5.

The U18's should be proud of themselves with every girl playing every minute of every game with both of their opponents having multiple substitutes. If we had a full squad I am sure we would have run Sussex a lot closer than the result suggested.

We play both Counties in a return triangular fixture on 6th November when hopefully we can compete on a more even keel.

Well done to all Players, Coaches and Management Staff!