Tough Tournament challenge for Middlesex Girls’ U18
The Middlesex Girls played on home soil this weekend, as four counties met for a tournament hosted at Ealing Trailfinders. It was always going to be a tough challenge for the newly formed U18 squad, as they faced the more experienced East Midlands, Hampshire and Hertfordshire squads.
In the first match, Middlesex faced the Hampshire development squad, and although they competed well in the set piece, Hampshire were able to move the ball out wide and made good use of superior pace.
The next opponents were Hertfordshire, a very well drilled team, who completely dominated the match from the kick-off to the final whistle. Despite some determined tackling by the forwards, Middlesex were unable to stem the relentless onslaught which saw Herts run in 8 tries.
Middlesex then faced Hampshire A, who went on to win the overall competition. Despite losing, this was the best performance by the girls. Their attacking play showed signs of promise, with the half-back pairing of Georgia Stephenson and Florence Driscoll taking control of the game creating space, and driving into the opposition’s territory. However, the Hampshire defence was solid, and their quick transition from defence to attack allowed them to exploit the gaps that formed in the Middlesex line.
The final game saw Middlesex play East Midlands. Despite the results of the previous games, Middlesex did not let their heads go down, and played their last match with as much grit and determination as the first. Their defensive play was far stronger, and kept East Midlands on the back foot for much of the game. However, just before the final whistle, East Midlands cleverly kicked for territory, which was knocked on by Middlesex. East Midlands were awarded a scrum just short of their line, and a well executed set-piece move saw them go over for a try.
Despite the results, the girls gained great experience from the tournament, and look forward to their next fixture – the Essex County Festival on 18th November at Harlow RFC.
Squad:Kiera Brennan (Saracens), Freya Doak (Grasshoppers), Florence Driscoll (Saracens), Grace Fabian (Saracens), Amanda Finch (Saracens), Claudia Martin (Harlequins), Amy Porter (Saracens), Anna Pribisevic (Grasshoppers), Georgia Stephenson (Grasshoppers), Lisane Stock (Saracens), Ellen Ward-Collins (Grasshoppers).
Middlesex County u15's Match Report 21st October
Eastern Counties 10 - Middlesex 46
Sunday 21st November saw the Middlesex U15s girl’s squad travel to Ely for their first county fixture, against Eastern Counties.
From the kick-off, Middlesex stamped their authority upon the game, attacking the gaps in the Eastern Counties defensive line. They were soon rewarded as second row Hannah Wells made a storming run up the blind side, beating two defenders to go over the line to score.
Eastern Counties countered with some strong attacking play, but the Middlesex dominance of the breakdown allowed them to win turnover ball, and the quick transition from defence to attack saw centre, Siobhan Langdon-Hughes run the length of the field to score, converted by fly-half Cathy Bell. From the restart, Eastern Counties failed to set their defensive line, and a clever kick forced them on the back foot deep in their own 22 – and saw Langdon-Hughes cross the line for her second try.
Eastern Counties again pushed forward, and some spirited running resulted in a score just prior to the half-time break. Half-time score: Eastern Counties 5 – Middlesex 17.
Middlesex started the second half just as strongly as they had the first, and some inspired footwork by newly capped player Disha Patel, saw her beat two defenders and score on her county debut. This was soon followed by another debutante try as Marissa Lowe powered her way through the EC backs, breaking clear to score under the posts.
Again Eastern Counties rallied, and made good use of the quick ruck ball to gain territory. However they were turned over at the breakdown, fly-half Bell gathered her own clearance kick, ran through several defenders to touch down – and then converted her own try for good measure. Within minutes, Bell was off again on another fine solo effort, scattering the EC defensive line, and was rewarded with another converted try.
In the dying minutes of the game, Eastern Counties once again responded strongly, making effective use of the ruck to gain ground. Middlesex found themselves repeatedly offside, giving away a series of penalties. A final quick tap penalty whilst Middlesex were retreating allowed them to penetrate through to score.
Squad: Catherine Bell (Harlequins), Flora Black (Grasshoppers), Jessamy Bloom (Ealing Emeralds), Gaby Browne (Grasshoppers), Lucy Chesson (Northolt), Karendeep Gill (Grasshoppers), Zoë Hill (Harlequins), Thulani Kimbugwe (Grasshoppers), Kerry Lamont (Harlequins), Siobhan Longdon-Hughes (Grasshoppers), Marissa Lowe (Ealing Emeralds), Hannah Marr (Ealing Emeralds), Rosie Parr (Harlequins), Disha Patel (Ealing Emeralds), Hannah Wells (Northolt), Avril Wildridge (Ealing Emeralds), Lauren Yerby (Harlequins) Helen Young (Ealing Emeralds).
Middlesex County u18's Match Report 21st October
Eastern Counties 15 - Middlesex 5
Middlesex fielded an U18s girls’ squad for the first time ever on Sunday 21st October. This achievement was brought about by the recruitment efforts of a number of clubs, alongside the support that MCRFU have given to girls’ rugby over the past two seasons. The squad travelled to Ely RUFC to face the experienced Eastern Counties U18s, writes Abigail Ashbey, U18s Coach.
Eastern counties started off strongly, making effective use of the ball and space. Some strong tackling from the Middlesex defence saw Eastern counties having to reset themselves for a line out.
With the ball played off the top the Middlesex backs made their counter attack, with strong running from scrum-half Georgia Stephenson and centre Claudia Martin. Forced handling errors lead to an Eastern Counties scrum on the Middlesex 22. Despite strong scrimmaging, the ball moved its way out toward the Eastern counties back line and they made their way down the wing to score their first try.
From the re-start Middlesex countered with some strong attacking play, but the Eastern Counties dominance of the breakdown allowed them to win turnover ball, and the quick transition from defence to attack saw Middlesex firmly on the back foot. Eastern Counties started to move the ball quickly and determined running from the Eastern Counties backs saw them over the line for their second try.
Middlesex chased the re-start putting pressure onto the Eastern Counties back-line and forcing a knock on. The Middlesex scrum was strong, allowing the backs time to make good use of space and the ball to gain territory and steadily progress towards the try line. But strong tackling and effective use of the ruck by the opposition lead to turnover ball.
Eastern Counties then began their counter attack towards the line, some strong tackling from forward Lisane Stock lead to the ball being knocked forward and a Middlesex scrum was awarded. A clever box kick from Stephenson behind the Eastern back line lead to a final Middlesex surge towards the line. A strong driving maul from the Middlesex forwards lead to a well deserved try by Stock.
Squad: Kiera Brennan (Saracens), Freya Doak (Grasshoppers), Florence Driscoll (Saracens), Claudia Martin (Harlequins), Billie Morgan (Saracens), Amy Porter (Saracens), Anna Pribisevic (Grasshoppers), Georgia Stephenson (Grasshoppers), Lisane Stock (Saracens).
2007/08 season
The start of the 2007-08 season has seen about 10 girls turning out for the U 15's and four young ladies for the U 18's.
In order for us to play matches, we combine with other local Middlesex clubs to form clusters squads and these squads will compete in the Thames Valley Cluster League.
The U 15's girls combine with Ealing Emeralds to form a cluster team under the name Leopards. The U 18's squad, Tigers, will have players from all local clubs. The groups are made up of experienced young ladies as well as several new to the game.
On Sunday 7th October, the squads travelled to Milton Keynes for their first league games. The U 15's played two games. Their first was against the Lions, made up of Harlequin Ladies Youth Academy, Northolt and Saracens. The Leopards scored the first try, courtesy of Siobhan Langdon-Hughes of Grasshoppers in the third minute. The Lions put pressure on the Leopards line however the Leopards managed to intercept the ball and score their second try which the Leopards managed to convert. The Lions responded with spirited play and half time came with the Leopards leading 12-10.
In the seconds half, the Lions managed to break down the Leopards defence and score a further two tries. Final Score: Lions 22 - Leopards 12
In the second match, the Leopards took on the Bucks Jesters, a cluster squad from Buckinghamshire. The Leopards went ahead early with a try from Grasshoppers' Siobhan Langdon-Hughes. However then more experienced Bucks Jesters took control of the match and repeatedly tested the Leopards defence by scoring two tries in the first half.
The seconds half saw the Leopards rallying back with some fine play but the Jesters continued to test the Leopards defence. Final Score: Bucks Jesters 26 – Leopards 10
What is not reflected by the scores was the sheer gutsy performance put on by the Leopards. Their skills and performance can only improve.
The Tigers only played one league match followed by a short friendly game against Bucks U 18's Jesters squad.