Sun 4 Feb 2024, 14:00
An epic day for Peterborough ladies, putting out a development team to face Kesteven, a National Challenge 2 team. It was time to give our younger players the lead, get newer players a whole game, get players returning from injury and or players digging out their boots from the garage on the pitch. With a 15-aside strong squad, Peterborough arrived ready to step up to the mantle.
Peterborough kicked the game off and were soon showing off their tackling prowess, with Penny Woods, Alex Podd and Verity Swinscoe-Wigmore all getting their shoulders in. However, Kesteven utilised quick hands and got the ball out to the wing to get the first points on the board (5 – 0). The back line were quick up in defence with Amy Griffiths, Penny, Kim McConnell-Wilson all putting in the tackles. Kesteven were quick to get the ball away, however, pressure from winger, Hannah Longley, forced the knock-on and it was the first of many, many, many scrums. With the scrum won, the wind scuppered the pass and Kesteven were quick to retrieve the loose ball and run the try in (10 – 0). It was a testing 10 minutes to start the game but P’Boro were getting into their stride. Being dominant in the scrum, winning 3 scrum penalties, P’Boro were kicking their way up the pitch. A lovely switch from the back of a scrum saw Abi Sole-Potter sprint up the wing closer to the try line. Unfortunately, there was a turnover at a ruck but the pressure of the defence forced Kesteven to take the ball over the try line. Penny was able to strip the ball, score the try and take the conversion (10 – 7). With time for the restart, Kesteven were up on us and were awarded with the scrum. Scrums had settled down and Kesteven won the ball, getting the ball out to their winger for a charging run down the wing. Thankfully, cross field cover from our full-back, Kim, saw the ball carrier tackled into touch.
Half-time 10 - 7
Inspiring half-time chat from captain, Bob, and Peterborough were ready for the second half. A lovely catch from Amy and P’Boro were in attack and charging up the pitch. After a short break for an injury, and P’Boro were back to scrummaging and kicking for territory. The teams were well matched and the arm wrestle for possession went back and forth. Attacking run from Kim, supported by Abi Lester. Notable tackles from Amy, Kelly Wood, Emma Harlley, Abi Lester and Abi Sole-Potter in defence. A clearing kick which the wind took straight to a Kesteven player gave them the advantage and they were able to score under the posts (17 – 7). P’Boro tackles from Penny and Hannah forced the forward pass and we were back to scrummaging. A lovely bit of play saw the ball out of the scrum, 9 to 10, 10 – 12 switch to see Abi Sole-Potter off at a lightening pace, skinning the opposition and off up the pitch to score out wide (17 – 12). The Vicar (Alex Podd) retrieved the ball from the kick-off and we were off again. Getting into the last 10 minutes of the game and the penalties were starting to creep up for both teams. Back to the arm wrestle, we won a scrum and were attacking, Kesteven won a lineout and were attacking. Defensive tackles from Debbie Woolley, Coz Wilding and Penny were slowing Kesteven down but they were still able to get over the try line for a converted try (24 – 12). From the kick-off, the ball made touch and P’Boro had the lineout. Attacking play with the forwards, Kelly, San Aslam, the Vicar, Emma, all getting involved and taking the ball up the pitch. Last play of the game and a penalty was awarded to Kesteven. Thankfully a(nother) try-saving tackle from Kim caused the Kesteven to knock the ball over the try line and that was full time.
Full-time 24 - 12
A hugely enjoyable game to watch and all the players did P’Boro Ladies proud. Thank you to Kesteven for the great game and hopsitality. Wishing you all teh best for the rest of the season.
Try saving tackler - Kim McConnell-Wilson
Best communications - Verity Swinscoe
Player picked by the opposition - Ruby James
Player's player - Penny Woods
http://PeterboroughRUFC.rfu.club/gallery/kesteven-v-peterborough-ladies-04feb
Next: HOME league game against Lincoln, 2pm kick-off, on Sunday 11th February.
