With 29 players making themselves available for selection, the coaches found themselves in both a difficult but fantastic position as the squad prepared for their crucial clash with Clee Hill Ladies. The sunny day at Avery Fields set the perfect stage for the Golds to bounce back after their only defeat of the season – a narrow 10-5 loss to Clee Hill at their ground.
Coming into this match, Bournville were determined to show that the first loss was a mere blip. The previous encounter had seen Clee Hill handed three yellow cards for high tackles. Hard hitting back-row, Sophie Wallbank, had been forced off in the opening 10 minutes with a golf ball-sized lump from one of those high tackles. Additionally, Naomi Gardner, Bournville’s powerful running centre, had been sidelined for five weeks after suffering a concussion in that same match. Needless to say, this fixture was a personal one for the Golds.
Bournville started with intent, showing fluid, slick rugby that proved too much for Clee Hill to contain. Ruth Matta opened the scoring with a well-worked try, and Abbie Rowley converted to make it 7-0. The first high tackle came in early from Clee Hill but with less than 10 minutes played and adrenaline running high was probably the only reason a card wasn’t shown. The tries kept coming as Sophie Maddock, Ellie Scott crossed the line and Matta added her second try. Rowley converting again to make it 24-0. A second high tackle from Clee Hill on 50th Cap player Heather Rogers saw the first yellow card of the game. Matta wasn’t done yet, completing her hat-trick and pushing the score to 31-5 at the break, with Clee Hill’s only points coming from a single try at the end of the half.
The second half saw the Golds continue their dominance. Rowley kicked a penalty to make it 34-5, before Clee Hill responded with another try. However, Naomi Gardner, returning from her concussion lay-off, had a point to prove and powered over the line for a try. Bournville’s slow response to penalties saw Clee Hill take advantage, 5 metres out and a yellow card to Dobby, Clee Hill managed to grab a second try of the half. A brief regather and dominant runs from Wallbank, pulling in several of Clee Hill’s players, Bournville were firmly in control of the game. Flowing rugby saw Bournville get the ball out wide to replacement winger Lauren with the ever reliable Maddock on her shoulder,who added her second try of the game. Matta converted, to join Rowley in the 100 points club, sitting on 104 points for the season.
The final score of the match came from another monster clearing kick from replacement Susannah Chitnis, who chased down the kick and crossed the line, then converted her own try to seal the win for Bournville, bringing the final score to 53-15.
Full-Time Score: Bournville Golds 53 – 15 Clee Hill Ladies
Try Scorers:
• Bournville Golds: Ruth Matta (3), Sophie Maddock (2), Ellie Scott, Naomi Gardner, Susannah Chitnis
• Clee Hill Ladies: 3 Trys
Conversion Tally:
• Bournville Golds: Abbie Rowley (3), Ruth Matta (1), Susannah Chitnis (1)
• Clee Hill Ladies: None
Player of the Match:
• Backs of the Match: Ruth Matta
• Forwards Player of the Match: Sophie Wallbank
• Opposition Player of the Match: Claire Boomla
Special Mentions:
• Heather Rogers and Ellie Williams both marked their 50th caps today, an incredible achievement in their rugby careers.
League Standings:
After the victory, Bournville Golds sit in 2nd place in the Women’s NC 2 Midlands (West) with 51 points from 11 games, just behind Stafford Women, who lead the table with 55 points from 14 games.
Next Fixture:
The Golds will face Burton Ladies away on March 16th, as they continue their push for the top spot
Through the viewfinder
An excellent game to watch. Some great running and passing skills on display. Once again a good crowd, but if you have never attended a Bournville Golds game, can I urge you to come to the next crucial home match. You won’t be disappointed.
Here is a link to the photos from the day.
Sully, Bournville’s always friendly (and free) club photographer
