Milton Keynes 17 – 0 St Neots Ladies

St Neots Ladies travelled to Milton Keynes for their first ever game against the Milton Keynes side. Saints kicked off to start the game, this was met with a quick response from the opposition and St Neots worked hard to defend against a persistent Milton Keynes. The first line out of the day soon followed as Sophie Lanham took advantage of a penalty to find touch. The Saints pack brought skills straight from training to the pitch, dominating the first lineout. Niamh Grant secured the ball in the air, popping this to scrum half Nicola Dawes. A series of great hands saw the ball pass through backs and forward, finding Katie Davies on the wing where she made a break through the line. Milton Keynes were not discouraged and met the attack with a strong defence, leading to a knock on and Milton Keynes getting the scrum. The Saints pack rose to the occasion and a quick hook from Harriet Styman saw the ball return to Saints possession.
A close battle persisted throughout the first half. Milton Keynes rose to each challenge presented by Saints, playing with determination and drive. A turnover by Beth Robinson saw the ball return to St Neots and Lanham again used the penalty to find touch. St Neots continued to shine in the set piece. Following the lineout, Nicki Barker broke off the back of a driving maul and flew through the opposition’s defence. A dropped ball didn’t stop the Saints, quick and hands a kick from the centre saw Beth Carr chasing down the ball until it met touch. Another great lineout set St Neots up for a chance at a try. St Neots gained ground through teamwork and supporting the ball carriers but Milton Keynes turned over the ball and regained possession. The battle for possession continued with big hits led by vice-captain Lucy Bull in an attempt to regain possession. An expertly executed chase and tackle by Kirsty Wilson saw the Milton Keynes wingers pushed into touch.
Milton Keynes seized the opportunity at the next scrum and pushed forward with a pick and go from 8, this was quickly slowed down by the Saints defence. A clearing kick from Barker saw another chase and successful battle for the ball. Despite the consistent efforts from St Neots, Milton Keynes continued to fight hard and this saw them take the first try at the end of the first half.
St Neots looked prepared to rise to the challenge as the second half kicked off, with Styman catching the ball from kick off. Milton Keynes were quick to turn it over. Saints were not perturbed and were awarded the next scrum. Robinson kicked for touch and another strong lineout followed but Milton Keynes won possession and fought hard to regain ground, leading them to their second try of the game.
The St Neots Ladies continued to bring skill and determination to the game, fighting for ground and possession. Lanham took advantage of a penalty to deliver a skilled kick and find touch within five yards of Milton Keynes try line. Despite Milton Keynes winning the lineout, St Neots seized back the ball and flew over the line. Unfortunately, the try wasn’t awarded.
The next lineout provided a clear ball for Saints and the ball continued to move through the team in a bid for the try line. But Milton Keynes fought hard and with a quick defence to the ruck, turned over the ball. St Neots continued to push back but Milton Keynes teamwork and determination saw them gaining ground. Fly half Beth Robinson put in another big hit in an attempt to push the opposition into touch, but she took a nasty shoulder injury in the process. Carr continued to lead the comms and encourage the Saints to push up and defend against a strong Milton Keynes. St Neots didn’t make it easy for the home side but after a further push forward, Milton Keynes took their third and final try of the game.
Although St Neots didn’t make it onto the scoreboard, this didn’t reflect the skill and determination they brought to the game. Spirits remained high after an enjoyable afternoon of rugby against a strong and welcoming team.
Forward of the match went to Lucy Bull for her formidable tackles and energy throughout the game. Back of the match went to Nicola Dawes for her great communication and skilled play at scrum half. Coaches player was awarded to Jess Day for making an immediate impact when she came onto the pitch and her skilled defence off the scrum.