St.Neots Ladies' first win of the new season!

Following a tough introduction to their new league last week, St Neots Ladies had a point to prove against visiting Wellingborough. Possession remained fairly even until the Saints forwards linked some powerful runs and gave the home team the momentum. Attacking around the edges of the ruck pulled in the defence, allowing scrum-half Emily Miller to send the ball out through the hands, nicely finished by Robyn Hopewell going over for the first score of the game.

Despite the physical mismatch, Saints continued to make impressive tackles, competing well at the breakdowns until captain Beth Robinson got the steal. The ball made it out to the wing but Wellingborough have it covered this time. A yellow card for dangerous tackling gives Saints an advantage but it takes a few attempts before they convert that into points. Miller darts through the entire defensive line off a penalty to score under the posts.

From then on the momentum was firmly behind the home team, with great support into contact and confident hands allowing centre Libby Robinson and wing Sammy to create an overlap; Robinson crossed the whitewash and converted her own try.

A quick penalty opened the space for full-back Vicki Wilson to tear up the pitch and score on her first game back from injury. A well-gathered ball by Megan Thody at the kick-off allows saints to set up for another attack with some impressive runs by the backs and well-timed offloads. Wellingborough can’t keep up, opening up space for Wilson to get her name on the score sheet. 28-0 at half time.

From the kick-off, Saints attacked again with some impressive runs by the backs and well-timed offloads. A rare line-out saw the visitors in an attacking position for the first time, however a knock-on gifted possession back to Saints. Mason made a brilliant sprint up the wing and looked to score her first try for the club but an excellent effort from the full-back held the ball up. A second attempt from Miller off the scrum frustratingly gets the same treatment but she gets her second try on the next attempt. Saints kept the pressure on from the kick and Holly Hazel took a great line to cross under the posts only moments later; Libby Robinson again adds the conversion.

Saints tie off the game with some storming runs from Sophie McGinley and Holly Ingram but the visitors put in a commendable effort to keep the scoreboard going any higher. Saints commanding and confident performance results in a 39-0 win in only their second game at this level.

Forward of the match went to Holly Ingram, back of the match Sammy Mason, and Beth Robinson received the coach’s player award. St Neots Ladies next face Stockton Park away on 6th October.