It was a cold day down in Colchester and the Saxons were raring to go despite low numbers due to injuries and illness. The Saxons were fuelled by a dispute over the opposition being unsure if they would match numbers the night before. The captain talked them round and in the interest of women’s rugby and the development of the players, Colchester agreed to play 13-a-side.

The Ref talked through with the team managers/coaches the format of the game: 13-a-side, four 15 min quarters, uncontested scrums (for player safety in front-row, as we were missing some of our normal props) and contested line outs.

A loss in the coin toss saw the Saxons start the first quarter kicking to Colchester. With a kick-off the captains’ boot, the game was off. The Saxons were quick to turn it over to show off our attack, playing most of the first quarter in Colchester’s 22. Colchester scored in the last play of the first quarter, with one of our players going off with an aggravated injury from our game the week before, we mixed up the forwards and brought on our only sub.
Colchester 5 – 0 Saxons

The second quarter the Saxons received the ball but were intercepted after the first few phases. Colchester were showing off their speed but Georgia, Back of the Match, was in hot pursuit to no avail and the opposition scored a try. Coach Chris gave us some wise words, stop honey potting at the breakdown. The Saxons took this on board and saw Lauren, Forward of the match, was over the try line, and Georgia converted. After a few post-try phases, Immie Smith’s shoulder popped out of place in a breakdown, putting the Saxons down to 12 women, Colchester kindly matched.
Colchester 10 – 7 Saxons

The third quarter saw both teams pick up the pace. With the Saxons running for a try in Colchester’s 22, Lauren was tackled through means of pulling on her ponytail from Colchester’s number 10, the ref gave us a penalty (arguably could have been a card). Not quite quick enough on the chase, Colchester ended up with the ball, but well into their half of the pitch. After several phases, the Saxons were back in their 22. And were fighting hard to turn it over. After a lineout, the Saxons attempted a kick out the back of a ruck to save some ground but failed. On the second attempt, the players were back in the middle of the pitch and it was Saxon ball. After a turnover Lauren was shoulder barged in the face (wrap your arms ladies! preferably below than the shoulder!) giving us another penalty. Our forwards trucked the ball up a few times before the backs had an opportunity, It was down the hands out to Natilie, who was pushed out on the wing in the oppositions 22. Another interception saw Colchester’s second solo try, showing off the brilliance of a few of their players. Followed by an injury in the breakdown, Rhi went down with a broken ankle.
Colchester 15 – 12 Saxons

In the fourth quarter, Immie had popped her should back in and bravely came back on the pitch. Some fresh legs on for Colchester saw them intercept again, despite being chased down, Colchester scored another try and our spirits dampened. A captain talks to just: enjoy the game, ignore the score, and have some fun, picked the Saxons spirit back up. With the Saxons getting into their phases, there were a lot of knock-ons and with Saxons at the advantage, there was a brief moment when everyone seemed to stop play, despite no call from the ref. Immie Smith, Woman of the match, took this opportunity to run through the opposition, who caught on too late. With 4 mins left on the clock, the Saxons pushed for another try to bring in the scoreline and came close but to no avail.
Colchester 20 – 12 Saxons

All in all, a brilliant day for Women’s rugby with lots of spectators from both sides and lovely hosts. The match was followed by hot showers, a few beers and a good curry enjoyed by all. Thank you to all that travelled to watch us play and we hope to see you at our future games!

Back of the match: Georgia Clements
Forward of the Match: Lauren
Women of the Match: Immie Smith