The Saxons had their first home game on Ipswich grounds; there was a buzz in the air at the clubhouse to see the first official match for their female side, pre-kickoff to the England v Ireland 6 Nations Match. The weather was a mixed bag after the kicking team got drenched the sun appeared but the wind remained a persistent blast.

During warm-up, the ladies drew in a crowd as they prepared to face Southend’s 18 strong team with just 9 players. Southend kindly agreed to match numbers, giving them a lot of fresh legs to roll on throughout the game. It was agreed the game would be played in three 20-minute thirds, with three in an uncontested scrum, due to Saxons player’s pre-existing injuries. The last third was played in two 10-minute stints, with no break, so the wind would not give either team the advantage.

After the Ref set out some clear rules for the game and checked the boots of every player, the captains picked which hand had the grass (unusual coin toss but worked just the same). Since Southend were the visitors they had got to pick the hand. After winning the “coin toss”, Southend chose to receive the first kick, so Capt. Nat was given to play with the wind or against it. We went with the wind.

Capt. Nat Swateridge started the game off with a kick to the top left corner, pushing Southend deep into their half. After 10 mins of really good rugby, Southend broke the line to score their first try but did not convert it. The Saxons did not let their heads drop and kept the spirit high. After another brilliant kick-off, Southend knocked it on in the catch and it was the first scrum of the game. The Saxons took the ball quickly and Georgia Clements was over the line after breaking through over the ruck. After speaking to some players, Capt. Nat Swateridge requested that the Ref please watch for the incorrect use of a handoff as it was felt that flat palms do not leave nail marks on necks.

On the first receive of a starting kick, Lauren Howard beautifully caught the ball from up high but we were pulled back to the centre as the ball did not bounce. We opted for a scrum centre pitch. With some brilliant forward play off the back of the ruck, Immie and Lauren made some great ground –being able to hang outside the scrum had its advantages! Saxons received a penalty for going in at the side of the ruck and the ladies went for a line out. The ball was turned over in the line out and with some quick wide passing we were one man short and Southend was over the line.

Saxons 5 – 10 Southend.

The second half saw some fresh legs on for Southend at no surprise to our high-spirited Saxons. Georgia at 9 and Emma at 10 had learned the plays of the opposition and the Saints were out of their flow. It was a hard-fought battle and, despite some pause for injury, we got stuck in. It seemed the opposition took a disliking to our hooker, Harriet and tried to hand off her tackle by grabbing her around the throat. This caused Nat to have another mention to the Ref that the handoffs being used were not legal – although Southend coach was adamant that it didn’t happen, our photographer had evidence to suggest otherwise. No time to stop play though, so once she caught her breath Harriet was up and more aggressive than ever. What a trooper!

After a turnover of play, the Saxons were on the attack again and were making some good ground while drawing in players from the defense. The wing was open, and The Gingers, Emma and Nat, were trying to play quick ball. Emma was screaming for it but ended up running a little forward of Nat. The Ref called us up on a forward pass and it was Southend’s ball again.

Southend had beaten us to within meters of the try line and with some near-miss tackles, we turned the ball over and attempted to kick the ball. It bounced back and landed in the try-zone. Southend lept at their chance to place pressure on the ball. Fair Play to them, they were quick to spot it!

Saxons 5 – 17 Southend.

With yet more fresh legs on for Southend, their captain delivered the best kick yet putting Southend back within 10m of their try line. The Saxons were the first under the ball and after a couple of phases, scrummy Georgia was in for her second try of the match – keeping her top points scorer title. Unfortunately, she was unable to convert it.

After the received kick, the Saxons had gained momentum and had sussed a way through their defense. Taking the ball blind with our back-rowers followed by some quick carries from the forwards, we gained a lot of ground. Then we took the ball out wide, making it down the hands to put Toni Kerr in for a try! Immie Smith then pulled the best conversion of the game, converting the kick from the widest stint possible! That kicking practice is paying off!

Southend switched some players back on, realizing that fresh legs are not always the best option, they had lost momentum with their swaps but there was no stopping us. The Saxons were going for glory, one try away from being victors. The forwards were on a roll and it took two and sometimes even three of the opposition to get them down – Well done to Alex, Harriet, Madison, Immie and Lauren! Southend was in at the side of the ruck, setting them back 10 which put them directly on their try line. With some quick ball, captain Nat fell 2ft short from the try line. Southend had hands in the ruck gaining us another penalty, passions were high, and the clock was ticking on the 10min countdown till we switched ends. Georgia backed up by Emma and Alex, went for the try but was held up. The whistle went and the Saxons were cut short.

Saxons 17 – 17 Southend.

Another botched dropkick from Southend to start and it was Saxons scrum down in center pitch. The Saxons were punching their way down the pitch but the ball got turned over in a ruck. Back and forth the team went to try and get that final try. Every time we made ground, we lost the ball to a slight mistake. Eventually, Southend broke our line and Emma, new to playing 10, was hot in pursuit. She took out their 9 a meter from their try line. We got the ball and kicked it upfield and off to a Southend lineout. They broke the line again and this time it was Georgia in pursuit, though she was closely followed by a Southend player and they scored and converted the try.

The game ended mid-field with all the players still looking for more. Next time we shall try a full-length game because we could have given more.

Saxons 17 – 24 Southend.

What a fantastic game all the ladies played. Coach Chris couldn’t choose the best performance as we all played our hearts out. Needless to say, Southend was impressed with the strides we have made in just a couple of months.

After some quick showers and getting the food in, we sat to watch England beat Ireland with Player’s Pints at half time. Due to Low numbers, Southend suggested we do a Coach’s Player, “Beers all-round” according to Chris who kindly bought us a jug to reward the hard work. But for the pint race, the women choose to have a Players Player, which went to Immie Smith, as voted by her team-mates.