Modified 12-Oct-09
83 photos
T Birds website
Thurrock Ladies 5 Aylesford 0
Having been let down at the last minute by the Referee’s Society this game only went ahead because Aylesford were able to bring their own ref with them. Since Aylesford denied Thurrock promotion by a point back in the 06/07 season, an intense but reasonably friendly rivalry has existed between the two teams, for Ts, it’s an absolute “must win” game. Preparation started in warm sunshine, but as kick off approached, the rain began to fall and ultimately ruined the game as a spectacle. Aylesford kicked off and applied 5 minutes of real pressure, keeping Ts pinned back in their own half. The first scrum was a mess and reset a couple of times before Ts were penalised for an early push, setting the pattern for the game..
Re-grouping immediately, Ts aggressive defence pressurised the Aylesford attack ultimately turning over the ball. Centre Sue Clive ran for space and found Full Back Sally Appleton out on the wing. Taking the ball at pace, she stepped the winger, skinned the fullback and touched down under the posts in just 10 minutes for 5-0. Unfortunately the kick was missed narrowly, but the prospects for Ts seemed good. Unfortunately the match then became probably the worst match for spectators that I have ever seen. The slippery ball, constant injuries and an incredibly fussy ref contributed to a miserable display of rugby. Ts were trying to play all the rugby, with Aylesford relying on kicking all their possession deep and hoping for a mistake.
With Ts unable to extend their 5 point lead and knowing that a converted try would beat them, the tension grew as both sides pressed for the deciding score. Every time Ts built some momentum and made ground they found themselves whistled back, usually for some infringement at the ruck. A decent sized and vociferous crowd repeatedly showed their dissatisfaction by roundly booing the ref. It was a great relief for all concerned when the final whistle sounded. Still, a win is a win and Ts remain unbeaten at the top of the league. Back and Forward of the match, Full Back Sally Appleton and Prop Charlotte Micallef but there were great performances all round on a very difficult and frustrating day.
No game for the T-Birds next Sunday 18th when some of the team will be representing Essex Ladies, but the campaign continues away at Rosslyn Park on the 25th October and then Home again to Harlequins on 8th November.
On 28th October, the T-birds will continue their successful series of Open Training nights by inviting anyone interested in Ladies Rugby to Oakfield for a 7.30pm start.
written by Chris Emerson
Thurrock Ladies 5 Aylesford 0
Having been let down at the last minute by the Referee’s Society this game only went ahead because Aylesford were able to bring their own ref with them. Since Aylesford denied Thurrock promotion by a point back in the 06/07 season, an intense but reasonably friendly rivalry has existed between the two teams, for Ts, it’s an absolute “must win” game. Preparation started in warm sunshine, but as kick off approached, the rain began to fall and ultimately ruined the game as a spectacle. Aylesford kicked off and applied 5 minutes of real pressure, keeping Ts pinned back in their own half. The first scrum was a mess and reset a couple of times before Ts were penalised for an early push, setting the pattern for the game..
Re-grouping immediately, Ts aggressive defence pressurised the Aylesford attack ultimately turning over the ball. Centre Sue Clive ran for space and found Full Back Sally Appleton out on the wing. Taking the ball at pace, she stepped the winger, skinned the fullback and touched down under the posts in just 10 minutes for 5-0. Unfortunately the kick was missed narrowly, but the prospects for Ts seemed good. Unfortunately the match then became probably the worst match for spectators that I have ever seen. The slippery ball, constant injuries and an incredibly fussy ref contributed to a miserable display of rugby. Ts were trying to play all the rugby, with Aylesford relying on kicking all their possession deep and hoping for a mistake.
With Ts unable to extend their 5 point lead and knowing that a converted try would beat them, the tension grew as both sides pressed for the deciding score. Every time Ts built some momentum and made ground they found themselves whistled back, usually for some infringement at the ruck. A decent sized and vociferous crowd repeatedly showed their dissatisfaction by roundly booing the ref. It was a great relief for all concerned when the final whistle sounded. Still, a win is a win and Ts remain unbeaten at the top of the league. Back and Forward of the match, Full Back Sally Appleton and Prop Charlotte Micallef but there were great performances all round on a very difficult and frustrating day.
No game for the T-Birds next Sunday 18th when some of the team will be representing Essex Ladies, but the campaign continues away at Rosslyn Park on the 25th October and then Home again to Harlequins on 8th November.
On 28th October, the T-birds will continue their successful series of Open Training nights by inviting anyone interested in Ladies Rugby to Oakfield for a 7.30pm start.
written by Chris Emerson
© Colin O'Flaherty Photography