Sun 8 Sep 2019
Vixens Vs Hardwick and Quedgley
A sunny Sunday afternoon was the setting for the Vixens’ opening game of the season against Hardwick and Quedgley Ladies. The Vixens have worked hard all summer in preparation for participation in their new league (having moved sidewards from NC Midlands 2 Central) and spirits were high at the start of the game.
HQ won the toss and kicked off which was immediately caught by prop, Tina Pearson, in her comeback game after 3 seasons out with a knee injury. A quick pass off to the left and DK dotted down for their first try of the game. Pressure was maintained throughout the first half and despite HQ continuing to push to find a foothole in the game, the first half ended 51-0. Kudos has to be given to new Captain, Lindy Smith and new flyhalf, Chloe Jones for their strong communication which allowed the Vixens to dominate the first half.
The second half saw some changes in personnel with Sarah Mason and Fran Jennings-Parkes coming on to add some fresh legs. Abby Meadows and Sue Marsh came on to add further firepower after the loss of Charlotte Dolan with a broken collar bone sustained in a crunching tackle from HQ. (Get well soon Charlotte!)
Despite the large scoreline, HQ did not give up and did manage to slow the pace of the try scoring in the second half with the game ending 85-0.
Scorers were:
Gemma Chambers (5 tries and probably try of the game with a brilliant interception on HQ’s 22 and a run in for the try)
Rosie Hatton (3 tries)
Chloe Jones (3 tries)
Chloe Newbold (2 tries)
Charlotte Dolan (1 try)
Lindy Smith (1 try)
Rachael Hopton (5 conversions)
Dame of the game was a contentious issue at the end of the match as there were so many superb performances. Coach, Steve Arnold, eventually settled on Melinda Eles for her superb forward play (beaten only in carries and tackles by the machine known as Jen Mills!) and debutant Chloe Newbold, who scored two brilliant tries and whose steps on the wing had Steve jumping up and down with excitement!
Next week the Vixens travel to face Banbury Belles.
