Bracknell VC Battersea Ironside II 17/03/2019

Bracknell Ladies hosted another game of the season against Battersea Ironside II, where it was clear that both teams were hungry for the win. After a strong win against this side last time, Bracknell were determined to keep up their winning streak and get more points on the board. It was Ironsides kick off and the ball fell into Bracknell's hands and taken into contact with a strong carry by Shiv Jameson. It was a strong battle in the middle of the park by both sides, and it was clear that Battersea were not going down without a fight.

The first try of the game came from Joy Westlake, who got over the white wash after good hands from Tash & Zara King and a strong carry from Amber Clark to make the score 5-0 to Bracknell Ladies. Not long after, Bracknell worked hard to gain territory and were 5 meters from the try line. Great leadership from Leanne Smith at fly-half allowed the ball to get to the back line to reach the hands of Mia McCreesh, who dived over the try line to make the score 10-0. Battersea's heads did not drop, however, as they fiercely came back with a quick try after breaking through Bracknell's solid line of defence, despite Joy's fantastic constant cover tackles at fullback.

Bracknell Ladies worked tirelessly on the pitch, with the forwards winning a lot of the scrums, and Alice Whitbread peeling off the scrum rapidly to make crucial tackles. Zoe Young had a huge impact by making some big carries to gain territory, along with Mealsy Whitbread, who was also making great hits. Regardless, Battersea managed to get two more tries in the second half, and with a successful conversion, the half time score became 10-17 to Battersea.

Half time score Bracknell 10-17 Battersea Ironsides II

As the second half approached, Bracknell Ladies were committed to not conceding in the second half, and each player put their bodies on the line to do so. Hannah Taylor worked relentlessly at scrum half, ensuring she was there at every ruck ready to start the next phase quickly. Amber Clark pick and go'd off the back of the scrum when needed, carrying with great strength a speed! Mia McCreesh and Rachel Rickett worked together well in the centre, allowing solid runs to be made and allowing the ball to get to the hands of Cat Bell, Kirsty Robson and Steph Sillito out on the wings, each of whom made effective ground during the game. The next try came from Mia McCreesh, who received the ball after a good offload from Tash King and leaped over the try line to make the score 15-17.

Shortly after, Leanne Smith got herself a try directly under the posts after great play from Hannah Taylor who spots a gap for Leanne to run into to make the score 20-17 to Bracknell. Esmee Sturges made some fantastic hits and carries, keeping the ball alive and offloading to those around her to make some great runs. Amber Ledger came on at fly-half and made a great impact by experimenting with different calls to show the quick feet of the back line. As well as this, Shona Webb made an impact in the middle of the park as she showed her quick feet and good offloads to those hitting the hard lines around her. The final play of the game arrived and the ball got out to Joy Westlake who hit a gap and sped through the opposition getting a try in the corner of the whitewash. Mia McCreesh stepped up for the conversion and despite the strong wind, she managed to slot the ball between the posts before the final whistle blew to end the game.

Final score Bracknell Ladies 27-17 Battersea Ironsides II

A few words from our captain, Hannah Taylor; “Well done today ladies. Battersea put up a good fight but our hard work and determination payed off. Let’s keep our heads held high and smash our last two games of the season. So proud of you all.”

Forward of the Match: Alice Whitbread for peeling quickly off the scrum, great carries and good decision making.

Back of the Match: Joy Westlake for her excellent cover tackles, great vision on the pitch and countless runs.

Proudly sponsored by David Cliff, Bracknell Personnel Services and THH Scaffolding Services.