Womens XV

Cleobury Mortimer Ladies 15 Bridgnorth Womens 26

A wonderful first half comeback by Bridgnorth women made the telling difference when they defeated local rivals Cleobury Mortimer 15-26 on Sunday afternoon at Lacon Childe.

A gale force wind blowing from end to end threatened to distract from what were otherwise perfect playing conditions and it was Cleobury who at first made full use of those conditions, scoring two tries in the first ten minutes.

Cleobury will also have thanked their lucky stars that referee missed a seemingly blatant knock-on in the build up to the first try. In spite of this however, the home side were deserving of their lead, dominating territory for much of the opening quarter with Bridgnorth finding it difficult to move the ball out of their own 22.

However, it wasn’t long before Bridgnorth’s dominant loose forwards began to impose themselves on the game. After quick ruck ball on halfway, some great handling by outhalf Wendy Price and the Bridgnorth back line put winger Charlotte Edwards away for a 50 metre sprint to put the Severn Street girls back in the game.

That try gave Bridgnorth the boost they were looking for. The pack began to punish their Cleobury counterparts with some top notch rucking and mauling and it wasn’t long before it brought them up into the Cleobury 22 for the first time in the game. A clean lineout take set up an excellent rolling maul with scrum half Caz Cox the one to touch down. Cox converted and Bridgnorth went in at half time leading 10-12.

If that try proved to be the turning point, Bridgnorth certainly weren’t in the mood to sit back. They scored again just minutes into the second period with the superb Amy Jeffs slipping through the gate to score from close range. Cox converted to make it 10-19 and with the wind at their backs, Bridgnorth seemed in complete control.

However, Cleobury had other ideas, replying with another unconverted try after a good inside break by their inside centre on the halfway line. Bridgnorth kept their cool however, and another Wendy Price try ten minutes from full time effectively sealed the result 15-26.

The game was marked by fantastic individual performance and great teamwork, but the Arch Motor Services man of the match award was shared between the second rows Fay Freeman and Amy Scott for outstanding debut performances for the club.

Bridgnorth Women are looking forward to another coaching session by England Womens backs coach Andy Paton on 17th March at 7pm on the severn park. Anyone wishing to come along and take part or even have a look are very welcome.

© Bridgnorth Rugby Club