Sutton Coldfield Ladies Academicals Off to a Flying Start!

On the taxi journey from university to the rugby club this afternoon, having been informed by one of the players who had played Harper Adams before, that we were in for a tough game, nerves were starting to sink in.

Even from watching how the opposition warmed up compared to our home team, the girls could start to see what they were up against. Playing only a game of 7's they were also aware of the fitness level and speed they were going to have to maintain.

Sutton won the coin toss and chose to let Harper Adams take the first kick. After a flying start from Sutton, Jess Palfrey (Aston Uni) scored the first try. The confidence gained from this had a massive impact on the Sutton girls who took it on as a challenge, realising for the first time, that they had the chance to win this match.

As the first 25 minute half played out, the girls managed to rack up another 10 try's, from Jess Palfrey, Zoe Young and Lizi Harrison (both also from Aston Uni) and Hannah Haywood (University College Birmingham). Some fantastic tackles were made from both sides and scrums were a regular occurrence between the two teams with, Zoe, Hannah and Lizi taking up the front three. This left the score at 55-10 at half time.

In the second half the game the pace started picking up a little. Rosie Rowicki (UCB) who had come off earlier on in the game with a knee injury, came back as a force to be reckoned with, as she made a great tackle, resulting in a turn over ball and a scrum. Nicola Kington (Aston Uni) also made some fantastic tackles, resulting in her getting the ball to Jess who, showing some fantastic footwork against several of Harper Adams finest, scored several try's from as far back at the opposition's try line.

As Harper Adams kicked to restart, Hannah collected the ball and scored a try, taking the score to 70-10. This try was shortly followed by a quick succession of try's from Harper Adams, who were quickly on the rebound and trying to catch-up.

When the final whistle blew, the score was left at 80-30 to Sutton Coldfield Ladies Academicals.

A big congratulations is given to all of the girls who played today and for their outstanding performance in their first game. Also a big thanks is owed to Harper Adams University who played some fantastic rugby and were great sports through out the whole event! Keep up the amazing work girls!!