Portsmouth US Ladies V Fordingbridge Ladies

The second match of the season started rapidly with the Portsmouth US team taking advantage of the caution displayed by the Fordingbridge ladies and scoring a quick try and conversion.
The team then took stock and began using the new techniques that have been taught since the last match and played a good defensive line, although the ruck techniques were quite slow off the mark in comparison to the opposition.
Portsmouth had an excellent kicker who placed the ball well throughout the game, one kick which was run down and gave them their second try.
Some excellent play by the bridge ladies saw US ladies start to falter and change tack. Hannah Walraven (captain) saw an opportunity and began the attack with support from Lydia Parkinson, and Zara Khel, but Emma Batty caught it and sprinted off and made the first try of the season for the bridge ladies under the posts! Hannah Walraven then made the conversion bringing the score line to 12 – 7.
Despite the opposition having a few extra pounds the bridge ladies managed to start holding their own against them. Portsmouth had many break through runs which were thwarted by the bridge ladies with the exception of one more try which was not converted.
The match was a good opportunity for some of the forwards to play different positions and gave the team differing dynamics throughout the game.
Both teams had a few minor injuries but it was a great friendly 2nd match of the season.
Final score was 17-7 with woman of the match going to Emma Batty.