ARU (W) Team V GB Police
10 Dec 04

The Army women's squad met at ATR Winchester on Thu 09 Dec 04, ready to prepare for the first fixture against the GB Police. Training went well in the morning, with new players and a new game plan to adjust too for both players and coaches.

The team met at Aldershot on Friday morning at 1100hrs, ready to take on the Police in this annual fixture. With kick off loaming and the coaches job done it was time to hand over to The Army Captain LCpl Jessika Limbert.

The Army kicked off and were then put under pressure from the police for the next 10 minutes. The Army stuck to their task and defended superbly, managing to clear their lines with some good attacking rugby, breaking down at the last minute and were unlucky not to score first. The Army then adjusted to the new game plan and started to control the game, but could not break the strong defence of the Police.

Half time upon us and some words from Coach Sgt Gareth Ivory and Army Captain LCpl Jessika Limbert, it was time to come out and show the spectators what Women's rugby was all about. The Police got the second half on the way and again with some excellent attack from both sides only thwarted by strong defence from both sides. The police started to pile on the pressure and the Army had to clear their lines on a number of occasions. With some decisions going against them, the Army were pinned on their line for some considerable time, however they manage to keep their composure and break out of their 22, only to be stopped by the defence of the Police. The Police then mounted a strong counter attack and manage to score in the corner. Once again the Army rallied and with some substitutions managed to keep the Police in their own half, but again failing to find the try line.

A very good start to the season despite losing by 5 points, and a chance for the Committee to start looking at Players for the Inter Service Side in the New Year and time for the Squad to get used to the Game Plan and Coaches. A massive congratulation to all; the team will now build on this performance for the next game in January.

Woman of the Match: Sgt Martina Ashton

Next Fixture: FIRE SERVICE AT ALDERSHOT 12 JAN 05