ARU
aru
 Revised: Tuesday 17 February, 2009 Print this page Click to close 

Combined Services (Women) Match Reports
Season 2008-2009

Combined Services (Women) XV (10) v England Development XV (32)
Plymouth - 4 Nov 08

Reporter/Photographer: Roger Thompson

The scoreboard at the Brickfields, Plymouth showed in the brightest of lights on a dank West Country evening that the England Development team outscored a Combined Services XV by 32 pts-10. That the Services gave little except in experience and provenance to a national representative side proved that Services Women's rugby is strong and, after only eleven years, still on the upward march
Emillie Astley Arlington runs into traffic
Emillie Astley Arlington runs into traffic
Skipper Kat Woods runs the hard yards
Skipper Kat Woods runs the hard yards
Sarah Roper makes her mark
Sarah Roper makes her mark

Indeed this was a new level where many 'unknown' Services names played excellent rugby and were not overawed by the cream at the top.
Emillie A-A puts pace on the ball
Emillie A-A puts pace on the ball

After an England penalty the Services immediately regrouped to put ‘Sonic’ Homer clear for an excellent try. That showed what was possible but it also acted as a bugle call for the England side who then camped within the Services ‘22’ and scored a couple of formidable tries.

At 5pts—20 the game was far from over. Stern words at half time from coach Dean Lewis 'stiffened the sinews' and in an even third quarter the Services pack gained much of England’s measure.

Skipper Kat Woods (AMS) playing at No8 had one of those 'everywhere' games. She was responsible in great measure for corralling the back row, creating turnover in the tackle and safeguarding the close defence around rucks and set pieces.
Centre pairing of Sarah Hudson (RLC) who also turns out with Wasps and Sarah Roper (RE) started to dent the first line of defence allowing Rebecca Hewlett (RLC) a sprint close to the line---but no further.

Great work by the pack and centres in the final quarter released Emilie Astley-Arlinton (RLC) who would on the evidence of such speed and feel for the game fit in at the very top level. That triggered a late flourish by the Services and although they clearly raised their tempo against a tiring England XV the score remained at 32pts—10.

Sarah Hudson harrasses the defence
Sarah Hudson harrasses the defence
Services' Chairman Lt Col Eilean Cunningham said " the women's game in the Services is thriving". On the evidence of this entertaining match few would disagree.

Posted: 17 Nov 08
  © Army Rugby Union
top  Top  
Clayton Barracks, Thornhill Road, Aldershot, Hampshire, GU11 2BG      Tel: ATN 94222 3573 Civ 01252 348573
Web site by Picea