Olney Ladies Vs Sutton Coldfield Ladies

Olney travelled to Sutton Coldfield (SC) a player short, fielding 14 players for this league clash, but with experience last season of playing without a full side the team started confidently. An early scrum even with the 8th man missing proved no problem as clean ball came out to scrum half Eleanor Fletcher who made a break for the try line. Sutton Coldfield’s defence held and despite Olney maintaining possession for seven phases, with Jen Miles and Fleur Shakespeare making the hard yards towards the try line, a loose ball in contact saw SC regain possession and kick down field. It was a good kick with a lucky bounce that put pressure on Kirsty Duncan at 15, who responded well - however SC were first to the ruck and it took a double tackle from Leanne Britain and Amanda Kinder to seal off what would have been a certain try.

A scrum to Olney gave number 10 Jen Miles the ball but pressure from the SC scrum half saw the home side regain possession in a dangerous position just metres out. Olney saw off the immediate threat but eventually SC won ball against the head in a scrum and fed to their number 8 who scored.

Olney responded with strength at the set piece, giving Charlotte Denny at centre the space to make a break and slice through the defence. Only the full back stopped Denny, who managed to recycle the ball and eventually number ten Jen Miles was the one to run in the try for Olney. SC responded with form and despite good defence from Olney eventually the extra man made the difference and they scored again. Olney held off more sustained pressure from their hosts until Jen Miles gave some breathing space with her kicking. The forwards took the ball further upfield and after some swift manoeuvres in the backs, it was forward Lianne O’Reilly who saw off four defenders to score.

Connie Spoor and Naomi Leicester in second row both put the pressure on around the rucks, and full back Kirsty Duncan made a valiant dash for the line, caught just metres short. SC however took possession back and started to put more pressure on with fresh legged substitutions, as Olney’s ladies tired. A valiant effort from Olney Ladies who performed well under immense pressure, certainly the scoreline does not reflect how close this game was.

FINAL SCORE 49-10 to Sutton Coldfield