Tough games finishes well for Thames RFC Ladies (From Thurrock Gazette)

Toucanettes have the measure of Hampstead Ladies

10:00pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in Sport

WOMENS RUGBY: IN their second game of the season, Thames Ladies headed to London to play Hampstead Ladies second string. Thames knew the game would probably be their toughest of the season as Hampstead had put nearly 80 points on Stanford Ladies’ the weekend before.

The game started with Thames being driven off the ball in contact. As a result, Thames became undisciplined and gave away three penalties in a row. But amazingly, the Thames defence held strong and Hampstead did not score. Thames refocused and after some hard work from the forwards, the backs got possession and scored on the wing with Shiv Allison getting the ball over the line. Thames managed to repeat their great work twice more with Megan Hasler charging through the oppositions’ back line to score.

At half time the score was 15-0 to Thames. But Hampstead came back strong in the second half scoring two tries in quick succession. Allison made another great run down the length of the pitch to score. Thames were now two players down due to injury and a red card and knew it would take everything to keep Hampstead from crossing the line. With five minutes to go Hampstead managed another try running around Thames’ depleted back line bringing the score to 20-15. Thames knew that Hampstead only had to score again and all the hard work in the first half would be a waste – but the Toucanettes held on. Thames ladies dug deep and there was a mixture of triumph and relief when the whistle blew for full time – giving Thames the win.

Thames Ladies are looking for new players to join the squad. And anyone who is interested should contact Thames RFC stalwart jennifer.emerson@hotmail.co.uk.

For more womens rugby see Friday's THURROCK GAZETTE