After weeks of pre-season training concentrating on fitness, strength and conditioning as well as learning new forwards and backs moves the under 16 girls were keen to play some actual rugby against to see how all that training would work in real life.

Our first pre-season friendly was against a team that we had never played before old Reigatians and no one knew exactly what to expect. We received a warm welcome from their coaches and managers and were blessed with a sunny day.

After a warm up the game began with Medway playing downhill and against the wind. Our opposition got off to a flying start while Medway struggled to find their rhythm as the new combinations of players took some time to click. Despite this the play on the pitch didn't reflect the first half scoreline excellent attack and defence being shown by both teams. Old Regatians scored 24 points while Imogen Lewis cross the line for Medways only try of the half making the making the halftime score 24 points to 5.

The second-half saw Medway make what was nearly an epic comeback as both teams find their rhythm displaying excellent play in both attack and defence. However despite Medway being on top bore the vast majority of the half they could not quite overturn the lead. The final score ending 34 points to 33. Second-half tries were scored by Ashley Ellis times 2, Sofia Dellafera and Sophie Clark, Ashley also adding a conversion. Special mention to players of the match Sophie Denny and Poppy Hudson.

After such a close game against a very difficult opposition the girls should be proud of the resilience and fighting spirit they had shown to almost snatch the game. We look forward to our next warm up game against Hastings next weekend.

#lovedandfeared