A fixture that took a lot of effort from all the club managers to get arranged with the objective of the girls playing a 15 vs. 15 for the first time this season. Originally planned for Medway we had to move last weekend due to the expected numbers attending the Mini’s festival, thankfully we were very ably hosted by Deal. All in all, 6 club sides brought girls to the fixture, once again emphasising the commitment from coaches and parents alike to grow the game for girls in Kent.

After navigating motorway closures and the logistics of multiple lifts offered by our excellent parents, we arrived with 23 girls to firstly play against a combined Aylesford and Folkestone side (the StoneBulls) who had brought 20 girls and then make up a 15 with an East Kent Viragos side who had 10 players. The format would be 4 x 8 min quarters for each of the 2 matches.

Playing conditions were ideal, with recent rain having softened the ground and if anything a little too warm for the girls first run out on a full size pitch.

The first quarter was hard fought and having made good progress down the left wing with good forward play we had 2 penalties and a lineout 10m out which we failed to convert into points (definitely one for the training ground). Unfortunately, we were made pay for this and allowed a breakaway try down the same wing by one of the newer additions to the Stonebulls squad, a very athletic and tall girl who would be responsible for most of their points. This was converted by their captain and the quarter finished 7-0

The second quarter was all forward play and mainly in the middle of the pitch, we held off one drive which came near to our touchline and it looked likely we had started to turn the tide until another breakaway try by the same player down the same wing in the last minute. Our girls tackled her meters from the line but couldn’t prevent the score and conceded an unconverted 5 points. 12-0

The third quarter followed a similar pattern, the girls were battling hard but struggling to make headway through a very congested mid-field and not taking advantage of the width. We had a couple of near breaks but couldn’t quite beat the last defender and once again allowed one of their players to score from running round and down our wing to score in the corner. Score now 17-0 and the girls’ heads were dropping a bit.

Now some girls play worse when behind and some just get angry about it! Cue a resurgent 4th quarter. Step up Summer Reynolds who took an excellent catch from the restart, went round (in one case through) 4 players to return an excellent try under the posts. Giving Amelia Massey her first opportunity to convert which she did in fine style. From the next restart, buoyed by the try, we battled hard down the centre of the pitch and after 4 attempts to go over Madison Warran’s driving run took the ball and about 3 of their players over the line for a well deserved try. Once again converted by Amelia Massey. Sadly the sands of time and the refs whistle prevented a turnaround in the scores but given the start a 17-14 loss was a fair reflection of the first match.

Our next match up was against the same side but this time contributing at least 5 players to East Kent Viragos. Not wanting to push the girls to play in a mixed squad, a sometimes controversial request, we asked for volunteers. They all put their hands up and consequently gave the very proud coaching team the usual logistical nightmare.

The first quarter was very competitive with several moves getting very close to the try line but none converted into points. Seren Doran made a couple of good line breaks but the tackles from both sides were strong and well timed. 0-0

The second quarter was a lot more scrappy with hard tackles and spilt balls a plenty, the counter rucking on both sides was more evident but no side was dominating. That was until the ball was moved to the left wing from a centre pitch ruck and EKVs Cressida scored in the left corner. Amelia Massey made a brave attempt at a conversion from the left touchline but she’s not quite that good yet, but I suspect it won’t be long. 0-5

The 3rd quarter and from the first attack of the half, with several phases of well defended rucking Amelia Patterson broke the line and scored under the posts, Amelia Massey having being subbed, cue looks around for someone to convert, Amelia Patterson stepped up and after skimming the cross bar the ball went over for her first (and surprised) conversion. From the kick off the Stonebulls came back with real intent and scored immediately. This was possibly the best quarter with battling runs and open play on both sides. 5-12

The last quarter and EKV + Medway dominated with Mia from EKV scoring to the left of the post after multiple phases of possession. Then when Stonebulls were looking to approach our posts Summer Reynolds picked up the ball from an undefended ruck and ran ¾ of the length of the pitch to score under their posts. Amelia Patterson, enthused by her new found skill, slotted the conversion. Final score 5 - 24 to EKV+Medway.

This was a massive day of learning for all the girls, full size pitch, 8 in a scrum, full lineouts, conversions and many other more subtle changes to the rules. It was therefore very fortuitous that we had an excellent new ref in Charlotte from Deal who was immediately respected by the girls and coached and officiated superbly.

As stated at the start, this was not an easy day to arrange, but credit to the managers of all sides for organising. There was well deserved back slaps and high-fives all round. Thanks to Deal for hosting and the food.

What a brilliant day and I’m sure girls and parents alike were grateful to see their bed on Sunday evening.