The forwards win the game, Hollie decides by how much!

Image credit: ChrisEvansImages.com

With nearly half our team either with just one season's rugby under the belt or complete newbies, it was always going to be a challenge in this annual and often intense local derby. But despite their youthful inexperience we were excited about our backs who collectively could be the fastest the team has ever had - we just needed to get the ball to them.

For the first 15 minutes we didn't touch the ball let alone get it out! But we did put in over 35 tackles as we absorbed the constant pressure in our 22. Eventually Woodbridge found a way through and scored. For the rest of the half the boot was definitely on the other foot! Our attack was mostly up the middle but when we did get it out wide, we seriously threatened. Initially we crossed the line but the ball was adjudged to have been held-up. Then Poppy combined with one of fresh and exiting new talents, Olivia Forder, running down the opposite wing only to shave the touchline a few meters out.

Olivia's promising season was brought to a cruel and premature end when her next carry in their 22 resulted in a broken ankle. The team, and indeed rugby, wish her her a speedy and full recovery and hope to see her back in a Southwold shirt next season if not before.

Despite this setback, our continual pressure was soon rewarded when a break from Hollie in the centres put Poppy in the corner just before the break.

All square at 5-5.

Thanks to the hard graft from our forwards we were able to continue exerting the pressure and repelling all their attacking forages. Woodbridge's front five are big and strong so we often had to pair-up to stop them in their tracks and get them down. Occasionally driving them back and stealing the ball. Big hits from our back row supported by our front five and backed-up by some textbook clearing-out.

10 minutes in to the half Hollie again broke through the centres and danced and twisted her way through the last line of defense to score under the posts. Hollie Walsh is another of our newbies graduating from Beccles Girls and playing her first game of adult rugby. Abi's conversion was to prove critical.

Around 2 minutes later Hollie made another break, this time from the halfway line, and out-paced several desperate defenders to score again.

Our scrum was really beginning to dominate now, our front row combo of Jayne, Two-tries and newbie Maddie were simply too strong for a tiring Woodbridge. Meanwhile, Robin ruled the skies securing our line-out ball and often disrupting theirs.

We were now looking unbeatable but Woodbridge refused to lie down and came back at us, lead by their experienced fly-half. Annabelle was awarded a Yellow for a high tackle and the gaps that were inevitably left allowed Woodbridge to run in two quick unconverted tries. All of a sudden it was getting a bit tight!

Fortunately Hollie struck again - stepping, swerving and twisting her way to another try - her hat-trick. And better still, Abi converted it to secure the extra 2 points.

9 points up with a few minutes to go all was looking good but a loose pass and an interception gave Woodbridge a try under the post which they duly converted.

The last two minutes seem to take forever - well actually they did because the ref had to reset the scrum numerous times as they capitulated under our pressure and kept on collapsing! Eventually we won it against the head and got within 5 meters of another try but an infringement ended the game. 22-24 to Wold. Job done.

This particular local derby is always competitive and usually the result is close - but rarely this close. Well done to the Women of the Wold you ALL put in a a gutsy and committed shift and thoroughly deserved the win.

Back of the Match was obviously Hollie for her inaugural hat-trick. Forward of the Match to fellow newbie, Maddie. Tit of the Day was Annabelle for her Yellow.