Newark Rugby Festival

Last Sunday was an encouraging start to the 23/24 season and for women's rugby as the Newark 10s festival turned out to be the Newark 15s for our U16 girls, because all teams in our group brought enough players for full sides. Despite being without Amy (fly-half), and Charlotte (scrum half) because of injury, Casuals brought 17 players and were joined by two more from West Bridgford, which allowed us to put together a powerful pack.

In the first game against North Derbyshire, our forwards were all strong at the breakdown and dominated the first few scrums, winning a couple of turnovers before the opposition asked for uncontested scrums. Unfortunately, we lost Emily to injury (dislocated shoulder) early on in the game after making a few incisive breaks, and also Lily (twisted ankle) later on, having grown nicely into the full-back spot during the game. Ella (West Bridgford) also had to stop playing after a knock to the head, which meant we were without an experienced No 2. We wish them all a speedy recovery.

With players forced to play out of position, we conceded a few tries to North Derbyshire's quick runners as our cohesion, concentration and communication dropped a little. Though Casuals played some really effective good quality and attractive rugby, at least the equal of our opposition, we were unable to cross the try-line and it was evident that the team was hindered by the injuries and were still getting used to playing together for the first time.

The second game against a combined Boston & Scunthorpe team saw Casuals secure a comfortable win, settling into better patterns in our forward phase play as we looked after and recycled the ball, drew in the defenders and created space for runners who took their opportunities well, through the middle and out wide. Izzy, Brooke and Tia were solid as a rock in the set piece, and began to punch holes in attack. Mille, Alice and Jess locked the scrum tight and ensured our lineout functioned well and the back row of Kacie, Lyla and Camille had dynamic games in the loose, causing problems for the opposition in both attack and defence. Bethany (No. 9) was always there at the breakdown, distributing increasingly accurately to a backline that began to link up well, with Eleanor stepping into her first ever match at fly-half as if she'd always been there, and Lotty enjoying an influential game at full-back. Jess and Faye found more space out wide and worked really hard to keep the ball alive. Emma moved seamlessly from second row to 13 and alongside Alannah added direct running to the Casuals' attack and steel to the defence, and it was satisfying to deny the opposition scoring opportunities for much of the game.

Congratulations to Brooke on her first 'proper' game as she got stuck in as a No 2 (and also at flanker). Well played, Brooke!

Many thanks to Amy who, though injured, came along to cheer her teammates and act as assistant coach for the afternoon. Great rugby teamwork values, Amy!

Thanks also to Charlie, our new first-aider, who was busier than expected on debut. Thankfully none of the injuries appeared too serious and everyone finished the day with a smile on their face.