Wellingborough 12  v  Nottingham 29

In the first 10-20 minutes Notts scored their tries as Boro forwards missed their tackles, which put pressure on Macca and Emily Underwood to deliver the goods.  Nat Smart and Laura Gorman (Jorgi) not having an opportunity to shine, as ball was lost quite often at breakdowns; again, something that needs work on by forwards, but both Nat and Rachel Jones committed themselves to stopping tries by putting in their tackles when it mattered.

When the forwards finally switched on, we saw good tackles from Laura Frost, who couldn’t wait to play after the Christmas break, and Debbie Dexter.  It was a first start for Megan Flockton who suffered a couple of injuries, one which resulted in mild concussion.  She took the ball into contact in the second half more often and did well whilst support reached her.

Megan was replaced by Amanda McHugh the first time she was injured, and Amanda stamped her name onto the game, tackling at every opportunity, without fear.  Prior to this, Amanda had barely played ten minutes in the last two games.  Initially picked to play in the backs Amanda found her position and will now be returning for the forwards as flanker.

Sue Davidson, out with sciatica the week beforehand, put in her tackles, but then had further ill-luck when she broke her ankle during one tackle where she ended up at the bottom of a ruck.

Scrums were awesome, now becoming a trademark of the ladies team, and further great skill being shown by Janita Dickens winning not only our own put ins, but also virtually every one of theirs.  Usual great performance by Stephanie Cannell, swapping out from lock to flanker for the first time and showing great eagerness to take out the Notts scrum half and fly half, once the ball was away from scrums.

Notts gave away quite a few penalties, including jumping over a tackler.  We felt the Ref missed a number of off-side offences by Notts, which helped them secure one of their tries in the second half.  However, overall he was far superior to the standard of referees normally assigned to ladies rugby.
Elaine Addy (Captain) 

Forward of match: Amanda McHugh
Back of match: Emily Underwood