Women’s Rugby Set Standard for 2012

Maintaining their unbeaten record into 2012, NWR secure another phenomenal victory against Chester 1sts.

Women’s Rugby

Newcastle 1sts 40-0 Chester 1sts

In their first match of 2012, Newcastle Women’s Rugby 1sts continue to set the standard in their most recent adventure which took them to Chester, and as one of the university’s few undefeated teams of the season the pressure to perform was on.

Chester came out hard from the first whistle, but fresher Rosie Neal was undeterred, claiming two tries in quick succession which were then converted with perfect precision by Captain Phoebe Lebrecht.

This was quickly followed by another try from Holly Malins, and fresher Patricia Lapierre who managed to run the ball over the lines, thanks to skilful play and support Malins. In the closing minutes of this first half both teams were starting to show signs of waning but Malins persevered, stealing one last try before the half time whistle.

Moving into the second half, it was clear the Royals would have battle against the weather before they could attack on the hosts. The strong wind was immediately proving a disadvantage forcing NWR into a strong defence. Hosts Chester were resilient and continued to charge against Royal lines yet president Emma Boyle held the team up holding any threat off.

The game quickly became very physical, but Holly Malins managed to dodge Chester’s defence running the ball over the line for the team’s sixth try. Again Lebrecht converted another try, putting NWR to a 40-0 lead. Whilst this was not perhaps the best technical game for Newcastle, the team refused to give up or become complacent after a physically tough match against a strong side.

Once again, the Royals remain undefeated following outstanding teamwork and skill with particular credit this week for fresher Lauren Wallace, who always managed to be stay ahead of the competition being in exactly the right place at exactly the right time.