Lewes Ladies travelled to Kent this weekend to kick off their season against New Ash Green. The Lewes side arrived confident, with a strong squad and off the back of two wins from last week’s friendly double-header. The late summer sun worked in Lewes’ favour too – making a forwards’ game almost impossible for the New Ash Green side (who favour the ‘pick and go’s).

Kick-off threw Lewes into a panic and saw us immediately on the defence. It took the team a while to regain confidence in their game plan but, when we did, two forwards pods made space for no. 10 Josie Nelder to breeze under the posts. After converting her own try, the score was 0-7.

New Ash Green quickly rallied, scattering Lewes’ defence. Very soon they’d equalised, taking advantage of the ref’s distraction to scoop up a knock-on and turn it into a try (7-7). Again Lewes came back at them with a try on the wing from fullback Nicola Minchell (7-12). Again New Ash Green stormed through the defence to equal points (12-12).

A series of confusing penalties kept Lewes on the back foot for the rest of the first half. Although they successfully prevented a New Ash Green lead, their confidence was low and mistakes crept into their game.

A pep talk from new coach Owen Jones at half-time raised morale and Lewes returned to their game with renewed conviction. An 8 pick-up from the back of another great scrum created overlap, and scrum half Grace Darling placed the ball under the posts for a third try (12-19).

It was much harder for New Ash Green to come back this time, running into a tightened Lewes’ defence. But again a series of penalties saw Lewes defending on the try line and it wasn’t long before the Kent team got the ball over the line (19-19).

In the last 20 minutes, Lewes’ fitness showed. New Ash Green were struggling in the heat and Lewes knew exactly how to take advantage. Flyhalf Josie Nelder kicked the ball over the defence before catching it herself, and trotting over the try line. Converting again, Lewes began to clear the lead (19-26). New Ash Green’s kick-off was quickly caught and secured by newcomer Sam Monaghan who made yards of ground into the Kent defence.

This time the try came from Lauren Arthur who stormed through to put the ball under the posts (19-33). This was shortly followed by another fantastic backs’ move which allowed Grace Darling her second try of the game, and the final try of the match, which made the final score (19-40).

In the last play of the game, Faye Kirby made an exceptional break for the try line: scattering New Ash Green’s defence which a strategic kick. The final whistle blew shortly before the ball was grounded.

A sometimes frustrating game where at times Lewes felt they were playing against the referee as well as the opposition, it was still a great start for the side who are still learning to play together.

Lewes Ladies will take this win into their next game on Sunday 18th September, at home to Worthing. KO is 2pm.