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Lewes Ladies vs Barnes

Lewes Ladies vs Barnes

Pip Young6 Oct 2016 - 07:12
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Lewes Continue Winning Ways. A match report by coach Owen Jones.

Our forwards fronted up really well this week, and except for a well worked score from their (very quick) 9, our defensive line was impenetrable. A great match to continue our winning streak, and although we need to be more clinical, we're looking forward
- Owen Jones

On Sunday Lewes Ladies battled past the various mansions, townhouses, super cars and roadworks travelling through the suburbs of London for their 3rd league game of the season in the form of Barnes. The aforementioned traffic, posh cars and designer clothes ensured the entire team had arrived by 13:45 sharp - a mere 45 minutes after the suggested meet time.

Despite these minor setbacks, Lewes evidently switched on from the moment the warm up began, and this focus and intent was illustrated from the kick-off.

Lewes 10 Josie Nelder ensured the forwards could compete straight from the off, and after some fierce tackling claimed the ball in a good attacking position. 4 phases of forward play later, and the Barnes defence were reeling from the intensity of the forward play. The Lewes backs identified this space, and after some slick handling went in under the posts to score.

Barnes restarted well, and forced Lewes into knocking on 20m out from their own line. A flowing 8 / 9 pick up from the scrum allowed the Barnes 9 (an England touch rugby player) to demonstrate some outstanding wheels as she ran around half of the Lewes back line to touch down on the wing on this exceptionally wide pitch.

This brief foray into Lewes' red zone marked Barnes' only real threat of the match, however their strong defence coupled with Lewes' occasionally erroneous decision making ensured the visitors went in at half time with the relatively unflattering lead of 19-5.

The second half seemed like an entirely different match: Lewes dictated the play both in terms of their attacking and defensive efforts, repeatedly shutting down any potential attacks, and then capitalising on their turn overs by exploiting the well worked overlaps. A flurry of tries and Lewes' fitness were rewarded with a final score line of 41-5 (with all the tries coming from the backs). An extra mention to Lewes 7 - Hannah Ross - who had a great match, and seemed to be present all over the pitch.

Truly special highlights of the day include:

1) The Lewes 10 trying some serious flair less than 5 minutes into the match, in the form of an attempted chip over the defensive line to herself... From a penalty.

2) The Lewes left wing repeatedly considering the pass to beat the last defender (after making some frankly outstanding breaks), but occasionally opting for the more 'physical' option instead of scoring...

All in all, a great away win for a Lewes team who continue to show their intentions for the season.

Lewes ladies travel to Medway away in the first match of the cup this Sunday, and will be looking to continue their winning streak.

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