Biggleswade RUFC

Biggleswade Ladies 22-25 Harpenden Ladies

Despite a determined second half comeback Biggleswade Ladies were beaten in a tight match by just one score on Sunday.

Having lost out to a close call on a held-up try against Hitchin IIs a fortnight ago, it was a single penalty that proved decisive in their latest league match.

Harpenden started well, with Biggy forced back into their own half for the first 10 minutes. Their defensive press wasn’t quick enough, allowing the opposition to work the ball across the pitch. 

Some strong tackles and good clearing kicks killed the danger, and Biggleswade worked their way into the game.

New player Becca Maxwell gained confidence running down the wing and stepping inside with several ground-gaining breaks. Biggy were galvanised by turnover ball and several big carries from Amy Schiller.

Biggleswade were now piling on the pressure, with more possession, and some excellent running lines. Another carry into Harps’ 22 ended with Schiller racing through a gap and across the line for the first score (unconverted). 

A short kick and chase from Charlie Field was grounded in the in-goal area by Harpenden to prevent a second try.

The momentum swung the other way when Harpenden began to string out the Biggy defensive line by working the ball from one side to another. They ran in three tries in the space of nine minutes which left Biggy playing catch-up, 5-17 behind at the break.

When the ball popped out of a scrum at the beginning of the second period right into the hands of a Harpenden player, who ran in another try, Biggy could have folded.

Instead, they refused to give up and a big kick and team chase gained them 60 yards before captain Lauren Poole charged over for Biggy’s second try (converted by Field).

After a great rip by Gina Roby and more Biggy pressure, Poole barrelled through again, handing off a phalanx of Harpenden players to score Biggy’s third.

Penny George, back for her first few minutes of rugby after having a baby, immediately made a couple of useful tackles.

Claire Watson, putting in a typical battling performance on her farewell game with the club, powered through and over the line to put her side within three points of Harpenden.

But the clock ran out before Biggleswade could make one last push.

Forward of the Match: Amy Schiller (sponsored by Herts Woodburners) 

Back of the Match: Jemma Langton (sponsored by Clophill Preschool)

Special Mention: Claire Watson. One of the stalwarts of the side since its resurrection in 2017, a formidable player and leader in the forward pack, and captain over the challenging period of lockdown, Watson never gave less than 100 per cent on and off the pitch. Good luck in whatever you do next, Watson.