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Biggleswade Ladies 31 - 0 Hitchin Ladies II
League leaders Biggleswade Ladies put in a great team performance in Sunday’s top of the table clash against Hitchin.
Hitchin requested uncontested scrums just before kick-off, much to the disappointment of the Biggy pack, but the change didn’t phase the home side, who were focused and resolved from the off, and determined to improve after last week’s loss against Harpenden.
Both teams had their share of possession for the first 20 minutes, but solid Biggy tackling meant Hitchin spent most of it in their own half.
The home team worked hard building up phases, allowing their back line to exploit the space, with leggy full back Amanda Humphrey breaking through several tackles as she ran from the half way line to score under the posts. Clare Watson converted in the wind.
Biggleswade continued to gain ground and dominate territory. When the visitors were forced to kick clear, Humphrey scooped up the ball, ran outside four defenders and scored out wide (unconverted).
Hitchin finished the half strongly, working their way into Biggleswade’s 22, but Biggy’s defence held. Half-time score 12 - 0.
The first 10 minutes of the second period were played in Hitchin’s half, with runs from both teams but good covering defence from both sides. A Hitchin injury meant Biggleswade had to drop to 14 to match numbers.
Biggy’s confident performance continued with a series of great offloads into contact, excellent support and recycling. Good forward pod work set up fly half Charlie Field who put a well-timed pass down the line which ended with Humphrey breaking the gainline for the third time to score her hat-trick. Field converted.
Hitchin were on the hunt for a score, and made ground after Biggy gave away penalties. But Biggy’s defensive wall would not be breached. Ten yards off their own line, Field cleared from the back of a scrum and lock Claire Watson discovered her Olympic sprinting DNA, chasing after the kick on the heels of speedy winger Chloe White. It was Watson who scooped up the bouncing ball, made huge strides and ran more than half the length of the pitch - throwing in a textbook one-two with White for good measure - and scoring close to the posts.
With one minute left, Biggy secured ball from the Hitchin kick-off and fed it down their line again. Lauren Poole drew her opposite number in, took contact, and offloaded to White who made a 50 metre run, outpacing Hitchin and scoring Biggy’s final try (converted by Field).
Final score Biggleswade 31 - 0 Hitchin Ladies II
Just a few points now separate the top three sides, with Biggy topping the league and 2nd plave Hitchin playing third place Welwyn next week. Biggleswade can win the league outright if they win their final game of the season - a return fixture at Hitchin on Sunday March 15.
Forward of the match was Claire Watson (sponsored by Bob Archer) for her all-round game, but mainly for unleashing her inner Usain Bolt.
Back of the match was Amanda Humphrey (sponsored by White Haus Bespoke Timber) for a top quality hat-trick of tries.
Team photo: Carl Wolfenden Action photo: David Kay
