Biggleswade RUFC

Biggleswade Ladies 14 - 52 Rugby Lionesses

Biggleswade Ladies were outnumbered but not out-fought in their first home league game of the season against Rugby Lionesses on Sunday.

With a squad already depleted by injuries, Biggy lost a further two players onfield in the first 15 minutes, which meant they played the vast majority of the game two players down against a full side with subs.

Fatigue was always going to play a part, as was a team sheet which saw forwards having to play as backs and numerous players in unfamiliar positions. But Biggy showed huge heart and determination to battle through and put pressure on the opposition right up the final whistle, scoring two tries in a second half where they refused to give up.

The Lionesses worked tenaciously for their tries in the first period, breaking through Biggy’s defence for three tries, and converting one.

Biggy worked even harder to keep the first half score to 0-17 but it was inevitable that tiredness and inexperience in some positions was going to play a part after the break, and the Lionesses duly pounced on defensive gaps, clocking up more tries.

Biggy could have buckled, but they refused to let their opponents dominate possession, winning back turnover, and putting in some big carries to gain territory.

Amy Fox, normally No 8, was a revelation at inside centre, probably having the most possession of any player on the pitch, continuously breaking the gain line, and kicking beautifully for touch, where Biggy’s strong lineouts secured more ball.

Becca Maxwell put in a full-on and fiesty No 9 performance. Bev Horsefield at flanker was at her disruptive best in the breakdown, winning turnover with fierce jackling. Charley Knights-Nizzardi and Emma Smyth, gaining confidence with every game, made some strong carries.

Tash Taylor was a ferocious obstacle to Lioness attackers on the break, bringing down several runners short of the try-line. And it was Taylor who got Biggy their hugely-deserved first try after a jinking, full-throttle run from 10m inside the opposition’s half, sidestepping past numerous tackles on her way to the line.

Biggy were also to have the last say on the scoreboard, when the quick-thinking Fox tapped and went from a penalty when the Lionesses switched off in the final minutes of the match. She kicked her second conversion of the day to bring the final score to 14-52.

Well done to the Lionesses on their victory.

Forward of the Match: Rajal Master, who took some huge hits but kept getting stuck back into the fray.

Back of the Match: Tash Taylor for her tireless chasing, tackling, and scoring.

Opposition’s Player of the Match: Amy Fox for absolutely bossing an unfamiliar position, rock-steady kicking, and the cheekiest of tries. Amy is sponsored by LF Jarvis & Son.

Photo by David Kay

Photo by Carl Wolfenden