Bristol Ladies v DMP Sharks

Review

Blustery conditions met both sides as they ran out at Trowbridge RFC for today’s fixture. The pitch at Trowbridge was fantastic given the weather, earning praise from both sides after a game where the wind and rain had a large impact.

Bristol dominated the first half, scoring three unanswered tries.

Scrum half Sian Moore scored the first on 15 minutes – taking the initiative and diving over the line after a team mate was tackled a few inches short.

The girls worked their way back up the pitch for the next score six minutes later. This time Clara Nielson spotted the gap and stormed through to take the score to 10 – 0.

Some great interplay between the forwards and backs allowed Olivia Jones to get the third. Sydney Gregson and Philippa Tuttiett made some great breaks, whilst the forwards drew players in to allow Jones the space out wide to sprint from the 10m line to touch down. Sue Neumann converted.

Half time score: Bristol Ladies 17 (3 tries, 1 conv) – 0 DMP Sharks

The second half began, and conditions worsened. Handling errors and slips hit both sides as DMP looked to step up their game.

Team indiscipline saw Moore yellow carded on 58 minutes, and DMP took advantage of the overlap and Rachael Worsey got the first score of the afternoon for DMP.

On 70 minutes, Trish Brown was deemed to have not retreated 10 metres and was binned by the referee. Bristol defended well for the 10 minutes, however DMP managed to get over once more on 79 minutes through Amy Needham.

A tough fixture for both sides, with conditions not helping either team – however a hard fought win keeps Bristol on track for a top 4 finish and a place in the play offs.

Final score: Bristol Ladies 17 (3 tries, 1 conv) – 10 (2 tries) DMP Sharks