Match report

Firwood Waterloo hosted Gloucester-Hartpury at the Memorial Ground in the opening fixture in the 2019-2020 Tyrell’s Premier 15s competition.

Gloucester started the game at great pace and earned an early score executing a well worked overlap. The defence and Waterloo scrum began to grow into the game applying pressure to the Gloucester side. Excellent defensive pressure, especially from Carys Hall, Lauren Delany and Nikita Friere prevented Gloucester getting any further scores.

Again, it was excellent Gloucester handling that allowed them to cross the whitewash yet again to extend their lead to 12-0. Waterloo started to begin to grow in confidence with the defence being successful in halting any Gloucester attacks. The resulting field position allowed players Mhairi Grieve and Bethan Davies to begin to put players into holes and build attacking momentum. A well timed midfield scrum play saw Lauren Delany race under the posts for a converted score.

Half time 7-12

Gloucester came out of the blocks with frightening pace in the second half. Waterloo began to miss a few tackles to allow Gloucester in behind. The scramble defence was not able to prevent a Gloucester score. Fatigue began to settle into the Waterloo camp, and despite the introduction of some fresh legs they were unable to stop three further Gloucester scores.

In almost de ja vu style, Waterloo began to apply pressure towards the Gloucester as they kept the ball in the Gloucester 22 for numerous phases. Strong attacking work from the likes of Alicia Calton, Scarlett Fielding and Sophie Jones tested the Gloucester resolve alas, Waterloo just could not find that cutting edge.

In the closing moments of the fixture Gloucester took advantage of their possession to score quickly with one try right on the final whistle.

Final score 7-48 to Gloucester.

Coach Callum Yorke said ‘On the whole it was a promising performance from Waterloo their defensive effort in the first

half was something to be proud of. The signs are really promising from this group of players and they will learn from today and become better for that.’

The girls are away next week playing Darlington Mowden Park Sharks in the ‘Battle of the North’