Sun 15 Dec 2019
The Nuns rounded off a perfect first-half of the season by cruising to a 7-36 win over Beckenham in the last sixteen of the Intermediate Cup, ensuring they begin the new year unbeaten and having gained a place the quarter-finals to complement their position as top of the league.
Having never played the London side before, who are currently sitting third in Championship South East 2, the Nuns started brightly with a try in the opening moments by captain Annette Bevan, who had been deftly passed the ball by second-row Hannah Bosher. Although the home side tried to contain the Nuns with territorial kicking, the ball was returned each time from depth by full-back Caroline Shephard and winger Jess Williams, the latter of whom gave a good defensive performance as well. Moments before half-time, centre Alice Denton scooped up a missed pass and raced most of the length of the pitch to dot down and score, with Bevan grabbing her brace seconds later. Beckenham responded just on the stroke of half-time with a well-timed run by their outside centre, grabbing their only score of the game.
The match saw some sterling individual performances, notably Meaghan Fowler and Alice Lawrence in the forwards, who kept the Nuns on the front foot all match, and flanker Fern Edgar was rewarded with her first try at 1st team level as she opened the scoring in the second half. Four tries up now, the Nuns were playing free-flowing rugby, which the excellent set piece platform from scrums and lineouts allowed. Hooker Harriet Driver enjoyed an excellent day, winning several balls against the head, and her front row companions of Hollie King and Jess Potter showed impressive work-rate around the pitch.
Now firmly in control, the Nuns started to practice moves and set plays from the training field, with Abi Wall and Ellie Rice putting up high kicks for their teammates to chase and challenge Beckenham with. An excellent kick chase by Wall and Denton resulted in a strong counter-ruck which allowed Bevanto spot a gap to chink through and grab her third try before Wall cut a good line off Annabel Hawkins, who had made excellent ground on a storming run, to round off proceedings with the Nuns' sixth try. Denton converted yet again and the final score was 7-36 to the good for the Nuns.
The Nuns are now through to the Intermediate Cup quarter-finals and will face Kent side Medway at home on 16th February.
All photos credited to David Robinson.
All photos credited to David Robinson.
Meaghan Fowler had a storming game.
Alice Denton looks to fend off.
Fern Edgar scored her first 1st team try.
Amy Boswell carries the ball
Ellie Rice passes the ball from the scrum
Abi Wall jumps in the lineout
