Reading Abbey RFC

Nine well-orchestrated tries were scored by the hosts by six different players, turning around a nervy 12-7 win over the same opponents from two weeks ago into a 55-10 drubbing, with three of the scores coming from a strong bench of finishers including pacey Lia Gingell and Precious Ampontuah. Abbey Nuns' refined offloading game kept the tempo of the game high throughout while their dominant scrum turned over four balls against the head.

Abbey started brightly and with intent, but too many early rucks were overturned by Guildford; demonstrating their expertise at the breakdown and matching Abbey's desire to progress to the next round of the cup. However, lead by centre Karen Pacho, Abbey's defence was tireless and dealt well with Guildford's pacey winger Philippa Wellman as she threatened to break the line. Intelligent kicking from fly-half Abi Wall saw full-back Annette Bevan latch on to a cross-field kick which saw Abbey foray into Guildford's 22 for the first time. Eventually, the move was completed by centre Alice Denton for the first score of the afternoon.

The Nuns managed to keep Guildford scoreless for the remainder of the first half, with further scores from prop Harri Driver, her maiden try this season, and captain Bevan; all achieved off the back of a formidable scrum which continued to push the Guildford pack back. After scrum-half Ellie Rice picked up an injury, winger Sarah Northover stepped in to the half-back position and continued to conduct the home pack well.

The second half started in the same vein, with Denton scoring the first of six more tries as the home side's superior fitness shone through, not before Guildford's Wellman was rewarded with a score out wide after several phases of forward carries. Gingell and Ampontuah joined the fray, as well as debutant Hannah Bosher, all three of whom made immediate impact with Ampontuah tiptoeing over the line to score. The Fowler duo of Joey and Meaghan gave impressive attacking performances and hooker Claire Stevens continued to win scrums against the head.

The Nun's offloading game was in full-force now as they forced Guildford onto the back foot with clever offloads and hard running lines. Wall and Bevan both crossed the line but not before arguably two of the best tries scored all afternoon by centre Gingell, who combined well with Annabel Hawkins to dot down first under the posts and then moments later out on the wing, after showing immense strength to beat three defenders.

Although the game was all but won, it was Guildford who had the final say through their full-back Abi Watkin, who raced down the wing to score the final try of the day. It was a brilliant showcase of women's rugby and arguably the most complete performance Abbey Nuns have delivered this season so far, securing them passage to Round Three of the Intermediate Cup. This weekend sees a return to league rugby as the Nuns 1st XV travel to Ellingham and Ringwood on Sunday, kick off to be confirmed.

All Photos by John Taplin (@rugbygrandad)

Abbey Nuns are through to Round Three of the Intermediate Cup

Hooker Claire Stevens offloads the ball

Joey Fowler carries well

Precious Ampontuah runs in her try

Centre Karen Pacho makes a break

Centre Lia Gingell scores the second of her tries