The Kingswood U13 girls side had previously played Stockwood Sharks in the Castle Cary Rugby Festival. At that meeting the teams were equally matched and the result was a draw.

The match started with equal abilities from both sides. Powerful charges through both team’s defences were seen, but the Kingswood side seemed sleeker in their ball handling and were keen to let the ball do the work for them, covering more of the pitch. Combined better ball handling and great tackling put Kingswood in the lead after the first quarter. A fantastic run down the whole length of the pitch saw Kat score her first try of the game. The try scorers in the first quarter were Gabby Norman, Grace Veitch, Tia Witcombe and Katie Hodge. The score was reflective of Kingswood’s supportive play and ability to move the ball freely between their players. The score at the end of the first quarter was Kingswood 4 Stockwood Sharks 2.

The second quarter saw great strong running along both wings from Lottie Marsden and Amy Hodge. Strong supportive play was provided in the centre by Tia, Kat, Grace and Paige who constantly made ground and applied pressure to the opposition whilst also defending with strong tackling. Paige Woodward, Gabby and Maizie Davis also tackled well, ripped the ball and secured loose ball many times, before off loading to the wingers, making much needed ground. Level tries were scored in this quarter, 4 per side. The try scorers for Kingswood were Lottie (2), Amy and Kat.

With confidence ever growing the Kingswood girls continued to play as a strong team. There were less tries scored in the third quarter but Kingswood were continually in their scoring half with a few minutes spent on their try-line, putting Stockwood under pressure. Great passing and attacking by Kingswood continued. A great try was scored by Grace after a run down the whole length of the pitch. Stockwood looked like they were going to score but dropped the ball over the try line so the try was not given. Paige was injured during a tackle so play was stopped for a few minutes until she was removed from the pitch. The try scorers in this quarter were Chloe Reilly and Grace, with a score of Kingswood 2 – Stockwood 1.

With the last quarter to play Kingswood were leading 10 – 7. Stockwood came back into the game scoring two tries in quick succession. Great ball handling and supportive play by Tia, Grace and Kat enabled the ball to be passed out wide to Lottie, Amy and Gabby. Great support from Chloe and Maizie kept the play fluent and momentum flowing.
The score in this quarter was Kingswood 3- Stockwood 3, Kingswood tries were scored by Grace(1) and Amy (2). The final score was Kingswood 13 – Stockwood 10.

4 awards were given after the game. Lottie-Great support and tackling, Chloe- Improved play and confidence, Kat- Great support and ripping /turnover of the ball. Amy received player of the match.

Coaches Comment - Some great teamwork, Great passing along the line and brilliant off-loads were made. Well done girls!