It was a long drive to Minehead for the final meet of the U13 girls first season. It was a bit blustery but we were all hoping that the sun was going to make an appearance. It was also poignant as it was last time that the squad would play together as U13’s, with some of the girls having to move up to U15’s next season.

Kingswood was in a pool of 7 teams, so got ready for their first game of six.

The first match was against Mineheads Pink team. The first half saw Kaira Touray make her debut for the Kingswood side. Making some great tackles and having some strong runs through the opposition, her first game nerves soon forgotten. Some massive tackles from Tia Witcombe and strong running from both herself and Gracie Veitch soon put Kingswood in front. Consistent precise ball handling and great support from Katie Hodge, Charlotte Marsden, Maizie Davis, Gabrielle Norman, Amy Hodge and Chloe Reilly saw Kingswood romp home to victory, winning 6-3.
Tries in this game scored by Tia (3), Katy (1), Grace (2).

The second match was against Mineheads Plum Team. Straight from the tap the ball was passed to Grace who charged through the Minehead defence and over the try line. The referee disallowed the try after advising that the ball had to be passed from the tap to a stationary player and not one “on the charge”! Kingswood played well but the Minehead side passed the ball cleanly amongst themselves, constantly creeping forward until scoring. Katie secured a try for Kingswood in the first half but the score at half time was Kingswood 1- Minehead 3. With the second half equal try for try the final score was Kingswood 3 – Minehead 5.
Kingswood’s tries scored by Katy (2), Amy (1).

The third match was against Winscombe. Play started with two quick opposition tries. Winscombe had several quick footed players who seemed to dodge Kingswood’s tackles. Kingswood was awarded a penalty for a high tackle on Grace. Tia powered over the line securing the first match points for Kingswood. Some ball handling errors resulted in Winscombe creeping further in the lead, scoring a further 2 tries. Great attacking play from the Kingswood side with some bursting runs from the Hodge sisters and great supporting play from Maizie and Lottie finally saw them rewarded with another try scored by Tia. The half time score Winscombe 5-Kingswood 2.
In the second half Kingswood upped their game and scored equally with Winscombe. The Tia and Grace combo worked fantastically, with them scoring the tries in this half, with the strength of the Kingswood pack supporting them well. The final score was Kingswood 5 – Winscombe 8
Tries scored by Tia (3), Grace (2).

The next match was against Crediton, a side that Kingswood hadn’t played before. Amazing team work and ball skills meant that Kingswood easily won the match. Kaira scored her first try for Kingswood in the first half which saw Kingswood leading 5-0. By the end of the match the score was Kingswood 9- Crediton 1.
Tries scored by Kaira (1), Tia (2), Gaby (1), Chloe (1), Katie (1), Lottie (1), Grace (2).

The fifth match was against Bristol Telephones. Great defending by Kingswood was holding Bristol Telephones at bay but after a couple of missed tackles and Bristol Telephones tactical play, they took the lead 2-0 in the first half. In the second half Tia charged trough their defence managing to score two tries, levelling the score. Looking like Grace was going to score again, putting Kingswood in the lead, she was tackled by two Telephone players just before she had a chance to place the ball down. Grace was injured during the tackle and helped from the pitch. Bristol Telephones managed to score a further two tries before the final whistle. The final score was Kingswood 2- Bristol Telephones 5.
Tries scored by Tia (2)

Kingswood had their final match against Newquay. Great running by Kiara, Gabby, Lottie and Maizie and amazing support play from Tia, Katie, Amy and Chloe saw level scores at half time. The second half saw each team score a further two tries. Amy Hodge came off with an injured ankle and Tia went on as replacement. A run of 3 Kingswood tries on the trot put Kingwood 2 tries ahead. A try by Newquay on the whistle resulted in the final score being Kingswood 8- Newquay 7
Tries scored by Kiara (4), Tia (2), Gaby (1) and Amy (1).

Coach comment “The girls played well today as a team. Off- loads, passing through the hands and down the line was amazing. Their skills at drawing the opposition shows how far the girls have come this season. Everyone on the pitch gave it their all and enjoyed 6 games of brilliant rugby. The girls were a well jelled and bonded team who were all fantastic.”

All 9 players received a medal and a team trophy for taking part. Kiara Touray received a special trophy for the Best Try Scored in the U13’s tournament! Also, Grace was given the all clear from the hospital and was able to come home after a couple of hours of observation.