Coming off the back of several bug wins with vastly one sided score lines, the U12 Athena's travelled to Winscombe RFC this week. The girls were in good spirits and well motivated and keen to get stuck in.

Winscombe struggled for numbers earlier in the season meaning this was the first time they had played each other.

The game began and for several minutes both teams ebbed and flowed. It was obvious that this was going to be a tough game. Winscombe girls were quick to press with each player strong in the tackle. They knew their roles at the break downs and were passing the ball well along the back line. The Athena's were matching up. The girls were making loads of tackles and competing at the break down. Alas the Winscombe pressure began to take its toll and before long they scored their first try after spinning the ball accurately from the back of a scrum penalty.

Winscombe settled in to the game at this point albeit the Athena's at no point made it easy for them. Winscombe scored 6 more tries in the first half but had to work hard for each one. The Athena's remained strong in the tackle and at the break downs but just couldn't cope with the sustained pressure and the half finished 7-0 to Winscombe.

The Athena's regrouped in the half time break and came out firing. A great initial phase of play saw some tough running from Romilly Langdon and supported by the Athena's pack. The ball popped to Amelia Woodland who drove hard over the line and touched down. Although a hugely improved Athena's side in the 2nd half, Winscombe remained strong and kept their score line ticking over.

Towards the end of the game the Athena's ran some great lines and moved the ball through the backs well. Ava Westwood was able to power over and touched down.

The match ended soon after and finished 14 - 2 to Winscombe and although the score line was very one sided the game didn't feel like it had been played that way. At no point did the Athena's capitulate. They kept strong and defended every try to the best of their abilities. The girls were strong in the tackles and ran hard. They just came up against a good team today.

Special mention to Shannon O'Loughlin who even though she was injured and not meant to play, came on at half time like a hero and tore up some trees. Shannon got 'Player of the Week'.

Summer Currey received 'Player of the Day' after multiple tackles and a strong defensive performance throughout.