Withycombe/Honiton v Tospham/Paington Final score 7-0

Women’s rugby returned for the first time since the Christmas and New Year festive season at Withycombe RFC where a joint Withy/Honiton side played host to a joint Paignton/Topsham side.

With the ground being very boggy under foot, it was never going to be a completely fluent game, however credit must go to both teams for some great ball handling and passages of play throughout the game.

Withy/Honiton started off strong in attack, piecing together numerous phases through the forwards to get into the Paignton/Topsham 22, though some really impressive defence from the visitors (in particular Topsham’s flanking partnership of April Windle and Sophie Eaden) saw them force a knock on. 10 minutes later, almost mirro rugby was happening again, but this time it was Paignton/Topsham on the offensive, with all forwards playing some great heads up, off-loading out the tackle rugby. Equally impressive was Withy/Honiton’s defence to eventually deny Sophie Eaden what looked to be a certain try and clear their lines. 5 minutes later and Paignton/Topsham where at it again with a great drive to the line by the Paignton front row only to be denied what looked to be a certain try by a outstanding turnover/rip of the ball by Withy’s number 8 Amy Gillard. It was so great in fact, the Ref blew up for the try not realising the ball had been ripped clear and was 10m away. Half time came shortly after at 0-0.

2nd half started as if there hadn’t been a break. Both teams playing some really good rugby and the ball starting to move more fluently having got used to the conditions. With Paignton/Topsham spending most of the half deep in Withy/Honiton territory with some really great running lines and strength in contact shown by the centre partnership of Topsham’s Sarah Geale and Hayley Latty, they where unlucky not to get over the try line on numerous occasions only to be denied by great work and tenacity in defence by Withy/Honiton. The only try of the game came from Withy/Honiton. After some confusion by 1 of Paignton’s newer girls who showed great pace to run in from 60m, unfortunately under the wrong posts though. In an interesting call (1 of many) by the referee, he deemed the ball had not been placed down properly and allowed Withy/Honiton to go on and score the try, the conversion was excellently taken however. Unfortunately, although close on numerous occasions Paignton/Topsham couldn’t find a way over the line and the game ended Withy/Honiton 7-0 Paignton/Topsham.

Special mention must go to all the Topsham girls who played, who are either returning to rugby from long periods away or have only just started this season and are playing their first or second game.

Man of the Match voted by the Paignton girls was April Windle.