Minehead Barbarians 17-60 Topsham Ladies 02-03-19

Topsham Ladies travelled to North Devon for a top of the table clash with Minehead. The travelling side went in as the favourites after a run of outstanding scores behind them and they weren’t to disappoint. Crossing the white wash 10 times, Topsham ladies, not only won the game 17-60 but finished the season in style by winning the league with a game in hand.

Rebecca Partridge, proving again why she is so useful at the back, whipped through the opposition on countless times, scoring 4. Tasha Currie, in the coveted open-side flanker shirt notched it up by 2, as did Meg Coombes. Hooker Sophie Jones later scored, as did Ann Webb at 12, who also secured 5 conversions.

Topsham have had a remarkable year after being demoted last season, for defaulting on 3 matches. It was a tough lesson to be learnt after the team had finished 4th, despite having only played 8 fixtures. It hit the core of the team hard but the spirit of the team erupted into a mass recruitment drive over the summer and as a result the squad grew back and its heart started beating again. This is why it is so apt that, in the league winning game, the two players accredited with Forward and Back of the match, were two players who began playing rugby at an inner warrior event last summer. Sara Zonneveld and Rachelle Mckinney played like they’d been part of the team for years, not just 7months, having never played before. It’s a real credit to any team where brand new players are given the confidence to get stuck in, and make a difference overall. Topsham’s ladies have definitely achieved that this season. Coach Sian Brooks said afterwards “that’s what rugby at this level is all about; giving women the chance to play a sport that was once “off limits”. We have players come along of all ages from 18 to 55! What is important is that we give women the confidence, strength and skills to be part of the team and enjoy playing rugby”.

The RFU will now decide whether or not Topsham and Plymstock women’s teams will be required to play a “play-off” for promotion as they exist in parallel leagues. However, given that Plymstock have had a similar run of form and big scores, it would seem appropriate to allow both teams to enter the league above. Both teams await the decision!

Topsham ladies are always recruiting despite the end of the season looming around the corner! Contact topshamladiesrugby@gmail.com for details or follow on social media.