Topsham ladies had the long trip up to Bournemouth this weekend to play Oakmedians ladies. With Topsham having won the last 2 times the teams had met, they where hoping to keep their winning streak going.

The first 10 minutes of the game saw all the play happen in Topsham’s half with Oakmedians showing there intent for a fast paced and physical game from the off. Topsham’s ever sturdy defence held firm though with everyone putting their body on the line, Sophie Eaden was ever present racking up 7 tackles inside the first 10 minutes alone. When Topsham did get in the Oakmedian’s half it was none other than Rebecca Partridge to take charge and run in from 45 meters with a dazzling solo effort 12 minutes in (0-5), which was nicely converted by Corinne Walsh (0-7). This gave Topsham a boost and they really took control of the game. Some really powerful runs as usual from number 8 Sophie Kukor put Topsham on the front foot and saw winger Lauren Laing go close to scoring on a couple of occasions, only to be kept out by some last ditch defence. Oakmedians cleared their lines, but it wasn’t long before Topsham were at it again with the rest of the pack following Kukor’s lead and getting in on the action with great carries from all. Fullback Lauren Mueller and winger Jo Bucknall both asked questions of the Oakmedian’s defence on numerous occasions eventually forcing a 5 metre scrum which saw Sophie Kukor pick up from the base, go down the blindside carrying 3 defenders with her and score in the corner 20 minutes in (0-12), although unfortunately the conversion was missed. From the kick off Topsham knocked on which gave Oakmedians some much needed time on the ball. They put it through the hands nicely and worked there way into the Topsham 22 through numerous phases. They were eventually stopped by a thunderous tackle by winger Jo Bucknall on the Oakmedian’s number 8, which put the ball into touch, allowing Topsham to clear their lines off the resulting lineout. With a few minutes left to play in the first half Topsham went on the rampage up the right hand side of the pitch through the forwards and then put the ball neatly through the hands of the backs for a well earned try in the corner by Jo Bucknall on 30 minutes (0-17). Conversion missed. Oakmedians came back at Topsham once again off of the kick off managing to retain possession but couldn’t find there way over the try line before half time.

Half time Oakmedians 0-17 Topsham

The second half saw the introduction of club captain Katie Lunnon into the second row, on for Sophie Eaden, but Oakmedians started the stronger team working hard around the break down with some really strong carries to get a well deserved try 5 minutes into the second half (5-17). Conversion missed. This woke Topsham up and most of the remainder of the game was played in the Oakmedians half. The Topsham pack really were a force to be reckoned with, even when the coaches started ringing the changes, the girls coming on hit the ground at the pace left for them. Special mention must go to the experience of Sophie Jones, Sophie Kukor and Katie Lunnon for taking control and making sure the pack never lost momentum or the upper hand.

A lot of credit must go to the Oakmedians defence, only conceding 1 try in the second half on 60 minutes to Sophie Kukor for her second, after a powerful drive for the line shrugging off and twisting out of tackles to dot down (5-22). Conversion missed. Topsham’s backs were unlucky not to score on 4 or 5 occasions with some great side stepping, pace and strength coming from outside centre/winger Dawn Latham Mahoney and fullback Lauren Mueller. Everytime it looked to be try time, Oakmedian’s fullback would appear and spoil it, as she did so often throughout the game. Topsham continued to press for the line but Oakmedians stayed strong and the game finished Oakmedians 5-22 Topsham.

Special mention must go to Corinne Walsh for playing the full game at an unfamiliar position of Inside Centre instead of her usual Flank/8 position. Also to April Windle who played most of the second half at Outside Centre, instead of her usual position of second row.

Forward of the Match – Katie Lunnon
Back of the Math – Jo Bucknall

Playing Line up:
1. Sophie Jones (C)
2. India Chambers
3. Meg Coombes
4. Jenny Stephens
5. April Windle
6. Tasha Currie
7. Sophie Eaden
8. Sophie Kukor
9. Rachel Popham-Dowle
10. Rebecca Partridge
11. Jo Bucknall
12. Corinne Walsh
13. Dawn Latham Mahoney
14. Lauren Laing
15. Lauren Mueller
16. Bex Smith
17. Amy Bond
18. Lauren Mercer
19. Katie Lunnon

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