U13 Girls - Unfortunately the normal coaching team for the youngest age group were variously incapacitated this weekend so a huge “Thank You” to those that stepped in to make sure that the girls were properly warmed up, organised and ready to play. However, because of this, the normal match report was unavailable this week.
U15 Girls - Tough Draw
Kirton 10 (two tries) - Bideford/Teignmouth 10 (two tries)
The sun came out for Kirton U15s, our 1pm kick off was preceded by a rainy journey arriving at destination Bideford to play a combined Bideford/Teignmouth side.
The team were rapidly put under defensive pressure as we held off numerous attacks with some excellent tackling and counter rucking.
We responded by finding our attacking shape with the powerful runners making the hard yards in the middle of the field and showing some nice offloads. The girls spent most of the second quarter camped in the opposition 22 and were met with some solid defence.
In places our attacking ruck was a little weak with only the ball carrier and some notable players getting stuck in, some of the team were a little under confident and held off a bit.
The opposition were penalised a few times for incorrect tackle technique, coming in high with the shoulders, which perhaps put some of us off.
Eventually we broke through and created a well worked try scored by Charlotte. Unfortunately within a few minutes the opposition scored an interception via a fast runner who had already made considerable distance before our quickest defenders were able to turn and chase.
The second half became very tough as both sides upped the ante. The constant waves of attack and breakdown tired both teams. This led to some mistakes and despite a solid defensive effort we let another try through.
We were able to find more players to commit to the breakdown and won some good turnovers through some shuddering tackles. After about eight phases of possession Honey found a break and was able to shrug off some committed tacklers and make a tough 40-yard carry to the line.
A draw was a good reflection of the game, we know where we were good and have some critical experience to build on.
U18 Girls - Mixed but not Matched
North they trekked. The Black and Amber clad girls, Kirton’s own, to play out another contest against the opponents from the season’s opener, Bideford.
With no other clubs available to boost the North Devon numbers Crediton’s “rugby first” approach meant that our numbers allowed us to lend the red and whites what they needed to make the contest, at least to start, a XV-a-side venture.
It must be the self hypnotic effect of the Kirton strip that contributes to the somnambulistic start of any game, because the girls that played for the opposition seemed to have no problems joining in with the Bideford girls to put us instantly under pressure. This Sunday it took two converted tries before the slumber was shaken away.
Once they’d decided not to respect the opposition too much and solved the problems that, in fairness came from Creddy girls anyway, they clawed their way back into the game and a much more even contest abound.
Of the last three tries of the half, two were scored by Crediton as they became more purposeful in attack, playing to their own strengths instead of being wary of the opponents. The half-time score of 19-12 was the first time this season that Kirton had lost even a half of rugby, let alone a game, but into both wind and winter sunshine the single score deficit looked tenuous at best.
As agreed beforehand, most of the Creddy girls lent, came back, (a special nod to Savannah who continued to play, well, for the opposition, constantly harrying us at the breakdown).
The second half was a completely different story. The Kirton girls renewed their efforts and showed that they have strength in every facet of the game.
The forwards won breakdown ball and the backs ran and passed like quicksilver arrows. With the wind now both at their backs and filling their sails they tacked left and right, drives through the middle drew defenders in and created space that was constantly utilised on both wings. Tries flowed and the use of the tactical kick created a score to be proud of. Kicked into space with runners to chase, isolate, strip and score. Wonderful rugby.
With the bare minimum of girls to make the fixture a full sided affair, injuries to both sides caused disruption and in the end full time was called early as the coaches ran out of steam solving the conundrums of who to play/swap and the actual numbers of girls on the field.
With the second half going entirely Crediton’s way the final score of 19-43 didn’t really matter in the end, nice though it is to win.
Crediton, as a club and a squad, showed that whether playing the game, helping out where we can and getting a game of rugby for as many girls as we can, there are few that can match us. Thank you to every girl that pulled on an opposition shirt, you fulfilled your role of playing against us like you play for us.
And to every girl that’s in our squad, your coaches thank you for your efforts so far this season, you make us proud every week and long may it continue.
Have a well earned rest and we’ll see you back at training on November 4.
Andrew Drayton