Woodbridge Amazons show true grit as Richmond snatch last-minute victory
National Challenge SE1 League - Sunday 13 January 2013
Richmond 27 v Woodbridge Amazons 22
Richmond looked the more organised squad in the opening exchanges as the Amazons probed their defences despite conceding penalties for some silly mistakes. The Amazons pack looked competent however and won the first of many scrums against the head to hold most of the possession but their backs failed to capitalise on it. Richmond's defensive line held well, Allen and O'Leary in particular until their attack improved, coaxing some hard tackles from the Amazons and testing full back Emma Johnson. The pressure eventually paid off, Gifford missed a penalty attempt at goal and, eventually Lou Allen scored. The visitors countered though EJ Stearn and Lou Rickard ably supported by their pack and Morven McAlpine at scrum half. Despite the lion’s share of possession and territory it took until the end of the half for Johnson to run wide and level the score.
Hard work by the Richmond forwards pushed the Amazons back from the off and Serena Carter scored quickly through a weak defence only for the Amazons to reply quickly through their backs and run from deep through Stearn, Louise Holmes out to Chloe Stopard-Baker who scored and converted. Richmond responded with a steady build up, keeping the ball and mauling to the 22 where Serena Carter scored again. The faster pace continued as Richmond galvanised on the loose ball to work steadily up-field to get Lindsay Topham over. At this the Amazons redoubled efforts, their scrum continuing to perform well and launching EJ Stearn to break the line and score twice to level the score with two minutes to run. A tense final surge saw Richmond hold the ball to the Amazons 5m line where their final attack drew the defence right leaving Lisa Berry clear on the left to score the winner.
Richmond 27 Woodbridge Amazons 22
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Woodbridge Rugby Union Football Club, Hatchley Barn, Orford Road, Bromeswell, Suffolk, IP12 2PP.
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