TWRUFC Ladies 2nd XV 54 vs Sevenoaks 10

11th Feb 2024, KO 14:00

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Match Report

Thanet Wanderers RUFC Ladies 2nd XV 54 Sevenoaks RFC Ladies 10

In their second game in 3 weeks, Thanet Wanderers RUFC’s second string produced the best performance of their season so far to reverse their defeat in the fixture at Sevenoaks earlier in the year.

Sevenoaks had made the long trip down with only 10 players - including former England Lioness Claire Rafferty - and with the game being played under Game On rules, Thanet dropped to 10 and the game took place on the smaller 3rd XV pitch.

A good early start from fly half Kirsty Burns saw her pull the strings and released her forwards - in the shape of Brioni Reah, Emily Williams and player of the match, Tia Perkins - as well as her lively backs including the Bish twins, Megan and Léonie.

Even though the teams were playing with reduced numbers, the smaller pitch size definitely turned the battle into a defensive one and the game remained scoreless for the first 15 minutes.

The first score came after Sorcha Maddison, playing on the centre for the first time put away full back, Léonie who weaved and danced her way to the tryline for the opening score.

Sevenoaks reduced the deficit to 2 points when Rafferty slotted a penalty before Burns converted her own try and Sevenoaks got a well deserved converted try to go into the break trailing 12-10.

The second half was to be a different affair with the experience, pace and class of the Thanet backs shining through. Although this was a pure second team, some of the ladies have inevitably gained some valuable experience in the 1st XV. And it was Bish twin number 2, Megan who got the next try after a smart break from Burns saw her lift the ball to her to score under the posts.

Thanet had 4 subs and that undoubtedly had an effect on the score as players were rotated and we saw Sian Boyce, Vicky Flower and the returning Fleur Moat and Charlotte Indge enter the fray and make dents in the tiring Sevenoaks defence.

18 year old Lia Armstrong, playing only her second senior game was next cab off the rank to score. A combination of her power and pace saw her dominate her opposite number and go over from the half way line and she will be one to watch over the coming weeks and months.

Then after a trademark powerful run from winger Izzy Lodge saw her thunder over, Burns then added her second try, both of which were converted. Ellie Hunt who had started at scrum half but now back in her familiar role of left wing then outstripped her cover defence and the score was out to 47-10.

Megan Bish then scored her second try after more top support work and the final act was left to Burns to convert and take her personal points tally to an impressive 24 points.

The Wanderers 2nd XV are next in action on Sunday 10th March 2024 but you can see the 1st XV tomorrow - Sunday 18th February 2024 - as they welcome Thurrock T-Birds to St Peter’s as 1st meets 2nd in the NC2 league.

Photography by Tom Horwood