DSRFC U16 Girls V Cullompton

On a beautiful sunny afternoon, the girls hosted Cully who are known to be a strong team. From the kick off this was evident with Cully showing their strength up front and some good forward drives. Services however, were up to the task and defended very well sucking up a lot of the initial pressure. But Cully continued to push forward and crossed for their 1st try. Services were quick to respond and it wasn’t long before Services right-wing Emily Haddock was able to scoop up a loose ball and run a good 30 metres to cross for Services 1st score.
From the kickoff Cully pushed forward getting into the Services 22 but a knock-on gave Services the scrum. From this, a huge boot from outside half Maisy Martin put the ball up field and a chase from Freya Vitali-Baker and Kalia Robinson put pressure on the Cullompton full back causing a fumble, Robinson picked up and from 35 metres out broke away with no one to catch her went sliding in under the posts. Both teams continued to-ing and fro-ing, with Cully getting another well worked try with good forward and backs interplay and crossing for their 2nd try. Services with their own direct forward play saw Vital-Baker Cross for a hard-fought 3rd try. At the break Services were looking good at 19 – 10.

The second half continued as the tough encounter that this was turning out to be. Cully starting to show what they can do. Services were once again soaking up a huge amount of pressure but Cully showing no signs of easing scored their 3rd try. Cully were starting to stamp their authority on the game with good ball retention and flowing ball. But with some great hands from Services, Robinson once again stepped up to get her 2nd score. Cully were not done and although Services were in a good position, they continued to push forward. Services were able to put together some well worked moves and with some forward momentum broke the Cully defence to put Lara Foster in for another Services try.
However, with Services tiring bodies from relentless defending, Cully sensed that the game was opening up. They stepped up a gear if not two and just pounded Services continually in the closing stages. Cully scored again and it was now Services ahead by one point with the conversion to go. The conversion was good.
Services, a point down with only a few minutes to go rallied hard and were camped on the Cully try line. Getting within a few centimetres Services almost got what they needed. Services continued to battle but a great Cully defence held and unfortunately the final whistle ended what was an awesome game.

A special thanks to James ‘Spider’ Kelly for stepping in to referee

A final score of 33 – 34 with Cully taking the spoils.
Services tries.
Emily Haddock.
Kalia Robinson (2)
Freya Vitali-Baker.
Lara Foster.
Cons 4 of 5 Maisy Martin.
Services back of the match, Indie Evans. Forward of the match, Evie Pearson