MATCH REPORT: WOMEN*S BLUES VS BATH

[Written by Beth Thomas, St Peter's College]

Following a tough match against Surrey 1s last week, the Women*’s Blues came into their fifth BUCS match of the season determined to win. Despite the rainy conditions, the team put out a great performance against the Bath University side, coming away with a 24-12 win.

The first 30 minutes saw solid defence from both teams, with neither side managing to break through. Lilla Berry eventually spotted a gap and broke the line, being tackled just metres from the try line. After a few solid carries from the forwards, the ball was passed wide to winger Tillie Lees, who cut back inside and sped past four yellow shirts to score the first try of the game. This was followed by a successful conversion by Captain Chloe-Marie Hawley, giving Oxford an early lead. Just before half-time, Lees had another great run on the wing before offloading to fullback Lucy Hamer, who sliced through the defence to touch the ball down. The Blues headed into the changing room 12-0 up at half-time, looking to build on their momentum in the second half.

Despite some strong defence from the Blues at the start of the second half, Bath managed to cut through the line and score their first try of the game. The Blues remained composed and quickly fought back. Following a powerful maul from the lineout that drove the defence back several metres, hooker Sophie Goodman peeled off and powered through the defence to the try line. This was once again successfully converted by Hawley, bringing the score to 19-7.

Bath fought back with some powerful runs, eventually breaking through the defence to score their second try of the game. But the Blues had the final say. Captain Hawley made an incredible line break, offloading to Hamer, who once again weaved her way through Bath’s defensive line to score her second try of the game. The final score was 24-12 to the Blues.

Congratulations to Chloe-Marie Hawley and Amelie Harris-Lovett for being awarded the opposition players of the match after some powerful line breaks and solid defence.

After this week’s win, the Blues are ready to take on Hartpury 2s for the second time this season and show the progress they’ve made since the teams last met.

Trylights available here: https://youtu.be/8aXVgSEf5sQ?si=N30gEyKJyoftsNof

Match photos by Steve Karpa available here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_karpa/albums/72177720329991040/page2