Chobham Women 12-15 London Welsh Women
NC1 South East (North)
Chobham Women finally got their League season underway, with the visit from London Welsh.
Both teams were going into this cold, unable to play any pre season friendlies – but with a draw in their game last season, it was going to be a close one.
The weather gods were not looking down on Fowlers Wells; beautiful on Saturday but as the warmup started the heavens opened. Chobham started well, pinning London Welsh back but they managed to weather the storm and were able to assert some forward dominance. With a strong running 12, who broke into Chobham’s red zone and after some dogged defence, were able to get over the line.
London Welsh continued to push forward, met with a strong Chobham’s defence. As the expected fatigue set in as with all first games, their 12 made a couple of breaks, which were thwarted by Lilly Hadrava with some immense defence.
The pressure paid dividends and London Welsh were able to get over the line to end the half 10-0.
As the rain stopped in the second half, it worked more in Chobham’s favour, and we were able to stretch the play. Within minutes we were awarded our first try of the season, converted by Gina Lee – game on. London Welsh was able to get another try with their strong pick and go, sucking in the Chobham defence, but Chobham were not to be undone and were able to score another try to make it 12-15.
As the game drew to a close, it could have gone either way, but London Welsh held on.
Womens Manager Catrina Campbell said after the game “Chobham Women were a little gutted that they were unable to get the win, but they can be proud of their efforts. Immense defence, 3 debuts (Beth Kelly/Sarah Coward/Laura Woodhall) and now with a game under our belt, it is going to be a competitive and exciting league campaign.”