Ladies’ successful return
It was a welcome return to competitive league action for Bath Rugby Ladies after 18 months during the Covid pandemic.
Following a solid pre-season of preparation and hard work, the club is in a great position both on the pitch with the player numbers being higher than ever, and off the pitch where a number of new sponsors have come on board and pledged their support for the club.
Head coach John Gould said: “We’ve taken great strides behind the scenes to build our infrastructure as we head into an exciting few years for the club. The players have bought into this, leading to us having a very capable and competitive squad, with competition for places across the board.”
The first team headed the East London to face Blackheath in the opening game of Championship 1 South. Previous seasons have shown that this is always a tight game and this year followed suit. Bath started well and worked hard to nullify the strong Blackheath scrum, and began to grow into the game.
New signing Emily Codd at scrum-half was always busy around the breakdown, whilst another new signing Daisy Pearce-lyons at number 8 had a huge work rate both in attack and defence. As Bath began to impose themselves more and more, an opportunity from a scrum allowed winger Bethan Wakefield to sprint into space and dot the ball down for the first score.
Shortly after it was Wakefield again to finish her second try following a great break by fullback Lucy Peters. Stalwart Sarah Holloway added the extras. The remainder of the game was played around the middle of the park, with neither side able to get into a rhythm to launch an attacking platform.
Bath had more of the possession but failed to turn it into points, but an opening day 12-0 win and a clean sheet is a pleasing outcome.
The second side have this season been promoted into the National Challenge 1 South West League and faced an away trip to Topsham RFC for their opening game. With a side packed full of talented youngsters and lots of experience, they are going to be a force to be reckoned with this season if the first game is anything to go by.
Captain Becky Thompson at second row motivated the team throughout, and fly-half Lucy Juffkins, scoring a try and also setting the back-line going, was outstanding.
Bath’s other tries were scored by centres Amy Guerrini and Summer Alznati, with two apiece for fullback Suzie Beavin and flanker Mairead Mcerlean. A great start to the league campaign, coming out as victors 45-5.
The second team are at home at Lambridge on Sunday as they welcome Plymstock Albion Oaks, whilst the first team face another away trip, this time to Buckingham Swans.