U18 girls win

 

Oxfordshire vs Buckinghamshire – Sunday 15 January 2023 – Venue Chinnor RFC 

 

Oxfordshire put on a great display of rugby on home soil. Thankfully, after a very wet week, the weather was kind, as this was set to be a stern test for both sides.

 

Oxon started strong, showing their dominance in the Bucks half for the first 15 minutes, coming closer and closer to the line with each phase of attack. Some great work from the forwards, drawing-in the defence and punching hard through the line. The backs complemented this effort nicely, producing some great attacking lines and using the wide channels. Bucks denied the score on several occasions, but eventually relented to the constant pressure, as R. Fincken span over the line for the first score of the game. A great team try!

 

Bucks rallied and broke into the Oxon half for the first time, on the strength of some clever kicks for territory. However, fantastic discipline and line speed from the hosts saw the ball turned over, then moved quickly through the hands. A. Millar received a perfectly weighted pass on the left wing, showing an impressive turn of pace to go round the outside and over the line for the score. K. Barker added the extras, opening her account on, what was to be, a very successful day from the tee.

 

The second quarter unfortunately saw a few knocks to Bucks players, which interrupted the flow of play. Oxon rode the stoppages well, still raring to keep going to finish the first half on a high. Some great forwards work, constantly changing the point of attack, resulted in a second-rower dotting down in the corner for try number three!!

 

The changes made during the break did not affect the second-half performance of this nicely balanced Oxon squad. G. Baxter was denied a score in the first half after a purposeful chase following a M Allen clearance kick. Keen to set the record straight, Baxter siezed her second opportunity. Some simple work through the hands, exploited the width and finished with a fine score under the posts! Barker wasn’t going to be challenged from this range, neatly-slotting the conversion.

 

Bucks produced a strong response, exploiting a rare gap in the Oxon defensive line. This saw the visitors over the line for their first try of the day.

 

Playmaker-Allen was sadly forced to retire with a thigh strain, necessitating a reshuffle of the back line. Fincken and Ramsden deputised well at Fly-half with E Page slotting seamlessly into the centres. Meanwhile, in the forwards, Harrison and Xiourouppas should be commended for their tireless work around the park and over the ball at the breakdown.

 

Oxon soon rediscovered the intensity that marked their first half. L. Sammons capped a ‘player-of-the-match’ performance to put her teammate into acres of space. The scrum-half’s sublime cross-field kick-pass landed in the hands of centre H. Newhouse, who scampered over for the final try of the afternoon! Barker matched the effort with another successful kick for the posts.

 

A fantastic display of skill, determination and togetherness on display for all.

 

Final Score: Oxfordshire 31-7 Buckinghamshire 

 

You may also like