Harlow Ladies 48 Thetford Ladies 0

RFUW League Eastern 3

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Harlow Ladies romped home to a convincing win in their first league match of the season against a much heavier but less skillful Thetford side. They ram in a total of 8 tries with a hat trick for Sarah Stimpson, two apiece for Sarah Solheim, and Keighley Diprose and one for Rebecca Goodey. Nicky Millman slotted four conversions including one from out wide from Sarah Stimpson’s last try.

The ladies have been training hard all Summer and it showed. In terms of tackling they were prepared to take on physically larger opponents and bring them down. What was good was that this many of the other improvements applied to the whole squad. The other major change was in ball handling and running angles. Harlow have always ahd very goo sprinters in the backs but in this game they were not just outpacing the visitors but were creating the scoring opportunities; moving the ball through a number of hands and most important committing a defender before passing.

In the pack the rucking game has really improved and the result was much better possession for the backs to exploit.

Team: 1. Sharon White (sub Frankie Barnes), 2. Jo Coare, 3. Kerry Cope (sub Tracey Lee)  4. Kelly Cotterill, 5. Chloe Van Dop  6. Rebecca Goodey 7. Keighly Diprose 8. Nicola Millman (sub Kim Hunter)   9. Sarah Stimpson     10. Sarah Solheim    

Tries: Sarah Stimpson (3), Sarah Solheim (2), Keighly Diprose (2), Rebecca Goodey.

Conversions: Nicky Millman (4)

Harlow ladies had further good news over the weekend when Essence of India the popular restaurant adjacent to the Oasis Hotel on the corner of Hart Road signed up as team sponsors for the coming season. A team spokesperson said “We really appreciate the generosity of the Essence of India, it will make go a long way in helping us to provide the sport for ladies in Harlow at a price they can afford”

Their next fixture is on the 9^th October when they are away to Peterborough. It will be harder than this one but after this the squad should be looking forward to it.