Rovers win in close game

Rovers travelled to Bishop to face a combined Bishop and Barnie side in a u18 clash.

Rovers travelled with 14, missing a few players with injuries. Sportingly, bishop loaned us 2 players (1 each half) to make it 15 a side.

The torrential rained eased for kit Off but it made handling difficult to begin with.

Rovers started in strong fashion and stuck to their game plan. Jay and Sophie were prominent with early carries and Mia S was able to feed the backs. The pressure finally paid off with Sophie H touching down in the corner after good approach play by Grace and Nicole.

But Rovers took their foot off the gas and slowly Bishop fought back into the game. They scored 2 very well worked tries following strong forward runs and the backs finding space. Some lax tackling allowed the Bishop Girls to get on the front foot and they took their chances well.

Two excellent conversions meant Rovers went into the half time break trailing 14-5.

Rovers started the 2nd half the stronger with a lot more commitment to the tackle. Amy leading the way with the tackle count followed closely by Mia L. The line out worked well and built a platform for the backs to work. Kristen found some space out wide and offloaded to grace who was in close support to go in for a try.

More hard work from the forwards made good ball for the backs and once again Grace was on hand to finish off and get her second. Sophie D added the conversion.

Full time bishop 14 - 17 Rovers

This was a much better performance from the Rovers Girls with a lot of commitment in the tackle and the break down. There was good continuity in their play and they worked as a team. The girls showed good resilience to come back from getting beat and stuck to the game plan. Everyone put a good shift in but special mention to Rebecca who made her debut and held her own in the scrum and cleared a lot of rucks.

Player of the match went to Jay. Carried lots of ball and made ground each time. Looked a real threat.