|
2005/6
Season Reports
MWRFC 0 Nuneaton 27 - April 9th, 2006
The final match of this season saw Moseley women with the chance to finish
second in the league, which compared to the bottom place finish this time
last year, is already a major improvement and achievement, and is perhaps
the most fitting testament to the hard work of the girls and coaches this
year.
However the weather on Sundays was the first thing that didn’t go in the
favour of Moseley women’s, the second was having three players turning up
late due to take the wrong turn on the M6, giving the team little time to
prepare themselves for the match. With Nuneaton sporting a much strong
looking squad than last time, the most noted addition being the beast from
Alcester. And Moseley only having 14 players available to them, this was
going to be a big task for the girls.
With Moseley kicking off Liz back at fly half got us started, the first
twenty minuets saw Moseley playing more like the middle last season, with
both the handling a position being very sloppy, it wasn’t long before
Nuneaton broke through to score under the posts which then proceed to
convert.
The girls then started to switch on and some better play saw Emma launch
down the wing however with only limited space she was quickly bundled in
touch. In the scrum we struggled to hold Nuneaton as the beast would
constantly infringe by not letting Jane bind properly. Unless the ref who in
my opinion was one of the best we’ve had all season was stood on that side
of the scrum.
However this meant that Nuneaton scrum half was able to creep right up on to
Sarah and not give her time to get the ball clear. In the line out Marcela
did as good a job as possible with very few balls going straight, but a
special mention has to be given to Katy prop who was fantastic time in the
loose and deservedly got man of the match. Despite the improvement Nuneaton
scored again but failed to convert. Just before the end of the second half
Emma came the closest to scoring but went out touch just before the line.
The second half saw a much more determined Moseley side come out, only being
12-0 down there was still a chance to win this for Nicky who was playing her
last match. With a further improved set piece and blinding tackles by Kate
when Nuneaton went blind on the scrum, Moseley gained ground, but with silly
errors in the handling and not using the ball quickly enough from mauls.
Moseley had a scrum 5 metres from their line unfortunately Liz missed a poor
pass by Sarah, and the Nuneaton scrum half dived on top to score, thankfully
they failed to convert. The woes for Moseley didn’t finish there again
despite their best Moseley were unable to get close to crossing the line
again, even after being awarded numerous penalties thanks mainly to the gob
of the beast. Katy prop however gave her, her answer at one point which
lifted the girl’s sprits briefly; however Nuneaton scored two more
unanswered tries before the final whistle.
To have come 2nd was more than anyone would have expected at the start of
this season, and perhaps its best that they go away this summer and address
areas that need further improvement. There is no doubt in my mind that
Moseley can beat any team in their league when they are switched on and
playing at their best.
Even so, the Ladies team has made significant strides this season and the
fact that the players are disappointed about not finishing even higher in
the league is a testimony to a healthy revived ambition. Well done this
season.
New players welcome!
Come and join us for training on Thursdays 7-9 and join in the fun. All
over 17's and all abilities welcome. We would particularly welcome any
experienced players to come and show the novices how it’s done!
We welcome both experienced players and novices. In particular we are
looking to recruit a few experienced, 'battle hardened' players to
complement and take the strain from our novices, allowing them time to
develop rather than having to be at the coal face week after week.
e-mail at
mwrfc@hotmail.com or call Louisa on 07803 123926
Burton 0
MWRFC 38 - April 2nd, 2006
After losing by 24 – 0 at home to Burton in the first game of the season,
the Moseley girls visited Burton-on-Trent with a view to getting stuck in
and looking for a large helping of revenge. Unfortunately, while the victory
was substantial and revenge was in some senses sweet, the form of the
winning was a bit odd to say the least. Having arrived with a full team
Moseley found that Burton could only muster 10 players. When Burton were
reduced to 9 players after 20 minutes, the referee correctly called the
match off as a league fixture, only allowing the game to continue as a 12 a
side friendly with 3 Moseley players (Moira, Jane and Wendy) turning out for
Burton. If you add the wind, rain, rolling substitutions and the fact that
so many Moseley players were playing out of position (not to say for the
wrong team) you will forgive me if I confess to a certain degree of
confusion about who did what, when, to whom and why. However, I shall
persevere.
Moseley kicked off to begin a scrappy match which inevitably lacked
structure and continuity with so many players out of position, while the
absence of back row support resulting from the reduced numbers made ball
retention and recycling difficult. The first try came from Moseley stand-off
Kat after 7 minutes, as she stole the ball in the tackle from her opposite
number following a Burton scrum on their own 22 and ran in under the posts.
The conversion was missed by Nicky, setting the tone for the ‘who can score
the most Moseley conversions’ competition between her and Scrum Half Sarah
which was convincingly won by Sarah. Sarah should be warned that Nicky is in
fact an evil genius and is not to be riled or messed with without the
appropriate protective equipment and a long stick. The scored stood at 0 – 5
Moseley.
The game finished as a competition on 20 minutes after a rather nasty tackle
on Tori following an impressive break by Amy McGuinness in the centre. The
tackle saw Tori leave the pitch with concussion and the Burton tackler
carried off with a rather unpleasant looking twisted knee. After a long
break for injury and with 3 points safely in the bag, Moseley proceeded to
go on to demolish a beleaguered and demoralised Burton. Kate at No 8 scored
2 impressive tries (both converted, 1 each to Sarah and Nicky) and was
Moseley ‘Player of the Match’ with some justification. However she was ably
supported in the last 20 minutes of the first half by both Amys, Sarah, Frag
and Lou. The score was only limited to 0 – 19 at half time by some poor
Moseley handling in the wet and a wide streak of luck for Burton who were
handling in their own in goal area at times.
Kate’s first half brace of tries was mirrored by two from scrum half Sarah
after the break. The first came after 1 minute in a move started and
finished (and converted) by Sarah, with a bit of sharp handling from Lorna
and Lou in between. 0 – 26 Moseley. Her second was run in following a break
by Kate from the base of a Moseley scrum midfield in the Burton half to take
the score on to 0 – 31. The final try saw Moseley centre Amy McGuinness run
from half way to take yet another try under the posts, again converted by
Sarah. Final score Burton 0 – Moseley 38.
It is difficult to take too much away from what became a very scrappy
friendly played in atrocious conditions. Yet the Moseley lineout worked
well, albeit with little to challenge it and Moseley took their
opportunities mercilessly with some strong running right across the Moseley
team. Well done also to Moira, Jane and Wendy who got into the spirit of
things while playing for Burton. Some might say they were too good.
Questions will be asked about why Wendy played her best game of the season
for the opposition and why Jane was seen to be engaged in a karate
competition with Lorna on the halfway line after the final try. Nice moves.
Let’s hope for a return to a more normal diet next Sunday in the final
league game of the season against Nuneaton on April 9th at Billesley.
MWRFC 5 Newcastle 7 - March 12th, 2006
For those that took Andrew's advice for last week and braved the cold of
Billesley common to watch Moseley women play, certainly won’t have been
disappointed. For a start it was pleasure seeing both teams field a full
fifteen and play contested scrums, something our girls haven’t been able to
do for the last few matches. And secondly having the opposition adding a
little spice to the match by telling radio 1 DJ Vernon Kay how they were
going to whop Moseley. Despite early problems with finding a ref this had
the makings of a great game.
The first quarter saw some scrappy moments of play with both sides being
equally penalized by the ref for errors made. However after several
successive phases and some brilliant handling and passing Moseley crossed
the line through Sarah, who had already started a trend that would be a key
feature throughout the match of disrupting the opposition’s set piece.
Unfortunately Liz was unable to convert due to lack of appropriate footwear.
The second quarter saw Moseley spend much of their time in Newcastle’s
twenty two and came close on a couple of occasions to further increasing the
lead, thanks to good running from our backs and spirited tackling from Lou
and the rest of the forwards.
The second half started in favour of Moseley with the girls either keeping
Newcastle’s attack firmly in check or making a couple of breaks and nearly
scoring again. Just before the end of the first quarter Newcastle did manage
to break through the strong Moseley defence, however Wendy at full back
managed to slow their runner down, long enough for support to get back to
stop a potential score. Unfortunately, they were less lucky when the
Newcastle scrum half broke through again and crossed the line under the post
which was quickly converted.
The Moseley girls were however undeterred and if anything started to play
even better with the tight five gaining ground in the scrum, and our jumper
Amy stealing some of Newcastle’s line out ball. They pushed back into
Newcastle’s twenty two and were awarded a penalty which was quickly taken as
the girls tried to batter their way across the line with play switching from
one side of the field to the other. However Newcastle eventually turned us
over, but tried in vain to get anywhere, and with more great play by all,
Moseley were back in Newcastle’s twenty two with yet another penalty. With
only a few minutes left the girls tried their best to score with Emma just
crossing the line in the final seconds the Moseley support let out a great
cheer. Sadly as the final whistle blew we realised that Emma had lost the
ball and Newcastle had won the match.
Despite the loss Moseley were by far the better team and as Derek said at
the end of the match the women played the best rugby he has seen from them
this season and while there are still things that need working on they have
come along way. So chin up all, Burton don’t stand a chance against you lot,
and with Nuneaton the week after that I can see the future looking very
bright for Moseley women’s
Next MWRFC match:
The next MWRFC match is against Burton (away) on Sunday April 2nd
Sutton Coldfield
17 MWRFC 20- March 5th, 2006
If you haven’t watched Mosley Women
play for some time I’d advise you to take your next opportunity as this is a
changed side from the one which finished bottom of their league last season.
Reduced to 14 a side at the request of Sutton and forced by the inexperience
of the Sutton front row to sacrifice their undoubted scrummaging superiority
through uncontested scrums, they put in a display of immense character and
no little ability to come from behind twice to win by 17 - 20 away from
home.
The game suffered throughout from erratic refereeing which frustrated both
sides. Following decisions which revealed an unusual understanding of the
laws of the game, speculation that the ref held shares in a major Midlands
whistle manufacturer was rife on the touchline.
Indeed the referee awarded no less than 7 consecutive penalties to Sutton in
the opening 10 minutes for reasons best known to himself. This disrupted
Moseley and despite some hard tackling by Lou at openside, which
reacquainted the Sutton scrum-half with her lunch, and strong driving runs
from Frag and Katie, Moseley’s early failure to complete tackles and compete
at the breakdown led to two tries by Sutton in the opening 20 minutes and a
Sutton lead of 12 – 0 after the 1st quarter.
A few calming words of wisdom that the Moseley coach imparted after the
second Sutton score had the desired effect.
Moseley’s first try on the half hour illustrates a major change of attitude.
Committed rucking, support play and handling saw three quick phases before
the ball moved wide to the right wing for an unconverted try from Amy at No
8, who, like the rest of the back row, had an outstanding final hour.
Aggressive tackling and strong running from stand-off Luger (justifiably
Moseley player of the match) and winger Kat, who had an excellent game in
attack and defence, combined with hard work by their strong pack of forwards
to see Moseley score two further unconverted tries either side of half time
taking the lead 12 - 15. The first scored by the quick and impressive centre
Frankie, and the second by Ade at second row, another player who made her
presence felt all afternoon.
However, the most impressive part of Moseley’s entertaining and hard fought
win was in the final 20 minutes of the match as a lapse of concentration saw
Sutton steal a try against the run of play.
Rather than concede defeat Moseley stuck to the game plan and after stealing
a Sutton lineout around the halfway line took they ball to both sides of the
pitch before Frag scored in the dying minutes to see Moseley win by 17 - 20.
Both sides deserve credit in this close fought match. However Moseley showed
greater determination and discipline as even Nicky managed to contain her
unusually aggressive tendencies.
There is still much work to be done but despite a slow start and some
periods of scrappy play Moseley gave a convincing forward display combined
with significant ability in their back line to come out worthy winners.
The next MWRFC match is at Billesley against Newcastle on Sunday 12th March
– 1.00pm kick off.
New players welcome! Come and join us for training on Thursdays 7-9 and join
in the fun. All over 17's and all abilities welcome. We would particularly
welcome any experienced players to come and show the novices how it’s done!
We welcome both experienced players and novices.
Nuneaton 5 MWRFC 7 - January 22, 2006
We were playing 12's with roll on/off subs. Moseley were disappointed that
there was uncontested scrummaging from the start, but with plenty of pack
effort we were able to spend most of the first 30 minutes in Nuneaton's
half.
Scoring for both teams didn't occur until the 2nd half when Emma found some
open space and scored our first and only try. This went on to be converted
by Nicky.
Some missed tackles/opportunities brought a try for Nuneaton who were unable
to convert it. Due to Emma and Kirsty's injuries we were able to try a few
people in new positions.
The team is only too aware of areas to be worked upon but with team
commitment we will undoubtedly be able to do this.
League Table -
Midlands 3 West
P W D L F A Diff BP BT Pts
Lichfield 8 8 0 0 427 39 388 0 0 24
Burton 9 5 2 2 164 112 52 0 0 21
Bridgenorth 8 6 0 2 257 82 175 0 0 20
Newcastle 9 5 0 4 178 134 44 0 0 19
Moseley 9 3 1 5 113 183 -70 0 0 16
Earlsdon 8 2 2 4 56 190 -134 0 0 14
Sutton C’field 9 1 1 7 86 338 -252 0 0 12
Nuneaton 6 0 0 6 17 220 -203 0 0 6
The next MWRFC match is away at Bridgnorth on Sunday 12th
February.
MWRFC 7 Lichfield 40 -
January 14, 2006
Well the score says a lot about the game. Moseley started off well with most
of the first 20 minutes played in Lichfield's half. Some good tackling and
forward work kept Lichfield at bay but Moseley seemed to lack oomph, for
want of a better description, from thereon.
We were outrun by them, as they very neatly exploited the large gaps in the
backs. Perhaps somebody taking charge of the backs would help, no one seemed
to give them instruction, and we failed to take them down when we tackled
them. If we take their legs they can't run.
The line out seemed to go up too early and by the time the ball was
released, Lou was on the way down. Take heart in the fact that we salvaged a
try and conversion in the last 5 minutes of the game, well done Liz Plumber
(Louga).
We also need to watch our tempers as four or five penalties were conceded
through hot headed action. Onwards and upwards girls, there are bound to be
valley's to sink in as well as mountains to conquer.
Newcastle 24 MWRFC 5 -
November 27, 2005
A disappointing game all round. After the
euphoria of our win the previous weekend, MWRFC got well and truly stuck in
the mud!
There was not much in the way of good news from the trip to
Newcastle-under-Lyme. On arrival we could see that the pitch was a bog in
places and the weather cold and damp. Three minutes later, we were a try and
conversion down. Soon to be doubled.
Moseley gradually got the measure of the pitch and the opposition. We dug in
well and recovered with a score of our own. By half-time though we were
trailing 19-5.
The final score belies the fact that we played a very good game. The
forwards gave it their all and the backs ran their socks off, despite
regular infringements by the opposition.
Our tackling was very good
as was our determination to stop them in their tracks, and full credit to
the team for not losing their temper with what I can only describe as a
unique (and in places dangerous) interpretation of the rules by some. The
whole team was a credit to the club. We really do need to have suitably
qualified referees for these games. Onwards and upwards!
MWRFC 25 Sutton Coldfield 0 -
November 20, 2005
As our ladies first victory in the last
few seasons this match did not disappoint - Sutton who
beat
Moseley
at home last season in a 40+ to nil thrashing were in
for a surprise as we saw the development of the ladies
over the last 2 seasons bear fruit.
Sutton are a fast side that like to spin
the ball wide but they were not allowed to do this by
Moseley
who took the ball straight up the middle to test the
Sutton defence through the back row and centres.
Moseley
got off to a shaky start with a knock on from the kick
and, although the ball was taken against the head easily
through aggressive scrummaging, various handling errors
trapped them in their 22m for the first 5 minutes of the
game. This was not a trend that would continue however
as the ladies quickly began to assert their dominance
which continued throughout the (mis)match.
A powerful run from flanker turned inside
centre Lorna beating half a dozen Sutton defenders took
Moseley
up to half way in partnership her outside centre Steph
Warner. The 2 functioned as a unit, Lorna using her
strength and Steph gave her speed in close support.
From this point on Sutton would be
playing in their own half, their poor tackling and
disorganised defence proving easy work for the rampaging
Moseley back row.
Moseley were dominant in both ruck and
maul Sutton having to resort to killing the ball to halt
our forward progress. the first try came in the first
quarter as
Moseley
settled into their game. It was produced from crashing
the ball up through the centres and then working it
through excellent support play - offloads and pick and
gos form the forwards - the dynamic 2nd row duo of Ade
and Frag working exceptionally well together.
At the set piece
Moseley
reigned supreme taking the ball against the head at both
Scrum and lineout for 95% of the game- Nigel Stelling's
coaching paying off nicely. the first half was dominated
by forward play, which Sutton could not handle, and
several trys followed - at half time they were 3 tries
up.
The second half proceeded in the same
style Scrum half Sarah Robinson badgering her opposite
number at the scrum and cutting off supply of the ball
to the Sutton backs. our number 9 worked as a strong
team with standoff Liz Plummer who controlled the game
and managed the forwards successfully.
Early in the second half outside centre
Steph Warner had to go off with a head injury and
flanker Kirstie Ashworth was moved out of the scrum.
however it was a this point that
Moseleyproved
that they could deliver excellent pack play out wide -
spinning the ball straight down the line from a lineout
on half way put our winger into space.
She was unfortunately denied by and
excellent last ditch tackle from the Sutton Fullback -
who could have been said to be the only thorn in
Moseley's side - without her pace and hard tackling as
the last man
Moseley
would have put 50 point past their opposition.
this was a well-deserved victory that has
sprung out of increased dedication from the ladies and
the input of the coaching team of Derek Nutt and Nigel
Stelling this season. More tries may have come but for
the over exuberance of a
Moseley
team not used to scoring let alone winning!
Now they are in the scoring habit we
anticipate the run of success continuing as the side
move up through mid table from their position in the
relegation zone earlier this year. -
Helen Boyle
|
MWRFC 5 Bridgnorth 34 - October 30, 2005
Given the number of injuries we are
carrying, and the absence of several regular players,
Moseley did
well to field a side of eleven players.
From the start we defended well, lasting
till almost halftime before we conceded 2 quick tries.
From then on the game went slowly downhill, as our lack
of players told, two players had never played a game
before today (and both acquitted themselves admirably)
and one had just finished a 17 hour shift (glutton for
punishment isn't she).
Tackling was on the whole better, (a few
high ones to be watched in future), and despite the
score we fought an admirable battle, all things being
equal, and can hold our heads up.
A late consolation try from Lorna saved a
blank score sheet, and restored some spirit. Our
weakness, if I can call it that, is not spotting the
weakness in the opposition sooner and then exploiting
it, something to work on there.
Roll on next match, and hopefully a full
team to play with. - Stuart
Hubble
Action Photographs Available!
Action Photography attended last week’s
home match against Bridgnorth and has posted the
photographs on its gallery site for supporters; Mums &
Dads; doting Grandparents etc to buy. In return for the
club promoting the sale – we get to use them for
programmes and the website.
Take a look at the last home match
pictures at:
www.actionphotography.co.uk and click on
galleries.
|
Lichfield 24 MWRFC 5 -
October 09, 2005
Moseley travelled away to
Lichfield with a strong team, a lot of belief and a new (extra smart) kit!!
Unfortunately Lichfield only had 12 players so in line with with league
rules, Moseley had to drop 3 players to the sub bench. Almost straight from
kick off Moseley were up to the opponents 15m line and threatening to score.
After a couple of scrums and nearly stealing the ball, Lichfield were able
to clear, kicking the ball into touch.
The next 15 minutes saw
sustained pressure from Moseley with several players making good runs,
however they were unable to convert the pressure into points. Almost against
the run of play, Lichfield got quick ball and ran in an excellent try. They
had a period of pressure and looked certain to score again, only to be
denied by no.15 (Steph - making her debut at full back). Moseley's forwards
played out of their skins and some brilliant running from the backs saw them
get to Lichfield's 10m line. They competed well for the ball, however
eventually conceded a penalty from a turnover ball which allowed Lichfield
to clear. The end of the first half, despite Moseley keeping possession
well, Lichfield again scored on the break. Half time 12 - 0
The second half both sides had equal possession, however some superb running
from the Lichfield backs allowed them to score quickly after the kick off.
Moseley's forwards played some great rugby , winning the ball in the scrums
and line outs and forced Lichfield into conceding penalties on more than one
occasion! However Lichfield again got quick ball and ran in a 4th try.
Moseley kept their heads up and Amy and Lorna both made storming runs
through Lichfield's defence and towards the end of the game the team got a
well deserved try (Ade being the scorer!) Unfortunately the angle for the
conversion was tight and the extra 2 points were missed.
Considering this was the team who beat Earlsdon by over 100 points, Moseley
did excellently to hold them to 24 - 5. Each player gave 110% and Amy is an
inspired captain...
It looks good for the home game next weekend!!
MWRFC 0 Burton 24 -
September 25, 2005
Moseley women's first match of the
season unfortunately ended in defeat to an experienced and well organised
Burton side. However it was a good run out and despite highlighting areas to
work on, there were a lot of positives to take from the game.
Burton started with a quick try after the kick off and another two towards the
end of the first half. However Moseley
kept positive, focused and played with belief. The side worked hard to keep
the ball at the scrums and line outs and managed to force Burton into
conceding several penalties. However they were unable to turn these into any
real advantage. (Something to work on!!)
The majority of the game was played in the middle of the park and the forwards
did a tremendous job considering it was the season’s first game and deserve
credit and recognition for the amount of work they put in. Unfortunately the
ball didn't get out to the backs as much as was hoped since Burton were quick
in the tackles and in securing loose ball.
The second half followed much the same pattern, however some superb tackling
prevented Burton from scoring more than one try and even this was at the very
end of the game!
Moseley are a side that have recently changed coaches, are in
the process of reforming and building a solid and consistent squad. Taking
this into account, they did well to hold Burton to only 4 tries, their shape
on the field was good with everyone keeping to their positions and no-one
being caught offside. Communication between team members is improving week by
week and everyone supported their fellow team mates well.
|