This day had been building for some time. We're a new team at the start of a fantastic journey and after some hard graft on the training pitch, we were keen to finish the season with our first ever match.

We had the opportunity to train with Tabard and Hendon a few weeks ago. The hosts were incredibly supportive and it was so useful to be able to train with a larger more experienced group of players. We arranged for them to send over some players to help us get some match time under our belt. From a group of fourteen Datch and six Tabard & Hendon players, we formed two teams of ten. It was actually a very well balanced match with never more than a score separating the two teams all afternoon. Now, before I launch into a set of self-indulgent paragraphs all about the newest regiment of the Green Army, I must properly thank our guests. They knew we needed a proper contest but were also respectful of our level of experience. The main aim for us was to come off the pitch smiling. Both sides were playing to win, but the spirit in which it was played was exactly what we had hoped for. Thank you Tabard & Hendon and Laura-Jo for coming over. We know at full strength you'd be a significant challenge and we will aim to give you that contest next season.

This bit is all about us...

As it's our first fixture, every player gets a mention, even those who defected to the opposition for the day. Kim Rosello, Ang James, Linsday Cameron and Anna Cason all happily swapped shirts to make up the numbers. I knew all four would cause us trouble working against us but it made for a great game. Anna and Kim became great attacking options, with Anna bashing holes through the middle and Kim scoring 2 tries by making great use of her speed on the wing. Anna was named Player of the Match for Tabard & Hendon. Lindsay and Ang were big contributors in defence, and provided a master class in "long ball place". Ang even tried a cheeky pick and go but chose the wrong side and ran out of pitch space.

Our Forwards did us proud with some cracking tackles and carries. In the lineouts, Beth Life and Alex Tyrrell only dropped our multi-tasking fly-half, Shannon Rapacchi, once (oops) but it was a character-building experience, so no harm done. The rest of the lifts were superb when you consider how little practice we've had on that. Great job.

Alex was joined by Lynne Solomon and Tabs Stone in the front row. Sounds like they had a good time at the scrums embarrassing the referee, singing songs and cracking jokes. Don't forget to push ladies! Lynne made the longest carry by a forward I've seen for a while but ran out of steam before the line. Great support in the chase from our scrum-half, Izzy Mason, who wasn't quite able to convert on that occasion. However, she did score when it counted with her second try coming in the final play of the match, setting up the winning conversion from Shannon. Prior to that Shannon scored two breakaway tries helping to keep us in contention and earning herself Player of the Match.

Beth and Kate Iles formed the second row with Kate notching up a very high tackle count throughout the match. Impressive display and a very high work rate. Lou Hacking on the wing was again fearless in defence and made several runs on the outside trying to break through a tough defensive line. Hats off to Lou who only joined the squad a few weeks ago with zero experience and jumped straight into a match.

Mez Wynne was our Youth superstar making her debut in senior rugby. Ironically as a 17 year old she was easily our most experienced player on the pitch. Usually playing in the forwards for the u18s, Mez moved to Centre for the women and led by example in defence and attack. She was rivalling Kate for the highest tackle count on the day and showed us a few well executed hand offs to break through the defence. Congratulations on your graduation to senior rugby Mez.

Last but by no means least, our skipper Faye Pekoz. She's already an influential player in terms of attitude and performance. Superb carries and gritty defence. When Faye has the ball in hand, her determination is visible to her teammates, the opposition and everyone on the touchline.

A superb day of rugby for Datchworth. Well done to the players from all clubs. I'll finish by saying thank you to the home crowd who showed how much support there is for the Women's team at the club. The best shout from the touchline was a mighty "COME ON MUM" from one of the boys. I hope to hear that many more times next season and beyond.

Datchworth Rugby Club

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