On a day celebrating the strength and depth of Women’s rugby, Bristol Ladies showcased some of the best rugby they’ve played all season to claim the silverware!
With three weeks of preparation under their belts, Bristol and Worcester were both ready for the challenge this afternoon. The history between the teams from this season meant this fixture was always going to be exciting – and neither teams disappointed.
The first ten minutes saw both teams competing for the ball, both showing great attack and defence. Claire Molloy had an early chance for Bristol as she broke through the Worcester defensive line, only to be stopped by a fantastic try saving tackle by the Worcester fly half.
Ten minutes into the half a concussion based injury to a Worcester player stopped play for a short time, giving both sides a chance to refocus and settle into the game – we all send our best wishes to the player.
Bristol took the restart well, with Lottie Holland making a stunning solo break, showing the pace and strength of the young back, finally passing out to Claire Molloy who got the first points of the game on the board. No conversion. 5-0
Shortly afterwards Elinor Snowsill delivered one of the highlights of the game, slotting a dropgoal perfectly between the uprights, taking the score to 8 – 0.
After a period of competitive play from Worcester, Lottie Holland found her hands back on the ball – and this time scored her own try. No conversion. 13-0
Worcester got their only points of the game in the following minutes, after being awarded a penalty and converting it successfully. Bristol responded immediately, securing their own penalty at the other end of the pitch, also adding the points. 16-3
HALF TIME: Bristol Ladies 16 (2 tries, 1 penalty, 1 dropgoal) – 3 Worcester (1 penalty)
The second half saw more exciting action. Worcester attacked hard, spending a period time camped on the Bristol line, with several scrums and lineouts being taken. The Bristol defence was tested, but stood strong and Worcester weren’t able to get through.
Claire Molloy showed her class soon after, overtaking several of the Worcester defence and using her light footwork to dance around the defenders in her way – feeding Philippa Tuttiett who got Bristol’s third try of the afternoon. 21-3
A period of intense rugby followed, with end to end action and great skill and experience shown by both sides. Chantelle Miell broke the deadlock with a well worked try, taking the score to 28 – 3.
As the final moments of the game were played, Philippa Tuttiett intercepted a Worcester pass to score under the post with the final touch of the game – a fitting end to the season and the game, with Tuttiett announcing her retirement in the huddle on the pitch after the final whistle. Thank you Philippa – you’ve been an incredible asset to the team, on and off the field.
The final score was Bristol Ladies 35 – 3 Worcester Ladies – a great advert for the women’s game and a fantastic and positive note to end an up and down season for Bristol Ladies.
Thank you to all the supporters who travelled to see Bristol and Worcester throughout the season.
FULL TIME: Bristol Ladies 35 (5 tries, 2 conv, 1 penalty, 1 dropgoal) – 3 (1 penalty) Worcester
Roy Davies, Coach: “That was an exception performance from the team to end the season. We controlled the game from beginning to end against a Worcester side who made us work hard throughout. Every player brought energy allowing us to play at a high tempo, with some excellent offloading. Credit must go to our pack, who dominated in the scrum and gave us a brilliant platform from which to play”.
Bristol forward of the game: Claire Molloy
Bristol back of the game: Lottie Holland
GAME STATS:
20 mins – TRY – Bristol – Claire Molloy, 5 – 0
25 mins – DROPGOAL- Bristol – El Snowsill, 8 – 0
30 mins – TRY – Bristol – Lottie Holland, 13 – 0
34 mins – PEN – Worcester, 13 – 3
39 mins – PEN – Bristol, 16 – 3
HT
48 mins – TRY – Bristol – Molloy, 21 – 3
48 mins – CONV – Bristol – Snowsill, 23 – 3
68 mins – TRY – Bristol – Chantelle Miell, 28 – 3
79 mins – TRY – Bristol – Philippa Tuttiett, 33 – 3
79 mins – CONV – Bristol – Snowsill, 35 – 3
TEAM SHEET – Bristol
1) Abbie Parsons
2) Clara Nielsen
3) Kayleigh Armstrong
4) Amelia Buckland-Hurry
5) Daisy Travers
6) Poppy Leitch
7) Claire Molloy
8) Sue Neumann
9) Sian Moore
10) El Snowsill
11) Taz Bricknell
12) Bryony Cleall
13) Phil Tuttiett
14) Chantelle Miell
15) Lottie Holland
16) Kathryn Buggy
17) Naomi Smith
18) Becki Belcher
19) Trish Brown
20) Sarah Bern
21) Nat Lewis
22) Becky Hughes
Match report courtesy of Bristol Ladies RFC
