Bristol grind out win against Lichfield

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A tough, physical and highly competitive game took place this afternoon at Cleve RFC, and Bristol took their unbeaten run to five out of five. Lichfield Ladies came into the fixture on equal league points, but with Bristol ahead by over 100 on points difference – it was set up to be a brilliant afternoon.

Lichfield started well, and their scrum was impressive throughout the 80 minutes. Around 20 minutes into the game their pressure paid off as they were awarded a penalty try after Bristol failed to keep them at bay, with Natasha Hunt converting.

Bristol came back fighting, and possession swung from one side to another for a period time until the home side capitalised on a quick penalty, spreading the ball wide to Chantelle Miell who got the ball down in the corner. Amber Reed (sponsored by Colston’s School) converted taking the score to 7 – 7, as it remained at half time.

Just before half time Reed was helped off the pitch after going down with an injury, with Jasmine Joyce replacing her.

The second half started well with Claire Molloy flying over the line adding five to the Bristol total. The remainder of the half was seemingly chaotic, with both sides making promising attacks only to be thwarted by unforced errors. Lichfield were awarded a penalty, which Hunt slotted between the posts on 50 minutes, taking the score to 12 – 10.

The last 15 minutes saw a spate of yellow cards, with Millar Mills for Lichfield, and Acheson and Bern being carded all within 7 minutes of each other, leading to a fairly unbalanced period of play with both teams trying to close out the game.

Both teams did cross the line once more – Izzy Noel Smith crossed, making use of the space in the Lichfield defence, and Lichfield powered over from a scrum where Bristol failed to control the play.

Bristol held out for the final two minutes to take the hard fought victory in what wasn’t the prettiest game of rugby, but got the job done.

Bristol forward of the game: Claire Molloy                                   Bristol back of the game: Chantelle Miell

Final Score: Bristol Ladies 19 – 15 Aylesford Bulls

Scores Schedule:

Minutes	Team	Type	Player	Score
17	Lichfield	Penalty Try	N/A	0 – 5
17	Lichfield	Conv.	Hunt	0 – 7
33	Bristol	Try	Miell	5 – 7
33	Bristol	Conv	Reed	7 – 7
43	Bristol	Try	Molloy	12 – 7
50	Lichfield	Pen.	Hunt	12 – 10
65	Lichfield	Yellow	Millar Mills	12 – 10
66	Bristol	Try	Molloy	17 – 10
66	Bristol	Conv	Snoswill	19 – 10
69	Bristol	Yellow	Acheson	19 – 10
72	Bristol	Yellow	Bern	19 – 10
76	Lichfield	Try	Hunt	19 – 15

Team Sheet:

1. Abbie Parsons (40 mins) – Empica PR
2. Carys Phillips (55 mins)
3. Sasha Acheson – Empica PR
4. Amelia Buckland Hurry
5. Poppy Cleall
6. Poppy Leitch (40 mins) – Floodlight UK
7. Claire Molloy
8. Izzy Noel Smith
9. Sian Moore
10. Elinor Snowsill – 17 Management
11. Tilly Vaughan Fowler – Marcon Sport
12. Amber Reed (35 mins) – Colston’s School
13. Lottie Holland – Gooch and Housego
14. Chantelle Miell
15. Nolli Waterman

16. Clara Nielson (for Phillips)
17. Sarah Bern – Fifth Consultancy (for Parsons)
18. Kayleigh Armstrong – Maidenhead Aquatics (for Acheson)
19. Marlie Packer – Jones Building Group (for Leitch)
20. Sue Neumann
21. Jasmine Joyce
22. Cat McNaney