Bristol Ladies threw down a marker for the remainder of the season today, as they comprehensively beat DMP Sharks by 86 – 3 in the semi final of the Senior Cup ‘Plate’ competition.
The first half started evenly with both teams competing for the ball. Tilly Vaughan Fowler pictured above and sponsored by Macron Store Bristol) touched down for Bristol in the first 5 minutes, and DMP hit straight back with a successfully converted penalty kick.
Bristol soon found space out wide with Jasmine Joyce (sponsored by TSMC) running the outside line and scoring on fifteen minutes, which opened the gates from Bristol. Joyce scored twice more in the first half with her lightning speed getting the better of the DMP defense. The first half also saw scores from Liv Jones (2) (sponsored by Ralph at St James Place Wealth Management) and one from Becki Belcher. Conversions from Lucy Attwood took the score at half time to 45 – 3.
The second half saw a raft of substitutions for the home side, which had little impact on momentum with Ro Matson and Ellie Mulhearn scoring in the first 5 minutes of the half. DMP saw a spell of possession attack for 10 minutes as they pushed the Bristol defense, however three tries from Vaughan Fowler and one from Vicky Foxwell saw Bristol leading 81 – 3 into the final five minutes. Clara Nielson scored the final try of the afternoon as she dotted the ball down under the posts. Sarah Graham was on kicking duties in the second half, taking the final score to 86 – 3.
Coach Simon Martin spoke to us after the game: “That was a convincing performance from the players today. The forwards carried well, with a strong and dominant set piece which allowed the backs to get into space. The interplay between the forwards and the backs was outstanding, with our offloading game much more secure than in previous fixtures. Once we learnt to be patient our style of play set in and we saw the result through the scoreline. This week training will focus on maintaining this high standard, and top level of execution, making sure we’re on top form as we head into the business end of the season.”
Bristol’s next fixture is next Sunday, 18th March – their last 2nd XV game of the season as they take on Wimbledon at Cleve RFC.
Report courtesy of Emma Bacon, Bristol Ladies Media Manager
