Newbury mark 25 years of women’s rugby with momentous win over rivals Reading Abbey in fight to avoid relegation
Newbury Ladies marked 25 years of women’s rugby at the club with a much-needed 36-5 win over rivals Reading Abbey.
There was a lot riding on the contest, which also served to mark a momentous milestone for the ladies’ teams, with winless Reading Abbey providing a presentable opportunity for second-bottom Blues to continue their recent resurgence.
The hosts showed no signs of nerves and took the lead after a dominant opening period when Becks Reeves went over.
With returning captain Lizzie Harris enjoying a storming game, Newbury extended their lead to 12-0 after Reeves crossed for the second time.
Ellen Thornton set up Zoe Gittens for the home side’s third try before half time and, although Reading improved after the break, Harris beat a defender and scored a well-deserved try to extend Newbury’s lead.
Huge carries from Tilly Burn and Rachel Martin put Ellen Thornton in the perfect position to score her side’s fifth try and secure an all-important bonus point.
Although Reading managed to get on the board late on, Newbury capped a superb team performance with a nine-phase move that was finished off by Jenny Buckley, who scored her maiden first XV try.
The first XV go in search of-back-to-back home wins on Sunday when they host London Irish, who are poor travelers and have lost six of their seven games on the road this season.
The second XV meanwhile will be looking to maintain their good form when they return to action the following weekend, taking on Dorking on February 11.
