Written by Meg Esser

The Womens 1XV kicked off against Gordano putting on a fantastic display of rugby, a hard fought first 5 minutes but in the end, a swift ball out to the wing found the hands of winger Emma Ralph who grounded the ball perfectly. Not converted. With many scrums in this game, the women absolutely dominated against the opposition, this set piece was a powerhouse of strong and experienced forwards. The second try came in the 12th minute from a hard crash ball from centre Jess Codrington, who time and time again proves she is a force to be reckoned with at speed. Converted by Abi Pearson. Score Havant 12-0 Gordano.

Shortly after, Captain Natasha Bullock flew over the line for try number 3 of the game. This was converted by Abi Pearson. 19-0 to Havant. After a long period of play in possession of the ball, Gordano managed to stave off the strong rucks from Havant which often turned the ball over. This period of play resulted in a try for the opposition, not converted. Score 19-5. Just before half time, Second row Alice Jennings, who is on a streak of fantastic periods of play, grounded the ball over the line, Abi Pearson converted. The score at half time was Havant 26 – 0 Gordano.

In the second half, Havant retained possession, the forwards relying on the systems and processes, before shipping the ball out to the backs, centre Sam King made a strong run but was tackled just before the line. From another dominating scrum, flanker Rebecca Vaughan-Woods stepped defenders and grounded the ball for the try. This was not converted. Score 31-5. Within minutes of the restart, Captain Natasha Bullock stepped basically the whole team before grounding the ball for her second try of the game. This was not converted. Score 36-5.

With yet more scrums, the forward pack were still dominating, with all of them making strong runs and great support lines, the ball was shipped to the backs and number 10 Abi Pearson broke the defence and scored the try which was converted by herself. Score 45-5 to Havant. With a period of back and forth play with the away team not giving up the fight, the final try of the game was score by returned Havant legend winger Jess Valentine, who makes a great impact the moment she steps on the pitch. This was converted by Abi Pearson yet again.

Full time. Havant 50 – 5 Gordano.