Face-Off Between Old Rivals Leads To Nail-Biting 24-24 Finish

2017/2018 Squad Pose For First Team Photo Of The Year

Reading players and supporters made the journey to Egham Hollowegians Rugby Club, to challenge our old rivals, Royal Holloway, in our annual preseason friendly.

With a massive squad of 29, many of whom have never stepped on a rugby pitch before, it was set to be an eventful game.

The game was kicked off by the captain, Hearn who was stepping up to lead as regular captain, Watts, recovers from injury. The opening few minutes saw several handling errors from both teams, leading to several scrums in Holloway’s half. As both teams settled into the game, the intensity rose, leading to Holloway giving away consecutive penalties inside their own 22. Experienced scrum half, Davidson, took advantage of the scrambling Holloway defence, taking a quick penalty and charging through several players who were not back 10m in order to cross the whitewash for Reading’s first try. Kick from Hearn just wide. 5-0

After Holloway’s restart, they demonstrated their historically strong rucking, turning over the ball at the first ruck. However, this was short-lived with a scrum bringing possession back to Reading. A great run from 13, Iverson, took them firmly back into Holloway’s half, and an intelligent line from Skeels at 12, led to a promising break, but she was stopped just shy of the tryline. A penalty to Reading for a Holloway player going off of her feet in the ensuing ruck, returns the ball to Iverson, who powered over the line for her first score of the game. Hearn gets conversion. 12-0

A dangerous run from Skeels off the restart is stopped by a fantastic Holloway cover tackle denying them a 3rd try before the close of the quarter.

The start of the second quarter saw a sustained period of pressure from Holloway. Reading defended valiantly, but eventually were drawn in and Holloway exploited an overlap to cross in the corner. Conversion wide. 12-5

A period of fairly equal possession from both sides followed, but eventually following a fantastic pick and go off a scrum from Sheppard and a storming run Holloway’s defence started to crack. A well executed pass to Davidson continued the momentum, but the scrambled defence eventually stopped the charge. A loose offload from a Reading player just shy of the try-line saw Holloway back in possession at half time.

Holloway dominated the start of the 3rd quarter with solid pod work from their forwards. A strong Reading scrum on the halfway saw quick hands to Iverson, who proceeded to break a tackle and make a phenomenal sprint the length of the pitch to cross for a third. Hearn’s kick finds its target. 19-5

Firmly in their own half Reading gave away a penalty for a high tackle. Holloway’s forwards again battered the Reading defence, scoring their second try and converting, thus marking the end of the 3rd quarter.

19-12

The beginning of the 4th quarter was dominated by Reading, starting to really bring some structure into their back line and keeping the ball safely in hand. An increasingly rare handling error meant a Holloway scrum on their 5m. Their kick to clear their lines was picked up by Iverson who exploited the still grouped Holloway forwards to dot down beneath the posts. Davidson’s kick just wide. 24-12

Holloway came back with a level of intensity that Reading weren’t prepared for, forcing a penalty for holding on in the away teams half. Holloway’s big forward pack demonstrated their power and organisation and got over the line with minutes to go. Conversion made. 24-19

Holloway regained possession after the restart and began another assault on Reading’s line. After a period of valiant defence, notably with some massive hits from George and Lucas, Holloway’s forwards crossed once again to bring the score to evens. With baited breath Reading waited to see the result of the difficult conversion for the Holloway kicker, which bounced off the woodwork, sealing the draw in an epic fashion. Final score stood at 24-24.

The forward of the match went to newcomer Mahir not only for her fantastic impact, particularly in the scum, but her incredible enthusiasm and passion for the game.

Back of the match went to Iverson for her amazing work rate and her showcase of incredible natural talent for a new player.

The passion and skill demonstrated by every player on the pitch was a testament to our great sport, coaches and club. We’ll be chasing the win when we begin our league in a few weeks.

Team Starting Line Up:

1. Liz Lucas

2. Rosa Erdogan

3. Kerima Mahir

4. Ella Povey

5. Nebo Meyiwa

6. Claudia Crowther

7. Charlie George

8. Katherine Sheppard

9. Ellie Davidson

10. Laura Hearn (c)

11. Zainab Ali