U13 GIRLS WATERFALL CUP – ROUND 2
DORKING V OLD RUTS
Sunday 23 January saw our U13 Girls host Old Ruts in the second round of the Waterfall Cup. Having faced an extremely large squad the week before, the Dorking girls were relieved to meet a group of similar sized players and were determined to make the most of it!
A good warm up allowed us to emphasise key elements learned from last week’s game; rucking over and securing the ball, off-loading out of contact and passing the ball out to support players who could run into space. We also asked the girls to set themselves small, individual goals, whether it be to run with the ball in hand, make a good tackle, get into a ruck, communicate etc.
The Dorking girls were keen to get started and kick off saw a flood of red & white shirts charging at the opposition with enthusiasm. Such eagerness left us rather disorganised however and despite some good tackles, we allowed Old Ruts to get the ball to one of their fast runners who dodged through to score a try. That did not sit well with the Dorking girls who immediately settled down and started to play with their heads.
The break initially saw us lose a bit of concentration and shape. We started to bunch in defence which allowed the opposition to break through and make ground and despite some heroic tackling from Frankie, Sophie and Livvy, three times, when they got near our try line, we gave them space on the wings to score.
The Dorking girls had decided this was going to be “their game” however, and each time the opposition scored, they fought back. Working as a team they repeatedly took the ball up the pitch and camped out near the opposition’s try line. Some well worked play saw Millie score in the corner and Sophie used her speed and strength to get over the line.
At 6 tries apiece, it was tense. Phoebe charged her way through the opposition ranks but her try was judged to result from a double-movement and was disallowed. Amelia pounced on a loose ball from a ruck and flipped it up to Poppy who dived in on the wing. The try wasn’t awarded however, and the Old Ruts girls tried to counter-attack. Well, that wasn’t happening! The Dorking girls fell on them, tackling, rucking and competing for the ball and they were rewarded when Zoe went over for the final try of the match.
So the final score 35 – 30 to the Dorking girls in a close and evenly matched game. Their never-say-die attitude and committed teamwork carried them through with every single one of the girls contributing to the win. A great effort from a young side who continue to grow and improve with every match . Great job girls!
