Report: USW continue flawless start to season with a 23-5 win against UWE

Report by Robert Tait

USW Women’s 1st 23 – 5 UWE Women’s 1st

Date: Wednesday 15^th November (14:30)

Venue: USW Sport Park

The wins keep coming for USW as they retained the top spot in the Western 2A League following their third win in as many games. Mark Hutton’s side beat a University of the West of England team also on great form and just a place below them in the table.

USW started strongly from the referee’s whistle and on the third minute skipper Freya Jones scored a superb try. This was followed by a relatively simple conversion which was clinically placed between the posts.

UWE did not seem to wake up from the whistle and were instantly deflated with their poor defensive display which caused the score-line to show against them. The team in full black attire did not break into opposition territory until the 10^th minute.

As soon as the ball did break the halfway line for UWE, the team woke from their doldrums and pressed with all their might. A break from the front row looked to be a certain try, was it not for resolute defending from USW full-back Toni Lloyd.

The defending masterclass did not stop there. “No half-measures” must be the mantra for Mark Hutton’s women and this was undeniably so mid-way through the first half. “Crunching tackles” may be a cliché in sport, but no other words can sum up the defensive display from USW.

The tables turned as the half progressed and the constant barrage of attack from UWE was finally broken when a wayward pass landed for USW, who could only thank their counterparts with smooth passing play in the centre of the field. The resulting try provided by Heather Rees on the 35^th minute was not converted, as Freya Jones skimmed the ball wide of the post.

UWE needed to rally together and get some points on the board after the break but soon after the half began, tight-head prop Megan Harrison, thundered over the line and touched the ball down with intent to give USW an 18-point advantage.

Both sides had equal possession from here with UWE raising their game. No side had it easy until the ball made it to the UWE winger, who beat USW to the try line. As the ball crossed over there was jubilation from the away supporters, mixed with an onslaught of rain at USW Sport Park.

Five points was all that UWE acquired as the conversion just fell short of the posts. With full-time swiftly approaching, USW captain, Freya Jones, showed her authoritative persona with a ruthless jink through the middle of the park and grounded home the try. With seconds until the final whistle, the forthcoming kick to convert was sliced wide left to put the final score at 23-5.

USW coach Mark Hutton praised his player’s resolve and structure which he said attested to the hard work put in at training.