by Jordan A Jones
A LENGTHY delay due to an injury hampered USW Women’s 1st’s performance, said captain Freya Jones.
Having taken a ten point lead in the opening ten minutes through Jordan Hopkins and Keely Ward, USW’s flowing rugby was called to a halt following an injury to Oxford Brookes University’s Georgia Newstead.
USW recorded a convincing victory over their opponents Gloucestershire last week, but visitors Oxford kept it at a low scoring 10 – 7 affair at Sardis Road.
Captain Jones said: “It wasn’t helpful with a long delay. We probably didn’t get started in the first half.
“The girls managed to keep momentum and keep them out outside from scoring until the last few minutes. It was positive from us today but I’d say frantic too.
“It was a long delay, it was hard to keep the players’ focus and thinking how long you’re gonna be around for.
“They did alright, our defence was far better from last week. Our attack could have been a bit stronger.”
USW will now turn their attention back to the league as they try to secure their Western 1A Division status when they welcome the University of Southampton to the USW Sport Park in their final home fixture in the league.
They have yet to play Southampton this season, who are just a point above them. A victory next week would give the Welsh side breathing space. USW hold a five-point gap over Gloucestershire, who they beat last week.
“It’s not the performance we had last week or the week previous,” said the Cheltenham Tigers flanker.
“We’ve got the win so we can take it into training on Monday and hopefully have a more positive game on Wednesday.
“A victory is always a massive confidence boost regardless if it’s the league or the cup. It’s a game at the end of the day. We’ll keep trodding on. We don’t want to get complacent so it’s important the girls keep their feet on the ground.
“To continue to this season it was a struggle. This new year we have been the underdogs and we want to show we want to stay in the league. It’s massive, it’s a huge confidence boost for the girls.
After progressing to the quarter-finals of the BUCS Trophy for the first time, the University of South Wales will host Western 1A promotion hopefuls Cardiff University in the next fortnight.
(Featured Image: Andy Pearsall)
