Girls Top League

Last week the two girls traveled to Kenilworth for the latest tag tournament. Despite the conditions which went from glorious sunshine to torrential rain and back again, both squads had an outstanding afternoon.

The Reds made short work of opposition Yardley B and Shipston in the group stages winning eight tries to one and nine tries to nil respectively. All of the girls played exceptionally well, with youngest member Rhiannon Donnahey having a particularly excellent afternoon.

The Blues also won both games in the group stages beating Old Salts H and Bourneville to make it through to the final stages for the first time. Izzy Lavery and Izzy Wassell were outstanding scoring try after try.

The final stages brought the two Evesham teams together for the first time. The blues gave a valiant performance but the Reds captained by Josie Symonds with support from Sam Bell proved too strong for them. The Reds then went on to beat Yardley A comfortably in their final game to take the tournament on the day and go top of the league. Caitlin Donnahey, Holly Ison, Sara Higley and Cat Baxter combined well to made the day an outstanding success.

The Blues also faced Yardley A in their final game were they ran them extremely close losing by just two tries. New girls Didi And Rebbecca Anderson both scored in the final stages while Sam Chalmers added support from full back.

Worthy Runners Up!

Evesham U17 girls squad travelled to Shipston last Sunday for the crunch final tournament. The red team were level on points in top spot with Warwickshire Comets before the tournament which meant they needed to finish above them on the day. The draw for the group stages put the girls against the Comets in the first game. Nerves unfortunately got the better f the whole squad and they never showed their true potential throughout. Comets took charge and produced a comfortable win which secured the league title and left Evesham with the runners up trophy. They recovered once the pressure was of to put in three excellent winning performances to beat Kenelworth, Old Salts and Bournville very comfortably.

The Blues despite missing several key players continued to improve and narrowly missed out on two victories due to conceding late tries. They are beginning to work as a team and will be a real force at the start of the next season.

Tournament Winners Again!

Evesham under 17's girls hosted the latest  in the seasons series of tournaments last Sunday and the Reds came first for the second consecutive time. With two tournaments to play this result has guarantee them second place overall in the league. They stand just one point behind league leaders Warwickshire Comets, who could only manage third place last weekend, with everything to play for in the two tournaments left to play in May. Everybody in the team put in exceptional performances and had outstanding games. Between them they scored thirty eight tries and conceded just nine across three games. They met Yardley in the final and immediately stamped their authority on the game running in three early tries. They did allow Yardley back into the game early in the second half but then regrouped to end the game with a massive twelve try tally.

Evesham Blues once again had the misfortune to be drawn in the same pool as league leaders Comets and 3rd placed Yardley A. All though losing the first two games they showed real spirit and commitment to inflict their first ever win over Bournville A. Well led by captain Zoe Lavery they won by 8 tries to 4 with Didi Anderson 1, Claire Bass 1, Izzy Wassell 1, Izzy Lavery 1 and Caitlin Donnahey 4 all crossing the try line. Rose Johnson, Megan Selby and Samantha Chalmers once again put in fine performances.

Tournament winners!
After several disappointing final appearances Evesham Girls Reds Rugby squad produced the goods and closed out Comets in the final to take the Bournville tournament. Captained by Abbie Cornish they coasted through the group stages. Sarah Higley and Josie Symonds continued well on the right wing to produce numerous tries. As did their partners on the left, Holly Ison and Cat Baxter with excellent support from Megan Mansfield. The centres in rotation Rhiannon Donnahey, Lauren Selby and Sam Bell controlled the ball, made ground and fed the wingers with a range of impressive passes as well as scoring themselves.
After three superb dominating performances they met Comets in the final. At half time the girls found themselves three tries to one down. They fought back to five four down and with seconds remaining Holly Ison broke clear to score the equalizing try. The first period of extra time saw the girls still level at six a piece. One try each followed in the second period of extra time. When in the last minute Evesham girls turned the ball over deep in their own half. The ball was fed out to Sarah Higley who ran in the winning try form fifty metres to ensure victory.

Evesham Blues were just seconds off a playoff place when Bournville A equalized and qualified on points difference leaving Blues in third place. There were fine performances from Zoe Lavery, Sam Chalmers,Megan Selby and Izzy Lavery, with excellent tries from Zoe Lavery, Izzy Wassell, Clair Bass and Caitlin Donnahey. New players Anna, Dee and Lucy Gurney slotted well into the team which bodes well for the next tournament at home on the 13th April.

Recently formed Evesham Blues girls tag rugby team had their second outing of the season at Bournville. Another improved performance in the group stage saw them lose by one try to Bournville A 6-5, all square with Yardley B 5-5 and a creditable 8-2 loss to league leaders Comets.
Holly was the Blues player of the tournament linking well with Zoe Lavery and Izzie Wassell. Megan Selby and Lucy Gurney combined well on the left and captain Samantha Chalmers was ably supported in defence by Lucy Goddard and Izzy Lavery.
Evesham Blues are in action again at Shipston on Sunday 2/12/07

EVESHAM TAG TOURNAMENT
Girls Move Into second!
 
Due to a fantastic turnout last Sunday Evesham under 17 girls rugby team were able to field two teams in their home tag rugby tournament.

Evesham A won all of their group stage games convincingly to secure a place in the final against Warks Comets. In the final the girls kept pace with league leaders Comets for most of the game. A slight lack of focus at the beginning of the second half and they finished the game 9-6behind.However second place in the tournament meant they climbed above Yardley in the overall league positions to sit just two points behind Comets. Both Abi Cornish and Sarah Higley gave superb performances.
Evesham Blues in their first ever tournament gave a very credible performance led superbly by captain Sam Chalmers and gained a point against Yardley B with Zoe and Izzy Labery combining with Lucy Goddard and Blues player of the tournament Izzy Wassell.

A big thanks to all friends and family who came along to support and help out on the day. sunday 25 Nov Evesham travel to Bournville for their next tournament. New players are always welcome at training on Wednesday nights at 6pm and Sunday mornings at 10.30. For further details contact Alan Brown on 01386 830074.