Millwall Venus vs Kilburn

Playing at Millwall Park in the first home game of the season, each team managed ten (eventually becoming eleven) players for the Millwall Venus vs Kilburn Cosmos Ladies game. It was an open, flowing game. With strong direction from their flyhalf, Kilburn struck three times in the first half but Millwall kept at it and were unlucky not to get a breakaway try through Jen Faithfull. The first successful play came just before half time through an insightful quick tap by halfback Nandana Thomas (in just her second appearance in this position), who was able to dive over in the corner after Millwall was awarded a penalty near the 22m line.

The second half found more aggressive defence and a greater share of possession by Millwall. A brilliant try was scored from halfway by Millwall's Jen Faithfull, breaking through the midfield and having her thermal sleeve nearly torn off as she eluded the would-be tacklers. Unfortunately one try was also conceded in the second half, leaving the final score 10-22.

Special mentions went to winger Abi Denison's first appearance, Michelle Gavagan's great all around game as lock and number eight rolled into one and a triumphant return from injury by Andrea Bielska. Most importantly, these three (or their nominated replacements) absolutely smoked the MVPs from Kilburn in the clubrooms drinkoff following the match.

Millwall Venus v Old Dunstonians - Girls on top!

Venus Ladies 37-12 Old Dunstonians. With numbers fewer than expected the teams played 10's, with Michelle Gavagan nobly volunteering to be the 10th (wo)man for the opposition.

The game plan was to keep it simple, and stick to the solid drills and techniques that had been practised in training. Ruth Hartley kick started the proceedings with a try run in from the half way line, and Caroline Dieleman rounded this off with a conversion.

After a punchy start to the game the backs tore up the space, with further tries from Caroline and Michelle Ryan, who carved a sharp line through the opposition before sprinting away with the ball.

After some good defensive practice and the points gap being reduced, the backs once again made the most of opportunities presented to them by the forwards in what was a cream crackering second half with further tries from Ruth and Louise Norris.

Huge thanks go to Scott who stepped in when needed and provided the girls with a formula they can work with and improve on in future games.

The game also made the newpapers, Click here and go to page 39!