In the beginning of September Venus traveled down to Beccehamian RFC in West Wickham for a pre season 15-a-side triangular tournament, playing matches against the Hampstead and Beccs ladies.
Venus put out a side of XV, after convincing supporter Emma Clark to make the one off switch from football to rugby and join them on the pitch. Running uphill in the first half, the team conceded an early try despite some incredible defence by new players fullback Ruth Hartley, scrumhalf Ellaine Gelman and inside centre Emma Louise Field. The team looked likely to conceded again when the hosts gained possession deep in the Venus's half from the kick-off but stirling defence and good counter-rucking saw Venus come away with the ball and march back up field. The team settled and were making good progress uphill but soon suffered 3 ankle injuries, the first a serious break to new player Andrea Bielska (flanker) and two sprains to Gelman and flanker Beth Redfern. Nevertheless, Venus held firm and prevented any further tries from the opposition.
In the second half, Venus were again firm in defence but unable to get the ball wide in attack to make use of their pacey outside backs, Michelle Ryan, Hartley and winger Delphine Blondeau. A casual attitude to ball security saw Venus pushed off the ball all too readily at breakdowns. The final score resulted in a win for hosts Becc’s, the full time result being 5-0.
After watching the Becc’s v Hampstead match, Venus returned with three borrowed Becc's players to take on Hampstead. An initial period of brilliant pick-and-go running with support players was short lived and our casual attitude to rucking returned. What little ball was won or retained barely made it out as far as centre and the wingers and fullback. Hampstead was able to score outwide and went into the break 5-0 up. Millwall's fitness and lack of substitutes told on them in the second half. Hampstead piled on try after try as the defence wilted. Final result, a win to Hampstead, 30-0.
Despite great courage on defence from some players, Venus’ backs were unable to execute the game plan of getting the ball outwide, from sideline to sideline, to make use of the fast paced backs and tire the opponents. Venus took away a lot from the matches played and are keen to work on areas necessary to be improved.
Our great thanks go to Adrian Suter for going to Farnsworth Hospital and waiting for Andrea and Ellaine to receive treatment before driving them back to the Isle.
An encouraging first game will see the team eager to play its first of eight required games to play in a league next season.
