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.
