The 1st League match 2010/2011

Southampton ladies kicked off the new season away to Newbury ladies on Sunday 10th October.
The ladies, in their new kit and a surplus squad were ready for a tough match against the strong, well developed opposition.

The ladies started strong and were showing real skill with the ball; retaining a lot of possession and making few errors for the first 15 minutes. Newbury had a tough pack and a strong, fast backline but Saints were brilliant in defence, showing their supporters how far the team has developed in this area, thanks to coach Gordon Bartlett.

The first half was a series of knock on and scrums due to Newbury's errors, however with an early injury from scrum half, Vicky Quick, Saints found themselves on the back foot for the majority and the first half finished with them 17-0 down.

Saints did not let their heads drop, despite the second half proving tougher than the first and more players coming off with injuries due to the brutal hits and (some might say) unsportsman-like tactics from the Newbury ladies.

It was unfortunate that the ball remained constantly in the forwards, not allowing some of Southampton's speedier backs to show Newbury our speed and attacking force as well as our solid defence.

As the second half continued, the tiredness was evident and Newbury capitalised putting more tries past Southampton.

At 48-0 to Newbury, the match was brought to an early close after poor Tori Steers took a nasty knock to her ankle and an ambulance was called to the pitch.
The team and supporters all wish Tori and the other injured parties a speedy recovery and hope this will not hinder play against Bracknell at home next week.

Overall, a brave effort against a tough side, with no doubt that when Southampton meet them again, on their own turf, the result will surely show a different scoreline.