Havant Ladies hit back with superb success

Havant Ladies bounced back to winning ways with a 22-12 win against Rosslyn Park Ladies at Hooks Lane.
Havant Ladies bounced back well. Picture: Ian HargreavesHavant Ladies bounced back well. Picture: Ian Hargreaves
Havant Ladies bounced back well. Picture: Ian Hargreaves

Home captain Lucy King felt it was the perfect response after losing their previous game against fierce rivals Portsmouth.

She said: '˜Everyone in the team was determined to come back.

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'˜We showed a lot of guts and worked hard to move the ball wide.

'This was an area where we felt improvement was needed.

'˜We had a few players out of position and I am proud of the way we competed.

'˜There is no doubt we are improving every game.

'˜This is our first year at this level and we are learning quickly.

'˜Some of our players are new to rugby but are going out and giving it everything they have got.

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'˜I feel we can press on in this league and shake things up a bit.

'˜There is no reason why we can't be challenging to be at the top.'

In difficult windy conditions the hosts led 17-0 at half-time after having first use of the elements.

The tactics of spreading the ball wide paid off with all three first-half tries scored by the wingers.

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Sam Eley grabbed two with fellow winger Abbie Woolett claiming the other.

Eloy opened the scoring on six minutes fending off a couple of defenders to get over the line.

A combination of power and good footwork saw Wollett claim the second before Eley grabbed her second on the stroke of half-time.

Kirsty Hopkins kicked the difficult conversion.

In the second half scrum-half Maddie Buckland extended Havant's lead before the visitors hit back with two tries of their own.

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Portsmouth Valkyries were disappointed after Windsor Ladies pulled out of their game at Rugby Camp because they were unable to raise a team.

Valkyries, who are top of the Womens NC South East West Division One, were hoping to build on their excellent derby win against Havant Ladies.

They have been enjoying a really good season and it was a shame not to have the chance to continue their impressive form.