A team of reduced numbers made the trip to Priestfields to play their third league game of the season against Medway, who were also unbeaten. With reduced numbers, the teams agreed to loan Medway players to make up the numbers and get as many girls on the pitch as possible.

From the kick off, Beckenham were under pressure, with a few fumbles and easy turnovers as the girls found their feet, but nevertheless with plenty of strong tackling showing the girls were there to compete. The first try was conceded relatively quickly, but following that Beckenham put up a committed blitz defence, often forcing the Medway team backwards. Despite spending the majority of the first half in defence, the girls only conceded three tries in the first half, and were very unlucky not to score themselves in the dying moments of half time after some sustained pressure in the Medway 22.

In the half time break, the girls were optimistic and knew it was important to score first in the second half, with a win still possible. However despite some good possession, Beckenham were unable to break free from a very well-organised Medway team. Mia at centre made some typically strong runs with the ball, sucking in 3-4 defenders, but the well-drilled Medway defence meant it was hard to string together several phases of play. It is to the Beckenham girls' credit that they remained focused right to the end and made Medway work very hard for every one of their tries. Final score was 43-0 to Medway.

Special mention to Ellis on debut on the wing, who made some great tackles and got stuck in well. Sasha showed real energy on the pitch, chasing continuously. In the girls' first defeat of the season, captain Abby showed real leadership, keeping the team motivated throughout, and Morgan was singled out by the opposition as the best player in the match, with strong work-rate and good communication. Next week we make the trip down the road to Aylesford.

Beckenham Rugby Football Club

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