ALTHOUGH the wet weather effected several games this weekend, the Roses fixture against Old Brodleians Ladies was able to take place on Sunday 9th January 2022.

Brods won the coin toss and chose to play down the slope., but it was the Roses who kicked off and for the first ten minutes, both teams sized each other up with strong carries from the forwards which was met with solid tackling and defence.

When the opportunity presented itself, both teams put width on the ball and made inroad’s into the opposition half, but the wet and muddy conditions and good tackling from the backs prevented any score.

On 20 minutes the Roses were able to break the stalemate, strong carries by forwards Sally Plum, Georgie Riley and Vicki Parker got the Roses within five metres of the Brods tryline.

Several pick and goes from the base of the ruck drew the Brod defenders in and the Roses put it through the hands to winger Dana Chapman, a crushing tackle prevented a try, but the ball was presented back and captain Liv Schepisi reacted the quickest for a simple touchdown.

Sarah Pate missed the conversion. From the restart Brods put the Roses under pressure and in the muddy conditions struggled to get out of their own 22.

The Brods counter rucked well and having regained possession got themselves on the scoresheet. The conversion was added and Brods took a 7-5 lead.

As half time approached, the Roses forwards Kimbers Chapman, Sophie Murtagh, Danika Cowgill and Lottie Knowles carried strong taking the Roses just short of the Brods tryline.

Pate, playing at scrum half, dictated the play well and flanker Georgie Riley touchdown for the Roses 2nd try. This time Pate added the conversion and the Roses finished the first half 12- 7.

Brods kicked off the 2nd half and soon regained possession and with their forwards made their way up the slope. Good recycling and quick ball to their backs kept them going forward and with good hands and strong running they scored out wide. The conversion was missed and the score was level.

The Roses came straight back at them and using the slope put the ball through hands, centres Jennie Hoggatt and Freya Baggaley found gaps which gave Lisa Bickerton and full back Courtney Pearson space and both showed their pace. From a strong run down the wing Bickerton took the Roses into the Brod 22. Player of the match Pearson was the first to the breakdown and with the Brods defensive line stretched, Pearson was able to break two tackles and score close to the posts. Pate added the conversion and the Roses had regained the lead to 19-12.

The Roses made changes bringing on wingers Emma Potter and Steph Roe and forward Vicky Noble. Unfortunately simple errors and ill discipline by the Roses gifted the ball to Brods, who played with tempo and composure and they scored two good tries to take the lead by 22-19 with five minutes to go. The Roses regrouped, dug deep and got within five metres of the Brods tryline however referee James Bex blow for a penalty to the Roses on the five metre line. Plum picked up at the ruck and forced herself over to score and seal the win for the Roses. Pate missed the conversion, 24-22 (FT).