Looking at the score (51-0), you might think differently, but it was a great game.
Surprisingly enough, because both the dense fog and time and place (Breda at 11) weren't optimal conditions, everybody found their way to the pitch, in time.
We were only 12, and since Breda/Ma.R.Grieten had unlimited supplies of players it was agreed that they would supplement us. Leaving 9 players off that had also driven for 1,5 hours (from Maastricht) would be a bit harsh. So, we had a hooker and some wingers from their side.
Everybody was eager to play, ready to go and make the kill, but only a few minutes after the first whistle, we were one try down. Okay, not a problem, we've been 4 tries down against this team before, and then turned the game around to win it, but that was not going to be the case today. Our normally solid scrum was a bit wobbly today, and even though tackles were being made, we had more difficulty in the rucks then usual, especially when we had the ball. Perhaps it was because of the mist that we could not see where we were needed, but support was just a bit slow to arrive today. Something to practice on.
Defence however, was strong, and the tries they scored were mainly from breaks from their fast runners somewhere midfield. If it wasn't for our backs, Esther, Adriana, Miffy, and pit-bull flanker Ziggy, they would have even scored quite a few more.
We did have some very nice phases, when the ball was passed into the line, beautifully orchestrated by Kim as per usual the past few games, but unfortunately, having to do without most of our regular line and wingers, we could not convert this into tries today.
The one closest to scoring a try was Renske, with one of her heroic crashes starting at the 22-line. I would not like to be one of those girls trying to stop her on her rampaging runs towards the try-line... It took great effort and I think about 12 of the opponents body parts to stop her, just half a yard short of scoring, and the ball was unluckily lost.
Normally I would say writing a report on a lost game isn't the most rewarding job in the world, and surely, it is more fun summing up try after try scored by our fine ladies, but I must say that the general feeling about the game is actually really positive. It's another good game to learn and get more experience, and I've truly enjoyed playing today. Everybody gave their best, and kept going till the end, but playing with only 12 against their full 15 (with 3 of them playing on our side), it's just a bit hard.
Nevertheless, everybody that played should be proud of themselves! Great effort, great spirit and good sportsmanship!
Looking forward to the next game, hopefully with a full team.
There was no official woman of the match, but I have to mention Adriana here. Only just started playing, but tackling like a pro!
Michelle
