Brummies beaten by Blues
The Blues bounced back from their defeat by the Old Girls team ten days ago to beat Birmingham impressively 24 - 10.
The Blues started the match poorly, looking tentative in defence and attack, allowing Birmingham to take an early advantage when their wing scored a breakaway try.
However, the second half saw a vast improvement by the home team. The forwards won several turnover scrums, which gave the backs, led by UBS Warburg Back of the Match Kate Landells, the opportunity to show off their skills.
A scrum 15 metres out allowed the Blues to exploit a poorly defended blind side, putting Jen Goldsack over the line for Oxford. Another turnover scrum allowed wing Alice Taylor to run another try in for the Blues.
Sophie Herden added two tries from open play to her impressive scoring record this season, and the two conversions by Keshena Richardson brought the final score to 24-10.
The UBS Warburg Forward of the match was Kate Smith who, along with fellow back row players Rachel Thomas and Karen Jones, was outstanding in both attack and defence.
The match, although a friendly, was incredibly useful for the Blues as they prepare for the second half of their Halifax BUSA Championship challenge. The performance, especially in the second half, shows the team have the character and determination for success this term.
This week sees a tough match away to Loughborough in what is sure to be one of the most difficult fixtures that the team will encounter over the course of the term.
The pre-season tour to the USA has undoubtedly helped the team to return to domestic action fully fit and without showing any signs of rustiness. By taking on tougher games such as against Loughborough, the side should certainly be strong enough both physically and mentally for the rigours of both the Varsity Match and BUSA Championship games which crop up towards the end of term.
The second half performance showed that the benefits are already being felt, a factor that can only breed confidence for the challenges ahead.
31st Jan 2002