Scorching Oxford blast through
Oxford University Women's Rugby team go into the new season on the back of a successful pre-season tour to Madrid.
The tour is traditionally an opportunity for both past and new members of the club to get to know each other and get back into the game following a long absence from the demands of the regular season.
The girls followed a week-long intense training programme, implemented by OUWRFC's new coaches Mark Howard and Simon North, which culminated in a match against University side Cisernos on a scorching Saturday afternoon.
With many Blues returning and the continued improvements of many Panther players (OUWRFC's second term), training went well despite the heat and the painful scourge of sunburn. The handling and skills sessions set the team up well for the match against Cisernos, which resulted in a deserved 24-20 win for Oxford.
Outside centre Bethan Walsh utilised her strong running to score two tries, not only out-running but also overpowering the opposition.
Captain Rebecca Young also used her speed to beat their entire back line to score a superb try, dummying twice and breaking the line in a well-rehearsed move.
The Blues' fourth try came from a good run on the wing by Phebe Cassidy, who was brought down by a high tackle inches before the line and was rightly awarded a penalty try. Cassidy's massive improvement and commitment during the week resulted in her being voted player of the tour. To put the icing on the cake, OUWRFC's new kicking gem Bethan Walsh converted twice to ensure victory.
If the progress in Madrid is anything to go by, then the 2004-5 season is one to look forward to. This year, OUWRFC aim to emulate their varsity success of last year and further build on their reputation as one of the most successful women's clubs in BUSA.
14th Oct 2004