Renegades Ladies v Mariners

An impressive recruitment drive during the off-season meant some players had to sit this game out. Having had barely seven players to start some games last year, to have seven subs this week was something many of our girls had never experienced.

The game kicked off at Rangers in less than ideal weather conditions. The torrential rain and strong winds weren't exactly welcome but did little to discourage the Renegades from putting in another great shift for the second week in a row.

The game plan from Coach Sam was to keep it tight and stick it up the jumper. Thankfully this was immediately ignored by the ladies who proceeded to pass the ball from wing to wing, with loops and switches mixed in for good measure! A great opening seven minutes of pressure resulted in the ladies new co-Captain Keelin touching down in the corner for the opening try.
After another 5 minutes of solid defense and dealing with an impressive boot from the Mariners, it was our other co-Captains turn to cross the goal line. Laura Pepper (not to be confused with one of the other 10 Laura's) got the ball on the half way line and showed a clean pair of heels to touch down over the line. With the kick being closer to the posts, star kicker Mulli slotted the kick to make it 12-0 after 12 mins.

The introduction of Emma, Lianna, Laura Davies and rookie Sam was the Renegades version of the South African Bomb squad! Bossing the defense and rapid pick and go's in attack had the Mariners on the back foot for the rest of the half.

The second half was more of the same, albeit with slightly less rain! Some great defensive performances, notably from Steph, Laura P, Sam, Jess and Ash forced the opposition in to going backwards and making errors. A Mariners knock on saw departing Captain Jax snake through the opposition and run the length of the pitch to touch down for what was to result in a disallowed try. Rumour has it she is still flicking through the unwritten rule book to find a way to allow the try!

Lisa, JP and Olivia all put in great shifts, even more impressive considering the squealing and shouting coming from our seven rotating experts on the subs bench!

A great kick return by Renegades and some nifty handling, presented another opportunity for our flying winger Lianna to turn on the gas. Having shown proper speed all day she finally stepped her defender on the wing and was away like a rocket to touch down to make the game 17-0.

Player of the match: Rookie Sam

1. Steph Lee
2. Keelin
3. Laura Pepper
4. Jess
5. Laura mulligan
6. Jax
7. Ash

8. Emma #Sub
9. Lianna #Sub
10. Laura Davies #Sub
11. Lisa #Sub
12. Olivia #Sub
13. Samantha #Sub
14. JP #Sub

Tries
Keelin
Laura P
Lianna
Conversion
Mulli x1