Match Report
Dubai Exiles - 9th October 2009
The Sevens Ground
All the Doha ladies... Put your hands up!
With a change of the coaching staff and an influx of new players there is something of a positive vibe currently buzzing around the Doha ladies camp. The squad has been working hard on their fitness and skill in preparation for the first tournament of the 2009-2010 AGRFU Womens Championship but nothing can prepare you well enough for the blistering heat of a 1.30pm kick-off.
Despite a delayed take-off from Doha due to the bus driver taking the ladies on a scenic tour of the airport and its surrounding buildings the two teams landed in good time for the journey to The Sevens. Even the head to head confrontation of meeting the Kuwait team at immigration did not dampen the spirits of the Oryx and Trojans. A short bus ride from the airport allowed the ladies to focus and get down to some serious business; cookies, gossip and hair plaiting!
The Trojans were fielding a new look side that featured some experienced players as well as returning ones and a handful of rookies. Selection had been difficult but to be able to travel with a full strength developmental side is something the girls should be proud of. They were drawn in Pool A against the Kuwait Nomads, Dubai Hurricanes and the Abu Dhabi Harlequins. Not an easy pool but one that would definitely allow for them to gain experience, try new things and most of all have fun.
The Oryx were fielding a strong squad with Malvina Lagier and Lacey Elmore joining the eight starters from last season. They had to face Dubai Exiles, Sharjah and the rebranded Falcons team 'Dubai Toa' (still sporting the familiar pink kit, only this season it is graced with flowers).
The Trojans first game against the Nomads was a tough physical contest, with new recruit Nadia Genovese taking a big knock in the first minute from kick-off. Despite the initial shock of the impact against what must have felt like a semi hitting her at full speed, she bounced back up with spirit and an improved confidence knowing that next time to tackle lower. Kuwait ran in a few quick tries although the defensive line withstood the attacks well. Fellow rookies Maggie MacLeod and Theresa Timmons put in some big tackles to let the Kuwait team know that it was not going to be all plain sailing in this game. Georgie Gray led from fly half, with Sally Burnett, Tracy Spragg and Rachel Hart making an experienced and cohesive front row. Some good line passing and ball retention allowed the Trojans to pressure the Nomads in the second half limiting the number of scores. The final result was 34-0 but it was a valuable experience for the Trojans that they could take forward to their next game.
The 69-0 scoreline against Abu Dhabi does not reflect the tenacity and perseverance of the Trojans and they certainly built upon their first game showing some great attacking flair in a variety of ways. New scrum half Anna Watkins played well against her opposite number and the scrum managed to win two against the head (which against the current Gulf champions is a massive achievement) and forced errors in the opposition attacks as they maintained a text book defensive line. Speed and quick hands allowed Abu Dhabi to break through and despite the laughing and jeering from the supporters and replacements the Trojans held their heads high and played to the final whistle with passion and desire.
The final pool game against the Hurricanes was a tough encounter although a charging run through the defense allowed Rachel Hart to reenact her famous try from last season. The ladies once again built up from the previous game retaining possession and spoiling the oppositions attack. Some big hits from Theresa Timmons and quick thinking from another newbie Tracy Gallagher allowed for the Trojans to camp themselves in the Hurricanes half for long periods of the match. The final score of 41-5 brought an end to the pool and it was a well earned break for the squad in the shade before they played the Dubai Exiles in the play-offs.
The Oryx squad were looking to build upon last season and have the main objective to finish in the top two. Some strong running and great team dynamics will enable the ladies to achieve this although the competition looks to be very strong this year amongst all the teams. Kari Beauchamp was leading from the fly-half position, ably supported by Karen Lynn playing a combination of scrum half and hooker.
The first game against the Exiles allowed for the cobwebs of the pre-season work and 6am airport meet to be blown away and an early Exiles try put the tournament into context, quickly reaffirming the main objective of the squad. Quick hands in the backs with great support play between débutante Lacey Elmore and the experienced war horse Darbi Roberts allowed the Oryx to torment the Exiles in defense and allowing Kathy Kilgallon to run in a hat trick of tries. A great start by the girls, although the afternoon had only just begun and there was a long way to go yet. Final score 24-10
The high spirits amongst the ladies for the second game against a new look Sharjah side were quickly dampened when Kathy Kilgallon received an injury during a turnover that would have led to a breakaway score for the Oryx. Play was halted whilst the paramedic decided whether or not he should drive the 1 metre to the side of the pitch, leave the comfort of his air-conditioned environment, or should dial 911 and get another ambulance. Choosing the second option allowed for Kathy to be treated for a muscular injury and get a free ride in the ambulance. Sharjah showed strength in their attack and with the break in play having perhaps slowed the Oryx plans down there were two scores by the opposition, resulting in a 12-0 defeat to the red and black Wanderers.
The final pool game against Dubai Toa was always going to be a hard fought contest, but the ladies showed the team spirit that has been evident all through the closed season and pre-season training. An early score by the Oryx was quickly cancelled out by Toa, although a succession of high tackles allowed the Oryx to peg them back in their half. Kari Beauchamp made some storming runs along with Amanda Pyle up the middle of the pitch. Vicky Horsburgh laid the law down a couple of times showing that a fancy pink shirt is going to do you no favours when you are up against the might of the Oryx. A knock to the head for Sara Hugen caused alarm for the team but rest and ice was all that was required for the strong winger. The final spoils went to the captain Kari Beauchamp as she scored under the posts, making an easier conversion for Vicky Horsburgh. Final score 12-7 to the Oryx.
The play-off games pitted the Trojans against the Exiles for 7th and 8th and due to points difference the Oryx had to face the Nomads for 5th and 6th. Both games were as equally physical as any of the previous games in the afternoon and was where teams could show their true grit and determination to overcome the opposition. The Trojans played hard with Magali Cazals putting in some excellent running and tackling (despite being travel weary from her trans-Atlantic dash back to Doha). Tracy Spragg and Tracy Gallagher were also excellent in their awareness around the pitch. The 30-0 scoreline showed once again that this developmental squad has great potential and is able to learn quickly and gel as a team. Every player came off of the pitch knowing that they had worked their hardest and had enjoyed every minute of their playing time.
The Oryx lined up against the Nomads with a point to prove. We may be in the 5th and 6th play-off but we are certainly contenders for a top spot this season. The ball to hand running and support play was a fantastic sight and every player worked 100% for each other on that pitch. Karen Lynn was running her line well as well as putting in some fantastic tackles, one after another. Amanda Pyle and Vicky Horsburgh linked up on a couple of storming runs and Emma Traynor scored a couple of darting tries on the far side. Lacey and Darbi link up again to score and Malvina ran straight through the middle of the defense to set up another. Final score 40-0.
Every single player played with passion and a commitment that could not be faulted. The squads have 2 weeks until the championship descends onto Doha shores and the fortress opens its doors to the brave who dare to enter. With clear eyes and full hearts they cannot lose, until then my friends and loyal supporters....
Trojan Awards
MoM: Tracy Spragg (for getting back on the pitch where she broke her ankle and playing every single game)
CoM: Maggie Macleod (for digging the ball Volleyball style from the kick-off)
Oryx Awards
MoM: Amanda Pyle (strong running and great play making)
CoM: Kathy Kilgallon (for making the paramedic do his job on a hot afternoon)
Many thanks to Paul Rimmer, Phil Watkins and Grainne Burness, our coaches, and to Phil for writing this match report.
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