Tunbridge Wells RFC Ladies 14 Thanet Wanderers RUFC Ladies 29
After a three week break, Thanet Ladies returned to league action at Tunbridge Wells RFC, back where they won the Kent Development Sevens trophy in April.
Wells started the stronger and it was clear that there was a bit of rustiness in the Wanderers handling and discipline with a large number of knock-ons and penalties in the early stages. That early possession saw Wells scamper over for a converted try and a 7-0 lead after 15 minutes.
Georgia Elks and Milly Thurman-Newell were sent on to bolster the pack and soon after the latter crashed over in the corner for a 7-5 half time deficit.
The half time chat was centred around the officiating of the match with many of the players showing frustrations. But with a clear instruction from the coaching team that mouths had be kept closed and passions had to be channelled, the second half was to be a different affair.
Ella Thurman-Newell and Brioni Reah were leading the pack and getting the Tunbridge Wells defence turning. A new centre partnership of Izzy Lodge and Sophia Richardson had taken half a game to gel but was now running the show. Richardson went over for her try shortly followed by Lodge on her senior debut having just turned 17.
Sophie West, also 17, then came for her debut and slotted in perfectly with smooth hands sending full back Thahseen Ali and then Justine Mackintosh over frothier first tries for the club. The game ended with a consolation converted try for Tunbridge Wells and a 29-14 Wanderers victory.
Sunday 27th November sees the Ladies host Dartfordians Ladies at St Peter’s with a 2pm KO. Dartfordians come from NC3, one division higher than Thanet as the team continues to test themselves against higher opposition.