Thanet Wanderers RUFC Ladies resounding victory over Millwall

Wanderers v Millwall Photo Brioni Reah

By Ian Lodge

Millwall Ladies RFC 0 Thanet Wanderers RUFC Ladies 20

Thanet Wanderers RUFC Ladies XV recorded their second victory this season against a side 2 divisions above them with a well earned victory over Millwall Ladies.

The long trip up to London was borne out of the frustration created by a series of cancellations from Kent-based side meaning it was time for a road trip, baby!

Millwall are a well established club but have had a frustrating start to their season with few wins and so a match-up against a side two divisions lower seemed like a good match on paper.

Photo Brioni Reah

The game, played in the shadow of Canary Wharf was played in three 20 minute periods and early in that first period saw Sophia Richardson, playing out of position as an openside flanker as opposed to her preferred 13 shirt, crash over. The try was made possible after bullish work from the Thurman-Newell powerhouse trio of Holly, Ella and Milly. 5-0 to Wanderers.

Photo Brioni Reah

The second period saw more of the same with phase play being led by livewire scrum half and captain, Gee Cordell. Prop forward and TWRUFC bar staff team member, Neave Evans scored her first try for the Ladies XV after a barnstorming carry by centre Fleur Moat. In only her third runout, Neave Evans was forward of the match with her dominant carries, scrummaging and a well deserved try.

The forwards were dominating the loose and the set piece and giving good quality possession to a lively set of backs. After Georgia Elks evaded a number of tackles and got her hands free, Megan Bish was on hand for the offload to score and make the score 15-0 to the visitors.

Photo Brioni Reah

Millwall’s tactic was to kick for territory throughout the game but the Thanet back three were up to it with full back and back of the match, Thahseen Ali catching everything that came her way, neutralising Millwall’s kicking strategy.

The final period saw Millwall move the ball away from the Thanet pack and into wider channels only to come up against a strong midfield in the form of fly half Leonie Bish, Megan Bish and Fleur Moat.

In the last play of the game with a tiring defence, Milly Thurman-Newell made a 50 yard break only to be hauled down agonisingly a metre short. But Sophia Richardson was on hand as ever, took the offload and crashed over for her second try.

Photo Brioni Reah

This weekend, Sunday 22nd January, Thanet Ladies take on Folkestone, the only other unbeaten team in the Inner Warrior league. KO is at 2pm so come along, take a look and see how far this set of ladies have come since their first game less than 10 months ago.