By Claire Turner
Gravesend Ladies vs Thanet Wanderers Ladies
Women’s NC 2 South East (East)
Thanet Wanderers Ladies travelled to Gravesend for their latest league fixture, facing windy weather conditions on an uneven pitch that made for an interesting challenge. However, the visitors adapted quickly, displaying outstanding teamwork and attacking flair to secure a commanding victory.
From the outset, Thanet asserted control. Receiving the kick-off, the forwards worked the ball through quick hands to Chloe Siddall, who found a gap in the defence. Good link-up play between Georgia Elks and Hollie Callaghan saw the team gain ground, before a patient build-up of 30 phases culminated in Lia Armstrong crossing the line for the opening try. Despite the missed conversion, Thanet set the tone for the match.
Thanet’s dominance continued, with Georgia Elks making a strong run before Alexandra White finished off a well-worked move in the corner. Again, the conversion was missed, but the momentum was fully with Thanet. The team showcased excellent handling and intelligent play, with Neave Evans weaving through tackles to score the third try, followed by another from Rachael Austerberry after relentless attacking phases. Alexandra White slotted the conversion, giving Thanet a strong lead.
The visitors were relentless, adding further tries from Lia Armstrong and Neave Evans before halftime. Great support play and quick recycling of possession saw Tabs Raymonde add another, rounding off a dominant first half with Thanet leading 46-0.
Second Half: Thanet continue the onslaught
With the slope advantage slightly shifting in the second half, Thanet showed no signs of slowing down. Alexandra White opened the half with a well-taken try under the posts, converting her own effort. Rachael Austerberry continued her try-scoring form, crossing twice more, with White maintaining her kicking accuracy.
Thanet’s captain, Gee Cordell, delivered a spectacular solo effort, running from halfway, shrugging off tackles to score under the posts, with White adding the extras. The floodgates were well and truly open as Neave Evans completed her hat-trick with a barnstorming run, and Cordell followed suit with another impressive solo score. White remained clinical with the boot, converting both.
Izzy Lodge then added her name to the scoreboard, showcasing brilliant footwork to score near the posts. Holly Thurman-Newell rounded off the performance with a final try, converted by White, before the match was called early at 70 minutes, with Thanet sealing a 102-0 victory.
Player Awards:
Forward of the Match: Neave Evans – A powerhouse performance, scoring a hat-trick and breaking tackles all game.
Back of the Match: Kat Stuart – Controlled the game brilliantly, keeping Thanet organised and executing the game plan to perfection.
A phenomenal display from Thanet Wanderers Ladies, sticking to their game plan and playing a blinder. Their clinical finishing, teamwork, and relentless attacking play ensured a remarkable away victory.
Next up, Thanet will look to carry this momentum into their next fixture as they continue their strong league campaign.
Final Score: Gravesend Ladies 0 – 102 Thanet Wanderers Ladies
Starting XV – Emily Williams, Hollie Callaghan, Holly Thurman-Newell, Vicky Flower, Rebecca Hewitt, Neave Evans, Gee Cordell (Captain), Georgia Elks, Kat Stuart, Alexandra White, Lia Armstrong, Izzy Lodge, Rachael Austerberry, Amy Fowler, Chloe Siddall. Finishers – Tabs Raymonde, Carley Powderham, Brioni Reah
With that score I am surprised the match was not declared a “No Contest” and should have been abandoned after about 15 minutes!