Hitchin Ladies came out ready for a big game. After some hard hitting training after a few consecutive losses, skipper Megan Nash was adamant the losing streak would end. And she was right. This match was hard fought, with some big hits put in from both Peterborough and Hitchin alike. Suzie Gajda-Hilton put in some big runs as she ran through several players, making headway for Hitchin. The ball was turned over a few times by Peterborough, and Peterborough began attacking phase by phase. Hitchin defence was strong, and communication was great from all on the pitch. Lauren Bellinger had a great run down the far wing, before a recurrent injury brought her off. Amy Haughton was back on the pitch after a few months off playing, so this is great news for Hitchin Ladies. Hitchin scored, but this was followed within ten minutes by a Peterborough try - converted. This play was closely followed by a great run from Charley Hamilton, also back from rest. Hannah Smith substituted on and made some big hits. Peterborough followed on closely though with another breakthrough, but this was again matched by another try from Suzie Gajda-Hilton. A head injury brought off a Peterborough player and Nicola Cameron, Hitchin’s flyhalf. Half time ended at a very close 15-13.
Hitchin began the second half with attacking energy. Cramphorn and Smith were clearing rucks and Jade Cooper ran some lovely crash balls. With Hitchin making ground phase by phase, Skeels scored a fantastic breakaway try only to floored by an incredibly late shoulder charge. A yellow card was awarded to Peterborough. This was the turn of events that allowed Hitchin to use the overlap and put some more points on the board. Becca Little was running wonderful support lines, as was Heather Parks. Gajda-Hilton scored again. Alex Tasko and Kennedy were working hard to protect in the rucks and Hitchin held their own in the scrums against well versed Peterborough. Nicola Cameron was back on the pitch and converted a try for Hitchin. Beth Saunders had some great runs with yet another two tries for Hitchin down the wing. The last ten minutes however, was spent in the Hitchin 22, with the ladies defending as hard as possible. Peterborough were five metres from their line, and Hitchin defended hard. The final whistle blew as Hitchin tackled Peterborough into touch. The score is testament to the Hitchin Ladies’ true team spirit.
Team Heather Parks, Megan Nash, Hanah Heath, Lucy Kennedy, Rebecca Little, Emma Cramphorn, Hannah Smith, Suzie Gajda-Hilton, Helen Foy, Nicky Cameron, Bethany Saunders, Hannah Skeels, Rachael Groves, Lauren Bellinger, Charley Hamilton
Subs Jade Cooper, Alexandra Tasko, Amy Haughton, Casey Burgess, Sharna Matthews, Dale Baines, Claire Crompton, Lucy Perry
Scores T: Bethany Saunders (3), Hannah Skeels (2), Suzie Gajda-Hilton (1), Charley Hamilton (1)
C: Nicky Cameron (1)
Player(s) of Match 1. Rebecca Little, 2. Hannah Skeels