The final friendly for CURUFCW in the lead up to BUCS took place yesterday in the Grange Road sunshine with the women aiming to make a statement against Nottingham university, a side they will come up against in the league later this season.
Analysis and hard work in training after the previous friendly against Durham was immediately evident with a successful kick receipt followed by multiple phase play from the confident looking Blues. It wasn't long before this work was rewarded with points, as Mary Coleman powerfully broke through the defensive line to score the first of what were to be many tries, and Alice Middleton converting (7-0).
This was followed by a number of backs tries, with Sophie Farrant getting on the end of a kick through and captain Lara Gibson scoring twice before half time.
A dominant scrum throughout the match was a great platform for attacking play, and flankers Jenni and Fiona Shuttleworth were a constant in what was to be a performance worthy of a double 'forward of the match' award for the twins. Jenni scored the first try of the second half with a successful conversion to bring the score to 31-0.
Captain Lara Gibson was truly on a roll and scored two further tries, followed by full back Alice Middleton to bring the score to 50-0.
Hooker Emma Pierce had a brilliant game with strong work at the break down, and stormed through the defence twice to score a couple of tries herself. Winger Bluebell Nicholls scored a very tidy intercept try and the game finished up 65-0 to the Blues.
Back of the match was awarded to Beccie Graves for a strong performance at 10 and the CURUFC Women are now ready and raring to go for the BUCS season which gets underway next week.
Alice Middleton