29/11/2023
Match report Gloucester Hurricanes V Chippenham
Sunday 26th Nov 2023
Captain – Cerys
Following an epic afternoon the day before cheering on Gloucester men’s and Gloucester Hartpury ladies, the hurricanes took on Chippenham. It was a cold and damp afternoon, but luckily Bruce had warmed up enough from Friday nights county training to ensure the team were prepared and ready to go.
Cerys got the team ready with a mighty speech, Chippenham took an early lead, and then the hurricanes got into the game with some great kicking from Allegra. The kicking in the whole game from Allegra was amazing to watch often putting the ball right in the Corners, very impressing Allegra.
Hurricanes line out functioned so well and was a real threat all game with Cerys having a great game and hitting her jumpers Kimi and Amelia each and every time. Big shout out to Kimi who owned the line and very strong lifting from Soph and Aravela.
Chippenham with their very experienced side did come back on the attack and if it wasn’t for a try saving insanely good tackle from penny at full back Chippenham would have been in to score.
Sadly we did see an injury to our very talented flanker Ellie during a scrum, and we all wish her a speedy recovery.
Our first half wingers Meg P and Rosie played so well, taking the game to Chippenham with strong runs and tackles, Rosie took on (and survived) a huge double tackle on her from Chippenham, presenting the ball fast and effectively, ( must admit I do feel guilty when the hit came as it was I who said pass out to Rosie).
Soon after that at a break down in the 10 meter line, Amelia used her vision and reading of the game to take the ball from the ruck look up and spot no Chippenham defenders home down the blind side to dart down the touch line to score an amazing try they added great energy to the side.
The backs handling and defence was also spot on today with Meg R putting in a tremendous half half performance.
Second half came and with another Cerys speech the team were ready to go.
Hurricanes had Chippenham players worried as the momentum seemed to be swinging hurricanes way and considering Chippenham are top of the league they just shows how far we have come as a team.
Huge games from Aravela and Soph with their trade mark strong powerful running, led to hurricanes being camped on the Chippenham line. Sadly ball was turned over but with great ball retention play scarlet and Ruby ran back at chippenham, both being a handful for the Chippenham defence. Scarlet and Ruby playing so well.
Shania coming in on the second half, running throw players with her strong running lines , beating players left, right and centre. Hurricanes piecing together phase after phase with quick ball from scrum half Izzy.
With the forwards playing out of the skins with massive performances from Jorja putting him her trade mark big tackles and 100% commitment.
The second half continued to see solid play from Ella, owning it at outside centre, causing all sorts of issues for Chippenham.
All that effort saw Allegra cross the line for our second try, Allegra showing her true class again.
Despite this huge effort and massive improvements Chippenham to their credit did run in a couple more try’s, but that wasn’t made easy by the likes of Megan M very sharpe in defence and attack.
The game ended 42 – 10 which in my professional opinion (lol), didn’t give a true reflection of the game.
At the end of the game there so plenty to shout about for Hurricanes, all supporters said how well everyone played.
Ladies the team work shown on Sunday and the improvements made are crazy, Chippenham are a quality top of the table side but we outplayed them for parts of the game and should be so so proud, you all did so well. .
Personally I want to thank all you players, you made it a great afternoon of rugby.
Allegra was player of the match with an outstanding performance.
Also special mention to Shane, stepping in at short notice to ref the game, shane had a solid game of refereeing.
Bring in our next match.
Kind regards
Salmon
PS, Kimi why didn’t you ask me what the time was just as kick off took place hahaha
