Sun 11 Sep 2022, 15:00
Sunday the 11th of September saw the first game of the season for the Valkyrie's playing what has become their sister club, Exeter Saracens Women. Both teams’ development journey was clear to see, and it showed. The match was hugely entertaining and rewarding to see how far they have come since their first games against each other last season.
The Valkyries kicked off after a minute’s silence for the Queen to show respect to HRH. Immediately Sidmouth set out attacking the resolute Sarries defence, wave after wave of Sidmouth players attacked the Sarries line, being thwarted every time. After 10 minutes of pressure Sarries were relieved to clear their lines, with Sidmouth disappointed to come away without any points.
Moments later, Kellie Welch showed her devastating speed of foot to round the defence, scoring an unconverted try. Kellie had an outstanding game, causing the defensive line havoc all afternoon. The rest of the first quarter was a cagey affair with both teams playing some outstanding rugby, Sidmouth’s front row of Emma Patch, Gina Mardon and Karen Rugg all made several fierce runs, driving forward any chance they got, with the back row of Sarries putting in some impressive hits to keep them at bay. Sarries, eventually levelled the score, with the half time score all level at 10-10.
The second half got going and proved to be even more exciting than the first. This time Sarries were off the line quickest and after a lot of pressure they came away from the Sidmouth line with another super try. Not to shy away from the pressure, Sidmouth were well up for it, putting in a great team effort from the Valkyries. The back row of Esme Bagwell, Amy Nairne-Clark and Harriet Oliver carried hard, resulting in Harriet bulldozing over the try-line to score a thunderous try, leaving bodies on the floor in her wake. Sidmouth’s back row and second rowers in Gemma Rose and Chloe Beecham were everywhere all game, they all got through an enormous amount of work, covering every blade of grass, making strong carries, and putting in huge hits throughout the game.
Sidmouth were fortunate to have some of their experienced u18’s players help out, with Fiona Wilson and Annabelle Bird making impressive 1st team debuts. Fiona did an exceptional job of keeping the very strong Sarries No13 quiet, whilst making some strong runs herself. As the game went on, Annabelle found herself breaking through the defense, sprinting to the line to score Sidmouth’s third try. This was when Sidmouth really took charge of the fixture through their speed of ball from Leila Stone. Emily Shayler played such an assured game at fullback, her performance earning her the award of “back of the day”. The Perry sisters, continue to shine in Sidmouth colours, with Caitlin bossing the line at flyhalf, allowing the Sidmouth backs to express themselves. Which is exactly what Jess did, making herself known “loudly” at the breakdown of Sidmouth players, to finish off a fine performance to score outside and pretty much put the game out of Sarries reach.
Sidmouth, having got the taste for the try line, kept pushing with Sonia Welch, Jasmine Larcombe and Amber Harris attacking at will and making some well earned hard yards. Eventually their tough carries were rewarded with Amy Nairne-Clarke crossing for Sidmouth’s last try. Sarries, however, wouldn’t let the game go, making debutant Lilyan Cecilia work hard defensively, putting in couple of very committed tackles, eventually their endeavour got them back up the pitch to score a consolidation try, which brought the final whistle and a huge cheer of joy and relief from the Sidmouth crowd and players.
The Blackmore went a bit wild with applause as this was the Valkyries first ever win. There were more than a few tears of joy shed.<br>Players of note, although hard to single out because each and every one was outstanding, the coaching team wanted to single out Co captains Emma Patch and Catlin Perry being true leaders, Lilyan Cecilia for being brave playing her first ever match and Leila Stone whose box kick on her own try line was awesome and a great piece of individual skill.
Esme Bagwell, whose work rate, and tackles won her the thoroughly well-deserved “player of day”.
Emily Shayler, “back of the day” never seemed out of position and Amy Nairne-Clarke “forward of the day”, her pick and goes from the scum, caused real problems for Sarries all game.
Next match on the 18th of Sept is a Cup game away to Launceston.
Next home match is on the 25th of Sept against Helston for our first league fixture.
The Valkyries kicked off after a minute’s silence for the Queen to show respect to HRH. Immediately Sidmouth set out attacking the resolute Sarries defence, wave after wave of Sidmouth players attacked the Sarries line, being thwarted every time. After 10 minutes of pressure Sarries were relieved to clear their lines, with Sidmouth disappointed to come away without any points.
Moments later, Kellie Welch showed her devastating speed of foot to round the defence, scoring an unconverted try. Kellie had an outstanding game, causing the defensive line havoc all afternoon. The rest of the first quarter was a cagey affair with both teams playing some outstanding rugby, Sidmouth’s front row of Emma Patch, Gina Mardon and Karen Rugg all made several fierce runs, driving forward any chance they got, with the back row of Sarries putting in some impressive hits to keep them at bay. Sarries, eventually levelled the score, with the half time score all level at 10-10.
The second half got going and proved to be even more exciting than the first. This time Sarries were off the line quickest and after a lot of pressure they came away from the Sidmouth line with another super try. Not to shy away from the pressure, Sidmouth were well up for it, putting in a great team effort from the Valkyries. The back row of Esme Bagwell, Amy Nairne-Clark and Harriet Oliver carried hard, resulting in Harriet bulldozing over the try-line to score a thunderous try, leaving bodies on the floor in her wake. Sidmouth’s back row and second rowers in Gemma Rose and Chloe Beecham were everywhere all game, they all got through an enormous amount of work, covering every blade of grass, making strong carries, and putting in huge hits throughout the game.
Sidmouth were fortunate to have some of their experienced u18’s players help out, with Fiona Wilson and Annabelle Bird making impressive 1st team debuts. Fiona did an exceptional job of keeping the very strong Sarries No13 quiet, whilst making some strong runs herself. As the game went on, Annabelle found herself breaking through the defense, sprinting to the line to score Sidmouth’s third try. This was when Sidmouth really took charge of the fixture through their speed of ball from Leila Stone. Emily Shayler played such an assured game at fullback, her performance earning her the award of “back of the day”. The Perry sisters, continue to shine in Sidmouth colours, with Caitlin bossing the line at flyhalf, allowing the Sidmouth backs to express themselves. Which is exactly what Jess did, making herself known “loudly” at the breakdown of Sidmouth players, to finish off a fine performance to score outside and pretty much put the game out of Sarries reach.
Sidmouth, having got the taste for the try line, kept pushing with Sonia Welch, Jasmine Larcombe and Amber Harris attacking at will and making some well earned hard yards. Eventually their tough carries were rewarded with Amy Nairne-Clarke crossing for Sidmouth’s last try. Sarries, however, wouldn’t let the game go, making debutant Lilyan Cecilia work hard defensively, putting in couple of very committed tackles, eventually their endeavour got them back up the pitch to score a consolidation try, which brought the final whistle and a huge cheer of joy and relief from the Sidmouth crowd and players.
The Blackmore went a bit wild with applause as this was the Valkyries first ever win. There were more than a few tears of joy shed.<br>Players of note, although hard to single out because each and every one was outstanding, the coaching team wanted to single out Co captains Emma Patch and Catlin Perry being true leaders, Lilyan Cecilia for being brave playing her first ever match and Leila Stone whose box kick on her own try line was awesome and a great piece of individual skill.
Esme Bagwell, whose work rate, and tackles won her the thoroughly well-deserved “player of day”.
Emily Shayler, “back of the day” never seemed out of position and Amy Nairne-Clarke “forward of the day”, her pick and goes from the scum, caused real problems for Sarries all game.
Next match on the 18th of Sept is a Cup game away to Launceston.
Next home match is on the 25th of Sept against Helston for our first league fixture.
