ENGLAND STUDENTS (LADIES) v BORDEAUX UNIVERSITY

THURSDAY 11TH  MARCH 2010

STANNINGLEY ARLFC

Final score: 30 -10    Half-time score: 20 – 6

Referee: Sarah Bennison

An enthusiastic and athletic Bordeaux University side were quickly into their stride with some fast, slick handling leading to their winger running round the English defence to go over under the posts within the first two minutes. Goal Kicked.

A stunned home side got quickly into their stride and on 10 minutes Gemma Whitham made a short charge over the line to open the score for the English Students.

This was followed 10 minutes later when Jade Aspinall ran onto a short pass to go in under the sticks. Jasmine Baker at the goal.

The French side continued to impress with their ability to throw the ball about and attack strongly but their lack of Rugby League knowledge became evident as they gave away many penalties. Most of the players play Rugby Union. Credit must go to the referee Sarah Bennison who handled this and the language difference most competently.

On thirty minutes Gemma Whitham went in from short range for the third English try after some good handling.

Towards the end of the half Chelsea White showed her pace when she flew down the pitch from long range to go in under the posts. Jasmine Baker add another two points.

Bordeaux University started off the second half in the same manner as the first with their number 3 outrunning the English defence from a long way out.

Again the home side responded quickly and on 49 minutes Jodie Cunningham backed up some good attacking play by sliding over out wide.

Credit to the visitors who kept battling and as they got used to the League Rules their play up close improved but they always looked dangerous when they threw the ball about.

It was not until the 51st minute that the final try was scored. Beth Pollard went in under the sticks after Heike Niemand had put the English Students in a good attacking position. Anne Russell converted.

The players now look forward to a return match in Bordeaux scheduled for November.

Laura Rowell was player of the match.

English Students side:

1 Jasmine Baker

2 Chelsea White

3 Jodie Cunningham

4 Kristen Breakenridge

5 Adelle Vickerstaffe

6 Laura Rowell (captain)

7 Toni Tompkins

8 Beth Pollard

9 Gemma Whitham

10 Sarah Hothersall

11 Heike Niemand

12 Yasmin Wilson

13 Lizzy Gladman

14 Rachel Farnham

15 Sophie Martin

16 Naomi Westwood

17 Anne Russell

18 Jade Aspinall

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