Gazelles triumph over Blackheath to secure first win of the season

Guildford Gazelles 43 – 17 Blackheath

Gazelles Triumph Over Blackheath to Secure First Win of the Season

Team:  1  Boo Spicer (c), 2  Vicky Boothman, 3  Amy Cooke, 4  Zoo Overton, 5  Becki Simmons, 6  Carla Pullinger, 7  Spencer Hastings,  8  Verity Hillicks,  9  Grace Doran, 10  Katie Davies, 11  Ellie Birch, 12  Helen Harris (vc), 13  Kirsty Hillier, 14  Izzi Soriano, 15. Millie Davies

Replacements:  Sofia Phillips, Zara Green, Zara Taylor, Issy Newnes-Smith, Nellie Pegg, Gracie New-Brown, Lauren Fisher*

* denotes debut

Scorers:

Tries:  Birch (2), Fisher (1), Green (1), Newnes-Smith (1), Hillier (1), Boothman (1)

Cons:  Fisher (4)

On a mist-laden Sunday afternoon at Broadwater Park, Guildford Gazelles claimed their first league victory of the season, convincingly defeating Blackheath 43-17.

Following a challenging return to the WC SE1 league, the Gazelles, who were unbeaten last season, faced the reality of a higher standard of opposition this year in a new league.  With a blend of seasoned players and new recruits still finding their rhythm, they have shown much resilience in each match but struggled to secure a win until now.

In today’s encounter, Guildford took an early lead within four minutes when Ellie Birch exploited a gap on the left wing, sprinting past her marker to score in the corner.  Although the conversion was missed, it set the tone for an intense battle.  Blackheath responded with physicality, targeting the Gazelles' defence through their powerful centres, but Guildford’s fullback Millie Davies was outstanding, thwarting multiple attacks and turning over the ball in key moments.

Blackheath eventually broke through with an unconverted try and soon added a second, bringing the score to 5-12 at half-time.

The second half saw Guildford’s strategy of spreading the play yield dividends.  Tries from Lauren Fisher and Zara Green, with one converted by Fisher, brought the score to 17-12. Blackheath briefly levelled at 17-17 after capitalising on a Guildford error, but the Gazelles responded emphatically.  Izzy Newnes-Smith, Birch, Kirsty Hillier and Vicky Boothman each crossed the line, with Fisher adding two conversions to seal a dominant win.

This spirited performance leaves the Gazelles in high hopes as they prepare to face Barnes at Broadwater on Sunday, 10th November.

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