Guildford Rugby Club
Guildford Gazelles edge past Streatham & Croydon in hard fought encounter
Guildford Gazelles 24 – 14 Streatham & Croydon Women
9th March 2025
Team: 1 Boo Spicer (C), 2 Vicky Boothman, 3 Amy Cooke, 4 Zoo Overton, 5 Lucy Heryet, 6 Carla Pullinger, 7 Spencer Hastings, 8 Verity Hillicks, 9 Ellie Birch, 10 Rosie Tugwell, 11 Sophie Storey, 12 Lauren Fisher, 13 Helen Harris (VC) , 14 Millie Davies, 15 Kirsty Hillier
Replacements: 16 Hannah Luff*, 17 Megan Wilde, 18 Gabriella Skov, 19 Nellie Pegg, 20 Iley Bailey, 21 Tegan Larvan, 22 Izzi Soriano
(* Debut)
Scorers: Tries: Hillicks, Heryet, Harris, Bailey
Cons: Fisher (2)
After a short hiatus, Guildford Gazelles returned to action at Broadwater Park on Sunday, overcoming a well-drilled and determined Streatham & Croydon side in a closely contested affair.
Despite a sluggish start, the Gazelles ultimately did enough to secure victory, running in four tries through Verity Hillicks, Lucy Heryet, Helen Harris and Iley Bailey. Two conversions from Lauren Fisher proved decisive as the hosts withstood a strong challenge from a Streatham & Croydon team currently sitting third in the league.
The opening exchanges saw Guildford struggle to find their rhythm, with an uncharacteristic lack of cohesion. It was Streatham & Croydon who struck first, crossing under the posts after sustained pressure just six minutes into the match. The early setback suggested a testing afternoon ahead for the home side.
For much of the first half, the Gazelles saw little possession, as Streatham & Croydon controlled proceedings with astute ball retention and territorial dominance. However, despite the visitors’ ability to exploit space with clever footwork, Guildford’s defence remained resolute, making tackle after tackle to repel the onslaught.
In one of their rare attacking opportunities, the Gazelles managed to advance into the opposition’s 22. A well-executed lineout drive saw Verity Hillicks touch down for their first try of the match. The conversion was missed, leaving the score at 5-7.
The remainder of the half was a tight and physical battle, with neither side able to add to the scoreboard before the break.
A revitalised Gazelles emerged for the second half, shaking off their early rustiness. Tactical changes in personnel and positioning paid dividends, as the hosts began to assert themselves. A clinical 15-minute spell saw tries from Lucy Heryet, Helen Harris, and Iley Bailey, with Lauren Fisher adding two conversions to propel Guildford into a commanding lead.
Yet Streatham & Croydon refused to fade and were rewarded for their persistence with a well-taken converted try five minutes from time, ensuring a tense finish. While this was not the Gazelles at their fluent best, they proved efficient in taking their chances. Defensively, they were disciplined and well-organised, ensuring their hard-fought advantage remained intact until the final whistle.
Final score 24-14
Mike Burden
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