Following a close defeat against Sutton and Epsom in their last game, the Toos lined up with nothing but winning on their minds. Playing at The Rock they welcomed Blackheath 2s who started the game strongly, attacking with some driving mauls up the pitch.

However the Slingbacks defence stood strong and, with some great tackles from the forwards, Blackheath were defied a score three times within the first 20 minutes. The Too's then turned the game around and began to attack the opposition. Some great running from Laura Smith at outside centre allowed the home side to work their way into the opposition 22 from which Rebecca Hyde went over for the first try.

As the Toos settled into the game, it became apparent that Blackheath were happy to make this a forwards game, rumbling up the pitch. However the Slingbacks refused to be drawn in running in 4 more tries before the game was over. Captain Tara Hodgkinson commented “It was an extremely tough game against a pack of Blackheath forwards who wouldn't have looked out of place in the same league as the Slingbacks 1st team.

Today highlighted some key areas that need to be worked on and has provided us with a strong platform to move forward from”. Coach Camilla Brueton added “We absorbed some intense pressure from Blackheath who had an experienced and organised pack. All our tries came from players seizing the opportunity to break; often running half the length of the pitch”

Players of the Day went to outside centre Laura Smith who covered the width of the pitch well in defence and attacked strongly, and prop Nicki White who really stepped up her game this week and played well in open play.

Blaydon 5 – RPFC Slingbacks 0
The Slingbacks travelled to Newcastle for what they knew would be a tough game as Blaydon are always a strong side when at home. The game started well with the Slingbacks piling on the pressure. Some good play saw the away side camped in the Blaydon half for the majority of the first half and only some great defence from Blaydon kept full back Jen Searle from crossing the try line on a number of occasions.

Unfortunately a lapse in concentration allowed Blaydon to rumble the ball up the pitch, with many Slingbacks forwards tied up in the ensuing rucks and mauls, Blaydon made us of the space in the centre and went over to score. The second half began well for the Slingbacks but Blaydon pulled out all the stops and began to show why they are a team to be reckoned with in Prem 2 this season. T

hey continually pummelled the Slingback defence and it was only through great tackling and some long clearance kicks from Player of the Day fly half Ulrika Andersson-Hall that Blaydon were stopped from scoring again. Special mention must go to Lucy Ross Mackenzie who stepped up from the Toos to come up to Blaydon and Becky Farrar playing her first game of 15 a side rugby - talk about initiation of fire!

Captain Katharine Landells commented “I am hugely disappointed to have lost but I am also hugely proud of a squad that put every effort possible into the match. In the first half, we should have capitalised on our possession, but in the second half Blaydon, I think, showed themselves to be the better side”.

The Slingbacks welcome new members throughout the season and any ability is catered for.

Slingbacks Toos Scorers
Hyde (3)
Wilkinson
Burbidge
Hodgkinson (1c)


October 11, 2005