British Police Vs Royal Air Force...
Upon the idea of attending the women's British Police Vs Royal Air Force clash on Thursday 6th February, at Oxford Harlequins RFC, I was given a heads up that they would challenge each other and it would be a physical and hard fought game - just what we like to see in rugby!
Needless to say, I willingly travelled the four and a half hours each way to;
photograph the talented women of both teams.
enjoy a great game of rugby.
meet likeminded women from all over the UK.
If you are new to my blog page, firstly, 'thank you', secondly, I'm new to blog writing and this is only my second 'published' match report. Writing by a very novice Rugby Union player (was league), who loves analysing, progression and growth.
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A fine Thursday afternoon, with a bitter cold breeze after a hard frost the night prior, the women were prepped and out of the 4G for a 2pm kick off.
From the offset both teams were switched on, alert and communicating effectively, I was very excited to see how the game was going to unfold.
In attendance, I was impressed to see, a number of supporters from all around the UK, always a blessing with a mid-week, afternoon game scheduled.
Air Force started very strong against British Police and were in their 22 early on, Fortunately, British Police have regained possession after a penalty was given and the ball was successfully kicked out.
Line out being successful and reliable British Police maintained the ball, confronted with some very strong tackling from the Air Force.
Great ball handling and fluidity from the British Police team displayed confidence.
Shortly after RAF were back with ball in hand, working their way up the field towards the clubhouse, off a mixture of hard running, stepping and graft, resulting opening try within minutes. They'd certainly set the tone of the game with plenty of movement and opening up the space, then utilising their opportunities.
Conversion missed.
British Police come straight back at them with a great depth of kick followed by a return kick from the Royal Air Force. British Police played with ball in hand now, they opened up play in the middle with a great run from Amy Orrow, progressing swiftly by working it out wide onto the speedy winger. A 'comeback' try on the right hand side of the pitch, wasn't only productive phases of rugby, but a statement to the Royal Air Force that they also mean business.
Conversion missed.
Some great decisions and forward running from the British police, matched, equally as strong the defence from the RAF.
Battling hard, both teams, inevitably resulting in a change of possession regularly. Both teams were switched on, adjusting to this throughout.
As the first scrum occurred it became apparent, maybe British Police could have an upper hand here.
Both teams are having great defensive sets and really digging deep. Handling was consistent, reliable and used to advantageously gain ground when oppotunities arose.
Some wonderful smooth handling, especially by the backs from the British police, which really made momentum up the pitch, looking like they would be in for a try shortly.
...
Great quick thinking from the Royal Air Force, using a tap and go off a penalty and opening up the game massively, creating momentum up the right hand side of the pitch, then completing with a try.
With many of the tries being out wide it was another conversion missed.
In my opinion the tackle discipline on both teams is not great. There are selected players tackling at a very appropriate height but the majority of both teams are tackling rather high in my opinion.
Something I'd have liked to have seen the ref discipline and result by this stage in the game.
Momentarily, British police are dominating the scrums and driving their opponents back.
RAF attempted a beautiful dink through which was unfortunately gathered up by the switched on British police.
Once again British police transferred the ball to their speedy winger, she made an absolutely tramping run up the pitch which we all anticipated would have been a try...
But the opposition's winger took her off the pitch with a determined chase down and productive tackle.
RAF, continued to graft their way back at British Police, patiently and in control. Another wide try - conversion missed.
As half time hits, it was clear these two teams were here to fight to the bitter end.
British police had a number of players off now with injuries. A dislocated knee, a concussion/bang to the head. Some assets to the team, nevertheless, their substitutions were equally as effective with their own skillsets.
I felt British Police needed to have a little bit more depth and attack on occasions to enhance the movement and fluidity of handling. It is great they just need a little bit more time on the ball to be able to execute.
Both teams were strong defensively, yet tackles were often high, it was rare line breaks were made.
British Police came on in second half and really moved forward with working up the pitch towards the try line.
It's clear that RAF are communicating very effectively and covering all areas of the field in defence. Their full back is a great communicator.
RAF came back just after half time and got a try, followed by police getting a try in return. no conversions, converted.
Both teams were consistent driving forward and manipulating the game when possible for their benefit. The power, determination and grit, ensured it was a game worth watching.
British Polices, Kemmish, picked up from the breakdown within their 22 and carried it about 20 metres. Following this they then got another quick pick and go and continued good recycling of the ball playing up towards the left hand side of the pitch. Great work by the forwards to fight over. I think it was one of the props that scored it in the end - wonderful strength.
It was a good defensive set by the RAF, pinning the police back down on their 22. There was consistent plays, and productively recycling the ball well. The police managed to get it out to the left-hand side, after a good couple of carries by the backs. Freya, who's filling in at full-back, used a successful bit of footwork, and then runs it in from about 55 metres out to score under the post.
British Police were making a serious come back!
Conversion SCORED!
The police made a lot of yards!
The 9 stormed right down the middle and got tackled short of the line, great work by the RAF.
Unfortunately, no one home when RAF cleared with a clearing kick.
The police have managed to get themselves back into the 22, with some good defensive efforts from the RAF, still no score.
However, it does end in a penalty within the 22 for the police, which the scrum half takes a nice quick tap and scores under the posts.
As the game is nearing its close, British Police are winning!
With good work by the police to get them back into the RAF's half. However, the final whistle hadn't yet blown!
There was a turnover after a penalty and the RAF were in possession.
It was nail biting stuff!
They focused and had nice quick ball that they shipped it out to the left and scored to potentially win the match.
Score standing before the conversion at 30 points to 29 to the RAF.
Conversion missed.
Full time score, RAF 30, British Police 29.
Report copyright Clare Gelderd
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