WOMEN'S RUGBY: Devizes Ladies 42 Old Redcliffians 30 (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

WOMEN'S RUGBY: Devizes Ladies 42 Old Redcliffians 30

11:58am Tuesday 11th September 2012 in Sport

DEVIZES Ladies started life in league rugby in thrilling style with a six-try triumph over Bristol visitors Old Redcliffians on Sunday.

The Ice Maidens, making their debut in National Challenge South West North Two, clinched victory in a match reduced to 12-a-side after their opponents arrived with just 14 players.

The hosts made the perfect start when Emma Matthews touched down their first-ever league try after a quick tapped penalty had sent Cat Parker through, Denise Mullan adding the conversion.

Sam Powell quickly added a secnd try as she inked through the defence and ran 60 metres, Mullan again adding the extras.

Old Reds hit back with their opening try, but Devizes looked confident in attack and good running froim Amy Waller and Matthews set up captain Kate Stradling for a third try.

Mullan again kicked the two points, but the deficit was reduced as Old Reds bagged their second try.

Changes freshened up the home side and number eight Stradling and scrum-half Rachael Popham combined to send fly-half Alice Bowerbank over, Laura Potter kicking the conversion.

Both sides exchanged further scores, Stradling scoring her second and Potter converting for a 35-15 half-time lead.

Powell added her second score after the break after debutant Hannah Carter’s break and offload, Potter converting, but as the match became scrappy, Old Reds hit back with three tries to close up the score.

Devizes travel to St Mary’s Old Boys, from Almondsbury, in Bristol for their first away match this weekend.

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