South Bristol Girls U16s Start the Season with a 32–24 Win at Western Hornets

Western Hornets U16s 24South Bristol Girls U16s 32

South Bristol Girls U16s got their season off to a winning start with an entertaining 32–24 victory away at Western Hornets, in a match that provided plenty of positives, plenty of excitement and plenty for the squad to build on.

With 21 girls in the squad and the first game of the new season under their belts, there was a real sense of anticipation before kick off. What followed was a match of two very different halves, with SBG producing some excellent rugby in the opening 40 minutes before being given a stern test by a determined Hornets side after the break.

A flying start

SBG started with real intent.

The forwards immediately established themselves, with the scrum proving a particularly strong platform throughout the match. The girls were winning good ball, applying pressure and forcing Hornets onto the back foot.

That pressure soon translated into points.

Nay Allen opened the scoring, before SBG added further tries as the pressure continued to build. Elsie Pullen was amongst the scorers, with Eden adding a conversion, as SBG raced into a commanding lead.

The attacking rugby was at its best when the girls combined their physicality with good support and movement. There were some excellent carries, good work around the breakdown and several occasions where SBG created space by committing defenders before moving the ball.

By the midway point of the half, SBG were firmly in control.

Hornets respond, but SBG finish the half strongly

Hornets eventually found a way onto the scoreboard, but SBG continued to apply pressure and responded positively.

Further attacking pressure resulted in another SBG score, and the girls went into the break with a commanding 27–7 lead.

It had been an excellent first half, with the scrum providing a strong platform and the team showing plenty of attacking threat.

A different challenge after the break

The second half proved to be a very different proposition.

Hornets came out with renewed energy and began to put SBG under pressure. The SBG attack became less structured, with the girls sometimes becoming too direct and carrying into contact without enough support.

Hornets took advantage and reduced the deficit.

27–12.

Suddenly, the game had a different feel.

But this was an important moment for SBG, and the girls responded in exactly the way they needed to.

A brilliant response

Rather than allowing Hornets to dictate the game, SBG regained their composure and produced one of the best passages of rugby of the afternoon.

A strong scrum provided the platform, followed by a powerful carry and excellent support play. The ball was then moved to a runner hitting the line at pace, resulting in a superb team try.

32–12 to SBG.

It was a brilliant example of what this team can do when the forwards create the platform, the ball carrier attracts defenders and the next player arrives at pace.

It also demonstrated the difference between the structured rugby SBG had played earlier in the match and some of the more individual rugby that had crept into their game after half time.

Hornets refuse to give up

To their credit, Hornets refused to go away.

SBG began to struggle for possession and the game became increasingly scrappy. Turnovers and handling errors gave Hornets opportunities to attack, while some gaps began to appear in the SBG defensive line, particularly out wide.

Hornets continued to apply pressure and added further scores.

The game had gone from 32–12 to a much more uncomfortable 32–24.

What had looked like a comfortable SBG victory suddenly became a genuine contest.

The girls deserve credit for staying composed and ultimately seeing the game out. The second half provided a valuable lesson about the importance of retaining possession, supporting the ball carrier and continuing to play with structure when under pressure.

Plenty to be excited about

Despite the late fightback from Hornets, there was a huge amount for the SBG coaching team and players to take from the afternoon.

The scrum was a major strength, providing a reliable platform throughout the game.

The girls showed they can produce some excellent attacking rugby when they play with patience, support and pace.

There were also plenty of excellent individual moments, with strong carries, turnovers, defensive pressure and attacking breaks throughout the afternoon.

Most importantly, the team showed character.

A first match of the season is always going to come with some rustiness and moments where things do not quite click. The girls experienced both sides of the game: controlling a match when everything is working and then having to respond when momentum swings against them.

That experience will be hugely valuable as the season develops.

A winning start and plenty to build on

A 32–24 away win is a fantastic way to start the season.

There is clearly plenty to work on, particularly around support play, ball retention, defensive communication and maintaining structure when under pressure.

But there is also a very clear glimpse of what this group can become.

When SBG play connected, confident rugby, with players supporting each other and attacking space at pace, they are capable of producing some seriously exciting rugby.

The season has only just begun.

32–24. A winning start, a few lessons learned and plenty to look forward to.

Come on SBG! 💙🏉