The last two Sundays have been busy for the TJ's ladies 1st 15 team and another two wins brings them into the new year with great gusto. Last Sunday 11th January was an away fixture to Sheppey on a very blustery cold day. This began with TJ's winning the kick and playing downhill to start, which when the ball is flying in the wind, can be on our side. TJ's placed the first ball between the posts and a conversion by the never wavering Marsh allowed the scores to begin.

Despite the cold, and the wind, both teams spirit was unwavering but a ball to Mary meant she went for the most maize like run that has ever been seen and managed another try. This game continued in the same vein, and although the scoreline of 59-0 suggests a walk over, I can assure you, it was far from that. Sheppey put up a great fight and also played every second in the spirit of the game and we look forward to the return match at the end of the season.

So, moving on to this Sunday, which saw a return match at home against Gravesend ladies. This match had a bit of tension on the lead up for sure, Gravesend have a match in hand and have been putting good scores on others, however the last time these two teams met on their home ground TJ's put a 65-0 score on them and so everyone knew they would return with a lot of fight.

First whistle blew at 14:15 and the match had begun, and it was made very clear very quickly that this was going to be a game of fierce rucking and this meant TJ's would have to answer back and they absolutely did. It wasn't long before TJ's scored a try and the match was on a roll, Fi scored and Marsh converted in her usual reliable kicking fashion and the team knew it was time to up the game as these Gravesend ladies weren't happy. The next few rucks saw a few people penalised and so the game was clear, play by the rules, know the boundaries and that's what TJ's did, they stepped up. The second score was a dream team move again, and Gravesend had not managed to establish a rhythm yet but were fighting with every ounce of fight for sure. However, the TJ's ladies kept their cool and played good rugby which gained them more space and allowed a big break from the prop Niamh to break through, gain many meters and then to be taken over the try line by Katie. This gave TJ's a bit of a lead now as marsh was also getting the ball between the posts!

Then comes the fight, Gravesend make a break after a ruck turnover and make it over the line, and the celebration from their side is big, but the kick doesn't make it between the posts so back to work for all on the pitch. TJ's just manage to come back with another try by Marsh but not the conversion this time, so this is the first half done.

A few players for TJ's are now off with injuries but that doesn't bring the mood down and the half time chats consisted of reminders to play the game as we know it and ignore all the nasties, so that's what TJ's proceeded to do.

Half time over and play returning it wasn't long before a wide pass means Mary can go on another maize like jaunt and Pass to Fi who can break free and make it over the try line again. More fire in the bellies of the opposition meant a bit of scrappy play but they managed to break the line and their 15 broke away and scored for them, but no conversion so the score remains 10 for them. TJ's knew they couldn't allow another score from them so ground was made by the kicking of Fi's boot and the team chased. Break down after break down finally Kimbo took the ball out of the ruck running slightly flat towards the posts, sent it out to Poppy who gets over the try line and between the posts! Marsh converts and again this has increased the score margin, however with a few moans from both sides of some rough play the ref took a grip and reminded all to play fair and people would be sent off if not. This was swiftly followed but a few rucks, one in particular where Marsh checked with the ref when the ball was out, he confirmed it was so she made her magic and after protests from the sidelines the ref had a word with opposing teams supporters and reminded them he was in charge of this game! A few more rounds of rucks and a Gravesend player was yellow carded and so it was time to take advantage of the extra player TJ's now had.

Finally, the last try comes when Fi scored and then Marsh proceeded to convert using the wonder boot, and the whistle was blown and the match was over. TJ's Ladies taking a 45 -10 win to remain unbeaten this season.

There are many players mentioned in this report, and there are many players who aren't, but to say this TJ's Ladies team are the epitome of what the game of rugby stands for is an understatement. Each and every player makes a difference, and this is reflected in the score lines we are seeing. Some of these players have never played before the start of this season, and some have played since primary school, and some have returned after many years away from the game, but whichever of those the players are, it is the team and teamwork that has made the success, and along with the help of the amazing coaching team, long may this continue. If you are interested in playing for us, please do get in touch, we welcome every one and any level of experience.