Woodbridge Amazons 48 Southwold Swallows 0 Despite the disappointing score line Southwold can be proud of their spirited performance under very difficult circumstances. Woodbridge, although a new venue for women's rugby, are basically the Ipswich side which was capable of holding it's own a couple of leagues higher until recently. Their experience in key positions was able to punish Southwolds attacking efforts especially in the contact area. It is not every game that Southwold will have to contain a full Welsh international and it was clear from very early in the match that her pace and vision was going to be key to the result. Southwold's captain, Mandy Easter, made an interesting seasonal debut that saw her play on the wing, second row and eventually No.8! Southwolds pack was always competitive especially in the set scrum and the line out but found it difficult to go through the phases when in possession. Under immense pressure the front row of Sarah Doddington, Elissa Cox and a borrowed Karen Fletcher did well to provide a platform for Bev Whyte and Sharon Larter to try to put the Swallows on the front foot, whilst Lucy Strachan and Celia Willer put 100% bruising effort in. At scrum half Shelley Harlow was her normal abrasive self and half back partner Amy Gregory tackled for Britain whilst also trying to get her backs moving. For three quarters Nina Roe, Kim Shrubsall and the much missed Anna Peck it was like trying to hold on to a particularly angry tiger's tail! Woodbridge attacked in numbers and at pace and Southwold did well so often to prevent a rampant Woodbridge team scoring. Southwold's efforts were epitomised by hooker Elissa Cox who chased Woodbridge all over the pitch often on lost causes. The Swallow's were finally disheartened when in the second half finally getting their game plan working they started to drive Woodbridge back, the referee gave a series of bewildering decisions that were body blows to the visiting side. As heads went down Woodbridge ran in more tries than perhaps they deserved whilst Southwold were left to reflect on the importance of ball retention, the value of experience and how unfair life can be! Prestige Nursing player of the match: Amy Gregory Southwold Swallows can however look forward to a more successful second half of the season with the hopeful return of key players such as Leanne Agogo, Michaela Scarle and Jeama Doddington. The Swallows continue to train at Reydon Rec' every Wednesday at 7,30pm and would welcome all new players, aged over 18, especially those with rugby experience. Ring Mandy on 07795 482462 to find out more information. The Swallows continue to excel off the pitch and Sarah Doddington rallied the girls to raise money, rattling buckets around the drinking dens of Beccles, Shadingfield, Halesworth and Bungay and with transport provided free by the wonderful Dave from D-Way Travel this years total was a fantastic £682.00.