Another good turn out of twelve Manchester players including debutant Katy Bacon – welcome to the team Katy! Unfortunately the visitors, Northwich, had only seven players available, therefore the match would be played as a seven-a-side fixture over three ten minute periods.

Manchester started with their regular forward line-up of Caitlin Knight, Jess Davids and Rachael Jones, with Jess Johnson (Captain) playing scrum half. Due to Northwich having only two recognised front row forwards available the scrums would frustratingly be played as ‘uncontested’.

Any illusions of a repeat of Manchester’s easy early season victory over Northwich were soon dashed. From the onset Manchester were under pressure with Northwich putting together several determined attacking phases, finally resulting in a try for Northwich after less than two minutes play. From the restart Manchester still hadn’t woken up to the reality that Northwich had come to avenge their previous home defeat. Several missed Manchester tackles allowed Northwich to run through the middle of Manchester’s defence and score their second try after four minutes. This was not looking good for Manchester. Northwich now had all the momentum and in seven’s rugby scores can quickly run up against you, as Manchester had previously experienced against other league teams, resulting in some heavy defeats.

What was needed was ‘a moment of inspirational play’ from Manchester – up step Jess Johnson. From the restart Jess J, leading by example, made a hard tackle on Northwich’s fly-half which kept the ball in Northwich’s territory for the first time in the match. Manchester seized their opportunity and several attacking plays later they were awarded a penalty five metres out from Northwich’s try line. A tap penalty pass to Rachael saw her crash over the Northwich line, but all credit to Northwich as they were able to prevent her from grounding the ball for a try. For the next few minutes Northwich were pinned in their own half by some crunching tackles made by Manchester, finally resulting in turnover ball which was converted into Manchester’s first try by Olivia Farrow as she burst through Northwich’s defence. With Olivia (Manchester’s regular kicker) out of breath, Chloe Snape took the conversion kick which was unfortunately missed. The first period ended one minute later but not before Olivia had made a potentially try saving tackle to keep Manchester in the game.

Manchester, now fielding a few rolling substitutes took a couple of minutes to settle into the second period; however they soon were dominating play. A hard tackle by Rachael in open play resulted in a loose ball which was picked up by Michaela Gurney (now on for Helena Edwards) who scored a flying try after a 25 metre run down the wing. Olivia duly converted the try for Manchester to take the lead in the match for the first time. 12-10.

From the restart it was clear that Manchester now had seized the momentum. Three minutes later Casey Thompson (on for Caitlin) scored arguably Manchester’s classiest team try of the day. After a couple of attacking phases, a pass to Casey on the blindside found her in open space, with Michaela in support on the wing. With Michaela keeping the Northwich winger out wide, Casey was able to dummy pass by ‘showing the ball’ to the covering Northwich fly-half, who took the bait, allowing Casey to step inside her, finishing the move off with another 25 metre run to the try line. Olivia duly converted the try.

Manchester were now in complete dominance with Northwich unable to break out of their half. With the whole team playing as a unit, there were some fine individual performances including debutant Katy (on for Chloe S) as Manchester scored what turned out to be their final try of the match. The honour fell to Jess D, who, receiving the ball fifteen metres out from the Northwich try line charged forwards, simply shrugging off one tackle attempt and resisting a more determined Northwich tackler on the line for a well deserved first try of the season. During the post try celebrations Jess D had the bewildered look of a forward player who has just scored a ‘long range’ solo try, coming over to the match reporter to confirm that it was her who had scored the try! Olivia converted the try for a 100% successful personal kicking record for the day.

Manchester, now leading 26-10 into the final period, felt confident at this point and the team was switched around to bring on more rolling subs and to give Olivia a rest. Chloe Barker and Ellie Davidson were moved into new positions and with cohesion slightly lost following so many changes, Northwich took advantage and scored a try early on in the period. Before Manchester could regain their shape, Northwich had scored another try. Momentum had now swung back to Northwich, and after some loose tackling, Northwich scored their third unanswered try of the period! This prompted questions as to whether there was some unquantifiable slope on the pitch, as whoever was playing towards the stadium seemed to score all the tries! Luckily none of the Northwich girls had their ‘kicking boots’ on as they had missed all five attempted try conversions. This left Manchester with a slender lead of 26-25 and only two minutes of the match remaining.

From the restart Manchester kept all the possession and drove Northwich back into their own half, culminating with a penalty awarded to Manchester ten metres out from the Northwich’s try line. Jess D led the charge again, offloading to Rachael who continued the drive forwards. With Manchester support players driving the resulting maul forwards, Rachael crossed the Northwich’s try line but for the second time in the match was ‘held up’ by Northwich’s desperate defence. This denied Manchester a fifth try which would have given them a League try bonus point. With no time for any restart the final whistle was blown and Manchester recorded the win.

Overall it was noticeable how much Manchester has learnt over the season about keeping shape and not over committing at breakdowns. However, this match highlight’s how difficult it is to introduce rolling substitutes and still maintain match momentum when playing Rugby Sevens, which ironically seems to give the advantage to the smaller squad.

Special mention should go to two players. Firstly, Olivia Farrow whose try conversions on the day proved decisive. This high kicking accuracy has come about through her commitment to improve this specialist skill, attending extra training at a Sale Shark’s ‘kicking’ training camp and through personal practice sessions. Although rugby is a team effort,having such a player available to take pressure kicks in tight games, is a considerable asset.

Secondly Jess Johnson as the team’s Captain. When a team is freely scoring tries the role is relatively easy, however when the match momentum turns against you it then becomes a true test of whether you deserve the role of Captain. Jess J proved her worth by leading by example, personally putting in numerous tackles and line breaks, driving the whole team forward with her passion and commitment. With excellent verbal communication throughout the match Jess J inspired the whole team to achieve Manchester’s second season win over Cheshire rivals Northwich.

More pictures here>>>
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