Gordano - v- Old Reds

This was Gordano’s first game back after a few weeks rest unfortunately due to injury and availability Gordano were only able to field 13 players, so the game was played 12 a side.
Gordano in their change white kit made a lively start with some good attacking phases of play, dominating the lineout and looking strong in all the set plays, With the majority of the game being played in the Old Reds half and only some small errors were allowing Reds off the hook.
After 18 minutes the continued good off loading and support play allowed centre Claire MaClaren to coast in for the first try of the day, Caroline Goddard duly added the extras to make it 7-0. With some great individual efforts going forward notably Susan Beeton the flying loose head showing a good turn of pace Gordano continued to attack and put pressure on Reds defence.
Old Reds though re- grouped and came back with a try of their own taking the score to 7-7 and things got worse for Gordano straight from the kick off with Old Reds scoring a second straight away which they converted to make it 7-14.
Gordano were shaken into action with more good attack from Goddard who was held up 5 meters from the line but Reds were able to clear their lines.
The game continued to e a tightly contested game with both sided showing good attacking intent, but a quickly taken penalty by Old Reds led to the 4th try of the day and the score moved to 7-19.
Gordano’s scrum continued to dominate and won a penalty allowing the forward s to have a rumble on, Gordano then got award a follow up penalty for the defence not retreating 10 meters but the opportunity is lost. At half time the score remained 7-19.
Gordano Kicked off the second half but a lapse in concentration the Gordano defence allowed Res to create a 3 on 1 and score under the posts and kick their goal to move on to 7-26
Gordano’s lineout continued to operate well and with the forwards coming short round the corner and great interlinking play between forwards and backs Caroline Goddard was able to power over for the home sides second try of the afternoon, Goddard added the extras to take the score to 14-26.
Against the run of play Gordano’s defence went to sleep from an Old Reds penalty and the visitors went 60 meters for a breakaway try to go 14-31 and then added the conversion to take a 14-33 lead.
Gordano’s forwards continued to graft hard with the likes of Susan Beeton, Julie Price and Kath Fitzpatrick all making good ground and Fitzpatrick crossing the whitewash for what looked like the home sides third try but unfortunately the ball went forward to deny her of a well deserved score with Reds clearing their lines from the resulting scrum.
As the game went on and a series of penalties Gordano were next to get on the score sheet from a scything run by McClaren getting her second of the day to take the scores to 19-33. Goddard added the extras to see Gordano close the gap to 12 points 21-33.
Gordano’s continued attacking intent added to some good distribution from Tash Bradley Saw Ali Powell beat several defenders to score and take the score to 26-33; unfortunately Goddard was unable to add the extras.
From the resulting kick off Gordano looked focused on getting a further score but with the continued attacking mind set an error at the scrum allowed Reds to score from 60 meters to see out the game 26-38.
Player of the match went to Caroline Goddard with an 11 point haul. Special mention also has to go to Laura Fletcher making her debut for the team after only a handful of training sessions. Gordano can take a lot of positives away from their afternoons work and will re-group and come back ready for an away trip next week.