Stamford Women progress in the Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire Cup with victory over Mansfield
Stamford Women recorded a third successive away victory as they began their defence of the NLD Cup with a 62-7 success in absolutely torrential weather conditions at Mansfield on Sunday.
The purple, black and white army started the match sprightly and were rewarded within a minute with a try from the almost unstoppable winger Jorja Matchwick.
Matchwick had received the ball after quick hands and a pinpoint pass in the line from centre Jess Gargan and, in her trademarked style, ran route one towards the home posts and placed the ball between them. The try was converted by Daisy Attley.
Stamford continued putting constant pressure on their Mansfield opponents and were rewarded by a flurry of tries from Sarah Mitchelson, two from Kayna Penrose-Toms and Matchwick's second of the game.
Penrose-Tom's first score was probably the choice for try of the match.
Gathering a kicked ball just in front of the halfway line, flying winger Suz Franks used her strength and guile to power towards the home line.
Franks was eventually tackled and stopped by a great defensive challenge.
From the resulting ruck, the ball found the hands of Penrose-Toms who, from 20 metres out, used her train-like commanding run to pass by the Mansfield defence and place the ball between the posts.
Next on the score sheet was the returning Annmarie Mullen who had just come on to the field to replace Matchwick.
Impressive passing along the line found Mullen after receiving the ball from Gargan who, squatting off a defender like a fly, ran towards the corner and placed the ball over the line.
Stamford had not stopped troubling the first half scoreboard.
Catelyn Etherington found herself at the receiving end of a precise pass from Penrose-Toms on the home 22 metre line in the direct sight line of the posts and using her strength powered towards the try line and, once again for the away team, scored between the posts.
At half-time Stamford found themselves in a 45–0 lead.
The weather conditions were relentless and, with the rain in their faces and the floodlights turned on to battle the dark skies, Attley kicked off the second half.
It was the home team that troubled the scoreboard first as a very well taken try from the Mansfield prop resulted from constant pressure on the Stamford defence.
Unfortunately for the home team it was to be the only points on the board and Stamford continued their constant assault on the Mansfield try line.
A very well taken try from the popular returnee Sammy Pocock, a try and conversion from Gargan and finally a try from the ever-powerful Brogan Cranfield completed the Stamford victory.
Mansfield should be commended for the grit and determination they showed in the match and, despite the scoreline, were very worthy opponents.
Stamford are next in action on Sunday, February 9,when they face local rivals Peterborough Ladies in an eagerly awaited away derby game at Fortress Fengate.