By L'ours
April 27 2006

Match report on the friendly match between Royal Navy Ladies and Plymouth Albion Ladies.  

Albion Ladies shook off nearly a month of inactivity to enjoy a seven-try victory over a game Royal Navy Ladies side at Keyham rugby ground in what was a near-perfect warm-up for Sunday’s National Cup semi final against Worcester Ladies.

Although Albion raced into an early 8-0 lead thanks to full back Tracy Corby’s penalty and hooker Lara Smith’s unconverted try, it was the Navy who settled first, though all they were able to muster were two penalties for fly half Beth Simmonds.

The match took a decisive swing right on the interval when Albion fly half Sonia Clatworthy profited from an Albion counter-attack from well inside their own half to eventually touch down under the posts for a try converted by Corby and a 15-8 lead.

The second half saw Albion notch an early score when centre Anna Sheppard finished off a fine forward drive for an unconverted try in the 50^th minute.

This gave Albion the confidence to move the ball around at pace and as they got back into the groove they added four further tries at regular intervals through prop Jenny Dyer, flanker Clare Steer, centre Nancy Stone and another from Sheppard, Corby capping a fine individual game with three more conversions.

“”It was an excellent workout for the weekend and gives us plenty of food for though for our team selection,” said Albion assistant manager Tristan Forster afterwards.

 Albion Ladies next game is this Sunday, April 30 when they entertain Worcester Ladies at the Brickfields in a National Cup semi final, kick off 2pm. Fans should note that the match will take place on the top pitch, not the main pitch with admission being free.

Photo Album

Slide Show

If you have any comments on this page please email Frank