Following some confusion last week and the match not happening, The U18s entertained Bedford and Ampthill at Billing road this week and were itching to blow the cobwebs off.
With many coming up from last years U15 group, there were some early nerves on show as Beds. organised defence kept ONs at bay. Once they started to attack the gaps though, the girls hit their stride with surging runs from Vicky, Ellie and Lauren, probing runs from Paris and some surprising nifty footwork from Adey. Eventually Sophie Jones crossed for the first try and converted competently from out wide 7-0.
ONs spent the majority of the match on top with the deciding factor being ONs speed to the breakdown and effective ruck clearance adding further tries from Meg Schofield, Alice Avey, Paris Mcmahon and four from Amelia Surridge. 3 conversions from Sophie Jones left ONs with 43 points aNs it could have been more as a fine debut from Hattie almost culminated in a try.
It didn't all go ONs way though and a period of sustained pressure from the Beds. outfit earned them a well deserved try.
The physicality of the Beds. girls meant ONs really had to work and in the last quarter it was evident that early season fitness still has a bit of room for improvement.
Plenty to feel good about but some bits to work on going into next week.
Highlight of the match, a shuddering hit from Vicky Patrick to rebalance the Forwards tussle up front.