SUNDAY saw Minehead’s Pink Ladies narrowly lose 10-5 at home to an experienced Bideford side who play regular league rugby.
It was the first time the two sides have met and Minehead put up a spirited fight, only losing in the last play of the game. After the wet weather, the ground was soft and slowed the pace of the game, and for the first 15 minutes it was all Bideford, who were oozing confidence from their 89-0 victory the previous week.
They set up camp in Minehead’s 22 but left without a score because of dogged determination and brave tackling by the likes of Parkins, Preston-Sheasby, Hastings and Ash.
Amy Ahern at full back had a fine game too, with three try-saving tackles in the game.
The game was split into four quarters of 15 minutes and after 30 minutes the score was still 0-0.
In the third quarter, Bideford broke the deadlock with a simple try out wide.
Minehead then lost their forward of the day, Preston-Sheasby, to the bin for ten minutes for a high tackle, but despite being down to 14 players they kept up their aggressive defence forcing Bideford back down the pitch.
Once back to 15 players, Minehead stretched the visitors from one side of the pitch to the other, using the slope to their advantage.
Jones made a strong run to release Hastings who passed to Collins, and when she was stopped just ten metres out, Cottrell was in close support and picked up the ball to race in over the line unchallenged to level the scores at 5-5.
The last ten minutes were very tense, with Bideford throwing everything they had into the fold, and poor discipline and three consecutive penalties moved them up the park.
A quick tap on the third penalty saw their experienced flanker crash over to secure victory.
Minehead could be very proud of their performance and encouraged by the tight scoreline as they look to enter the same league next season.
Their next game is at North Petherton on Friday December 16.