WWRU National Cup and Plate Finals

CUP: Whitland 5 – 17 Blaenau Gwent
PLATE: Cardiff Quins 38 – 0 Pontyclun

Proceedings began with Whitland versus Blaenau Gwent, one of the newest versus the oldest women’s teams. In the first half, Blaenau Gwent dominated but Whitland proved that they will be a force to be reckoned with in the future with a very strong second-half performance. Blaenau Gwent had to work very hard in defence to stop Whitland scoring more than the one try.

Blaenau Gwent Captain, Mandy Tyler, commented, “We got off to an excellent start and pressured Whitland throughout the first half with dominating play by our forwards. However, a disallowed try caused a loss of concentration and Whitland continued to push forward and scored a try.

“They gained in confidence and continued to put our defence under pressure but we held on using our experience and kicking abilities to secure a deserved win. All the players from both teams fought a hard battle on a very hard pitch and put on a quality game of rugby.”

The second game of the afternoon saw first division Cardiff Quins take on second division Pontyclun in the Cup final. In a complete contrast of styles, Pontyclun dominated up front but Quins, playing fast-paced rugby, dominated in the backs with outstanding running from Mel Berry, Amber Penrith and Hayley Baxter.

Quins Coach, Ian Carter, commented, “I am delighted with the performance put in by every player from Cardiff Quins. The women were outstanding in what was a much harder game than the scoreline suggests. Pontyclun tested us in both attack and defence and it took some great team-play to score our tries. The game was a great exhibition of the high standard of women’s rugby in Wales.”

Whitland Squad: Joeley Davies, Cally Rhositer, Nina Bishop, Lucy Berry, Tammy Howells, Alice James, Rosie Hutton, Sian Murrow, Kate Bowen, Natalie Bowen, Christina Jenkins, Caryl James, Mandy Thomas, Natalie Walsh, Vicky Owens

Replacements: Emily Banner, Rhian Rogers, Sam Morgan, Jenny Hawkins, Emma Moseley

Blaenau Gwent Squad: Anna Mills, Mandy Tyler, Kim Boaler, Helena Parfitt, Deena Crombie, Vicky Jennings, Ami Jones, Claire Wilson, Annie Rogers, Megan York, Amanda Howells, Claire Chivers, Donna Hurley, Mel Whitlock, Stephanie Turnbull

Replacements: Sarah Morgan, Kalee Thomas, Sarah Welland, Julie Williams

Scorers
Whitland: Try: Natalie Walsh
Blaenau Gwent: Tries: Stephanie Turnbull (2), Kim Boaler. Cons: Vicky Jennings

Cardiff Quins Squad: Jilly Holroyd, Elinor Snowsill, Hayley Baxter, Amber Penrith, Zoe Prytherch, Sophie Bennett, Becky Davies, Jess Hewitt, Delphine Marzin, Caryl Thomas, Becky Blakeway, Rachel Taylor, Hayley Abson, Mellissa Berry, Catrina Nicholas

Replacements: Catrin Edwards, Laura Richards, Sian Miles, Becky Newton, Caryl James, Bianca Modeste

Pontyclun Squad: Emma Gough, Natasha Peters, Catryn Grundy, Levi Hallett, Sophie Francis, Nia Hughes, Laura Prosser, Jessica Vousden, Emma Liddle, Diane Price, Claire Clement, Melonie Wharton, Melanie Bernard, Gemma Legge, Gemma Hallett

Replacements: Zoe Buckeridge, Emma Morris, Toni Heywood

Scorers
Cardiff Quins: Tries: Mellissa Berry (3), Hayley Baxter, Bianca Modeste, Caryl Thomas. Cons: Jilly Holroyd (4)