U13 Minxes up the intensity at NLD Cluster event

NLD Cluster at West Bridgford
A return trip to West Bridgford this week saw the minxes take part in a pitch up and play. Clubs from within the NLD area come together with players and get mix up if short of a team to play rugby. Today we were to face opposition from Kesteven, Castle Donington, South Notts Sapphires and Mansfield. The parents were worried at the start as the Minxes looked switched off and not at all focused or ready during the warm up with coach James, but this was all a decoy as right from the kick off we showed a passion and intensity that we haven’t seen before.
Game 1 v Kesteven
Where do I start; Eleanor strong driving maul, Alicia with a hat trick of tries from quick pickups at the base of the ruck, Eva skilful stepping, Emily strong powerful running, Amy defensive line speed to win the ball and run the whole length of the pitch to score.
The score line doesn’t reflect the strong attacking runs from Kesteven (especially from their fast player Phoenix) but the whole minxes team defensive work stopped Kesteven from scoring time after time. A fantastic game watch!
Melbourne 10 v Kesteven 1
Game 2 v Sapphires & Donington
Melbourne started with the same intensity and were quickly scoring with another confident run from little Eva again who was fearless today, she was quickly supported by Kezia who was playing her best rugby to date and flung the ball wide for Eleanor to score in the corner. Eva was soon at it again storming up the pitch only to be stopped 10m from the try line but Maddie was in support and a quick ruck and charge for the line saw her score her second try in two weeks. Abigail was as determined as ever and had some cracking runs, side stepping her way over the line 5 times in this game. Abbie Archer in only her second game for the minxes used her strength to power up after Abigail had successful won the scrum against their put in.
Melbourne 11 – Donington & Sapphires 3
Game 3 v Mansfield
Everyone knew this was the crunch game as last time we played Mansfield’s A team we ended with a competitive 1-1 draw on a very wet morning in Mansfield. We sensed that Mansfield felt the same as they were making changes to strengthen the side.
We were not disappointed, this was a great battle and one that we could have let our heads drop as it wasn’t all going our way but the girls remained focused and managed to channel their pain & anger into the game. Melbourne scored two superb tries off scums in the middle of the field, the ball came out the back of the scrum to Amy and she quickly passed the ball to Evie who ran with passion and aggression up the centre of the pitch.
Melbourne 4 – Mansfield 4

All in all, a great afternoon of rugby, everyone contributed and in particular Eva, Maddie and Kezia were really starting to shine on the field. Let’s build on the passion and intensity and put this into the next game.

Thanks to all clubs for supporting this afternoon and West Bridgford RFC for their hospitality