The first game day of the season got off to a false start when a tremendous downpour of rain rendered pitch 2 at Melbourne unplayable and the coaches acted quickly in making the call to switch venue to Ashby RFC.

After arriving in convoy and a thorough warmup the game got under way at around the scheduled kick off time. Hats off to all parents, coaches and managers for getting the game on.

The size and speed of the Paviors players made the All Macs nervous before the match had even gotten under way and it showed in the early exchanges. Although we kept our defensive shape, made some good tackles; a couple of missed tackles saw an early try for Paviors.

After a quick re-group the All Macs restarted well and although not having much of the ball they held Paviors advances well until a momentary defensive lapse saw Donington native, Demi-May, charge towards the line and try followed.

Nevertheless, the All Macs came out for the restart with their heads up and put together some promising passages of play with ball in hand as well as securing a couple of turnovers by Lou-Lou and spending time in the Paviors 22. The game saw it’s first scrum at this stage and the All Macs nervously packed down to face a massively powerful opposition pack. Olive fed the ball straight and the strike was clean, and the ball come to the back of the scrum where Lou-Lou picked up and ran down the blind side. Turning back infield, going through the phases and edging towards the try line hopes we’re high for our first try but a quick turnover, up field break and some hard running by the Paviors pack led to a third try being conceded which was duly converted taking the score to 0-21.

Still the heads remained high, and the All Macs came roaring out for the restart dominating possession and spending multiple phases inside the 22. Further scrums followed with the pack holding their own and provided clean ball for Lou-Lou to pick and go from the base of the scrum and with support from olive, Evie and Emi saw us come close to scoring and causing Paviors to concede a penalty in the shadow of their posts. The resulting tap and go from Emi led to our first try- thoroughly well-deserved and brilliantly taken.

After receiving the restart; we stormed back into Paviors half looking to capitalize on our first score through more solid runs from Evie, Castles, Emi and Lou Lou before a split moment of confusion when Paviors stole the ball back in the middle of the field running the ball all the way to the edge of the defensive line before turning up field, avoiding two defenders and heading under the posts. This time the conversion was missed and the whistle blew for half time. 5-26

The girls were still upbeat despite the score, and with good reason having displayed great skills at the breakdown, set piece, in defense and attack. Shout out to Eve for a massive defensive effort in the first half.

The second half started well for All Macs receiving the ball and making our way back into Paviors half through runs by Kyla, Sarah and Emi. More forward power saw Lou-Lou crash over for our 2nd
try. 10-26

A scrappy period of play saw a number of scrums, line outs and attritional rugby where the All Macs held the powerful Paviors runners at bay before winning the ball back through a knock on. The back line through Sarah and Kyla released Evie T into space just across the halfway line. On an arcing run towards the try line on the far side of the pitch Evie kept ball in hand and attempted to evade the tracking defenders but sadly came up 5 meters short of what would’ve been a try of the season contender. Although Evie didn’t manage to get over for the try; the damage was done and Paviors conceded another penalty and another tap and go from Emi who offloaded to Evie P to break through a tackle and place the ball over for All Macs 3rd try. Started by one Evie, finished by another and converted by Lou-Lou.

The sideline was properly jumping as the game restarted, the All Macs seemingly growing in confidence and immediately took the ball in hand just outside their 22 where Ellie ran across the tiring Paviors defensive line turned the corner and headed up field leaving defenders for dust. As she headed under the posts for a sensational solo try (All Macs 4th) the sideline erupted and she
was engulfed by her teammates. 22-26

With time running out the girls knew that they had to move the ball quickly back up field. After some twisting, turning runs from Sarah to draw the defence in enter Lizzy who picked up the ball at her own 22 and raced down the left touch line and into the opposition half where a desperation high tackle from the defender prevented what in all likelihood would’ve been the game winning try. A line out resulting from the penalty was duly secured by Lilly Rose and driven forward before a quick pass on the Paviors 5m line took Lottie B towards the try line where she rode the tackle of the Paviors defender and used good body position to get over the line and place the ball down for All Macs 5th try to take the lead 27-26. Lou-Lou once again stepped up and placed the ball between the uprights to seal an emphatic win to the jubilation of the players, coaches, parents and supporters. A truly remarkable performance.

The rugby played by All Macs was high quality and reflects the effort put in each week by every player. The ruck play in securing and competing for the ball was exemplary. The scrum performed well under immense pressure securing every attacking scrum and winning one against the head and the line out operated well ensuring that Olive and Sarah had good clean, quick ball to launch the attack and release the back line. Moreover; the teamwork, camaraderie and friendship resonated through the team.

Player of the game medal was awarded to Evie P who played an immense game anchoring the scrum, tackling everything in sight and providing solid forward runs culminating in a well taken try. Well done Evie.