25/09/05  Whitchurch 0-72 Cheltenham

The Cheltenham ladies got off to a flying start with some controlled set pieces in the backs ensuring scores for Briege Williams and Rebecca Mocellin in the first few minutes. Whitchurch started with only 13 players allowing another 2 tries by Williams but after 20 minutes had a full squad out. Cheltenham game away a few penalties allowing Whitchurch into their 22 but solid defending saw to no score for Whitchurch. By half time Tammy Shakespeare, Angela Sells, and Williams added a further 3 tries to the score followed by a fantastic chip and chase by Mocellin securing her second try of the match. Whitchurch persevered in the second half but solid scrumming and good ground work by the forwards-especially Amie Stinchcombe saw Laura Hale score 1, Williams a further 2 and Mocellin get her hat trick of the match. Cheltenham ladies finished 12 tries up with 6 conversions all scored by Mocellin leaving their first league match 72-0 up-what a start to the season!

Stonygate ladies 8-29 Cheltenham ladies.

Cheltenham started off poorly, conceding a penalty in their 22 which Stonygate slotted over to give them a 3-0 lead. Cheltenham gathered themselves momentarily with a good driving maul from the forwards which resulted in a try from Steph Carlyon. A period of poor discipline saw Stoneygate attacking the try line eventually making it 8-5. Excellent hooking from Aimie Gardner throughout the match saw her continuously take ball against the head which gave Cheltenham some excellent attacking opportunities. Briege Williams scored two running tries both converted by Carlyon and another great maul from the forwards saw Gail Evans make it 24-8. A yellow card in the 2nd half for Becky Amor saw Cheltenham reduced to 14 women but great defensive work stopped Stonygate from scoring. Superb handling from the backs especially Sorrell Bootham saw Williams get her hatrick and finish the game 29-8. Cheltenham’s domination of the match was not reflected in the low score but a sucessfull result after last weeks disappointment.

Cheltenham Ladies 51-0 Lutterworth

The Cheltenham forwards worked hard against a heavy Lutterworth pack to provide a good base for scoring opportunities. The 1st half saw Briege Williams score under the posts with a conversion from Steph Carylon. Carylon then scored and converted her own try after a strong driving maul by the Cheltenham pack.

Precision handling and good support play from Ange Sells and Claire Mustoe resulted in Lauren williams running at pace to score under the post with Carylon converting. B Williams scored again in the 1st half. The 2nd half saw an undeserved yellow card for Becky Amor followed by a yellow card for a Lutterworth player for a high tackle.

Carylon scored two more super tries as the Lutterworth pack began to tire. Sells crossed the line and B Williams scored two more as the backs worked together to find gaps in the opposition defence. Lutterworth continued to attack the Cheltenham line but the whole Cheltenham team combined well to prevent Lutterworth getting on the score board.

Cheltenham Ladies 15 – 7 Shelford Ladies

After a long Christmas break, Cheltenham Ladies got back to their winning ways in National League 1. Cheltenham started strongly and although the forwards were outsized by a big Shelford pack they dominated the scrums and the lineouts. This good work from the forwards secured attacking opportunities for the backs and Briege Williams crossed the line for a try. Cheltenham had more chances to score but their bad ball handling and indiscipline gave Shelford attacking opportunities. Cheltenham showed good defence with Carly Powell and Amy Dodwell putting in some powerful tackles. B Williams scored another try after some good rucking by the forwards. Cheltenham spent a long period in the Shelford half with problems in the opposition scrum disrupting the flow of the game, this lead to a break away try by the Shelford winger. Some poor decisions by the referee costed Cheltenham 2 certain tries but Tammy Shakespeare scored in the last minute to confirm a hard fought win.

Camphill Ladies 12 - 10 Cheltenham Ladies

The match started badly for Cheltenham when after 5 minutes into the 1st half, Camphill were awarded an undeserved converted penalty try. Cheltenham’s game was disrupted by this poor decision and after another sustained period of attack, Camphill ran around the Cheltenham defence to score. Cheltenham gathered themselves and ferociously attacked the Camphill try line but fierce defence from the opposition forwards meant that the half time score remained the same. Cheltenham started strongly when Aimie Stinchcombe caught the ball from kick off and made a spirited run deep into the Camphill half. This seemed to motivate Cheltenham and some quick and accurate handling saw Sorrell Bootham run through the opposition to score. The restart saw the ball safely into the hands of Tammy Shakespeare who made space for Lauren Williams to run in a try. This quick scoring shocked Camphill who managed to defend against yet more Cheltenham attacks. Unfortunately Cheltenham’s determination to win went unrewarded yet again.