Cumberland Ladies Challenge Malta in Ladies VIIs

The inaugural Rugby match for HMS CUMBERLAND’s ladies team took place in Valletta Malta against international opposition in the form of the Maltese ladies international 7’s. The host team are preparing to take part in the European Championships in Belgium, and were keen to use this game against the Navy girls as vital training due to a shortage of opposition. Team: LET (ME) H Wilson LS (EW) Abi Wilson AB (CIS) Michele Taylor AB (LOGS) Fiona Pitcher AB (LOGS) T Keni AB (WS) Jade Playforth ET (ME) V Vakuruivalu ET (ME) Nikki Phoenix AB (WS) Ashley Casey Team Coach: CPO (UW) Dave Sibson The teamwork and experience of the Maltese girls was evident very early on with slick ball handling skills and movement off the ball; leading to two early tries. However despite the gulf in experience, the CUMBERLAND ladies made their international counter parts work hard for their tries, and with their refusal to give up the girls from the visiting side were rewarded with two tries of their own scored by AB (WS) Jade Playforth and Royal Navy Ladies player ET (ME) V Vakuruivalu; resulting in the final score being 30 points to 10 in favour of the hosts. Photograph shows: LS (EW) Abbi Wilson takes the ball into contact, with support inbound coming from AB (LOGS) T Keni