AMANDA NEIVENS scored a brilliant hat-trick, showing her pace, power and determination to run in all three of her tries from the halfway line. It was overall teamwork, outstanding bravery in defence – and Thamesians’ amazing ‘refuse-to-lose’ attitude that won the day, however.
Wasps fielded their coach, Bryony Cleall, a double Grand Slammer with England, and winner of two Premiership titles. Plus Flo Williams of Saracens and Wales at fly-half.
That didn’t phase Ts, though, who fielded an historic first when Holly Brindley came on in the second half to make her debut alongside proud mum, Sarah. Holly was one of three 17-year-olds in the away team, joining fellow Twickenham graduates Hannah Jacques and Izzy Baker.
Facing a bigger pack, and so much experience, there was a lot of tackling to be done, with all 17 Ts giving everything to the cause.
Amber Sheppard played her heart out to eliminate the attacking threat of Williams. Sammy Watts’ tackle count was off the Richter Scale, closely followed by the rest of the pack.
Centres Tabby Young and Sydney Hayden-Fry shut out the Wasps midfield, and combined superbly in attack to help create the chances for Amanda’s match-winning scores.
Wasps’ tries came from a well-executed lineout catch and drive early in the first half, and a close-range effort late on, leaving Ts worthy winners.
Thamesians: Hannah Jacques; Izzy Baker, Tabby Young, Sydney Hayden-Fry, Amanda Neivens; Amber Sheppard, Emelia Arbouine (Capt); Aminah Olaniyan, Emily Ward, Sarah Brindley, Amber Attack (Becky Blanks, Holly Brindley), Chloe Nash, Courteney Ellis, Samantha Watts, Emily Powell.
T’s are back at St Mary’s on Saturday February 22 against East London Vixens. As always, your support is really appreciated.
