Sunday saw the Hill ladies return to league action for the first time since November. Welcomed back into the squad were international try scorer Heather ‘the danger’s over there’ Lockhart fresh from her exploits with Scotland and Susie ‘it’s all about the averages’ Brown, returning to the Hills team after injury. Missing from the line up was Rebekah Sibnlar who will be sorely missed after returning to her native Australia to commence University. The ladies were looking to complete their first ever double victory against Royal high after winning the first game between the sides 24-12 at Hughenden back in October.

Hills lost the toss and were forced to play into the strong wind and heavy rain. Good work from the kick off allowed Irish squad member and Hills no.10 Julie Craig to put in a testing kick instantly pressuring the RHC full back. A fantastic chase and follow up tackle from Lizzy ‘Ferguson’ Willis saw the no. 15 spill the ball only for up to be scooped up by inside centre Johnson who dove over for the score in the corner. The wide angle proved a little tough for resident kicker and all round utility player Kerry Armstrong. 0-5.

Hills continued to pressure in what was a predictably forward orientated match and shared the majority of the possession in the first half. Good work including strong ball carries from Heather and hooker Kate ‘Wilko’ Wilkinson forced play deep into the home sides 22. No.8 Brown pressured well from the ruck and charged down and attempted clearance kick pouncing on the lose ball to extend the Hills lead to 10-0. Once again the wide angle would prove just too much for Armstrong.

Loss of this second score seemed to spur the home team into action, this was also assisted by the introduction of second row and Scotland Stalwart Lee Cockburn who shored up the scrum increasing the pressure on the Hills pack although the front row ‘dream team’ of Heather, Wilko and Lindsey ‘Smithers’ Smith held up well. Current Scotland Captain and RHC no.7 Lynne Reid proved a constant thorn in the visitors’ side with her good work at the breakdown. This period of pressure was converted to points after Hills were slow to spot the lack of cover on the open side RHC no. 10 Tanya Griffith rounded the corner of the defence to draw her side back to within 5 points. Conversion missed. 5-10.

Into the second half, with both teams aware of the significance of the result, tempers became a little frayed. Second row Catherine managed to get into a ‘disagreement’ with the biggest member of the opposition but was swiftly informed by Armstrong (who appeared a little disappointed she hadn’t got into the ‘disagreement’ herself) that we ‘had her back’.
What followed was the best move of the game after the Hills pack finally managed to provide some clean ball for their back line. Scrum-half Caroline fed Craig who threw a delightful pass behind the centre pairing of Johnston and Boag to full back Belinski who was supported well by winger Sarah ‘Canada’ Toom. Good scramble defence saw the move halted but highlighted the work the back line has been putting in at training.

After a period where possession had swapped hands several times the visitors forced themselves into the opposition half and were awarded a penalty wide on the right on the 22m line. Up stepped Armstrong who confidently knocked the ball through the centre of the uprights putting the game beyond the reach of the home side. 5-13.

The last remaining minutes of the game were spent with both teams reduced to 14 players. The Hills player ‘taking one for the team’ was Smith who was punished for being offside after the team had previously been warned. Perhaps in the future she may think twice before going mountain climbing then launching herself onto an opposition 9.

Special mention of the day goes to Charlie Lewis who played her first game at back row. The former no.12 had a fantastic game on the flank, got involved in everything and proved a strong ball carrier. She was awarded player of the match for her efforts. Leading from the front as ever was Captain ‘danger’ Lockhart who was recognised by the opposition.