Despite the monsoon weather the playing surface at Trowbridge was in excellent condition but the driving rain and strong winds would make the playing conditions very difficult.

Bristol got the game underway and had the advantage of the strong wind at their backs, Bristol’s game plan was evident from the off as they used their forwards to work the ball forward only to be met with sharks fierce defence led by captain fantastic Tamara Taylor who marshalled her troops superbly.

Bristol continued to pressure Sharks as they struggled to get out of their own half and on 15 minutes this pressure told as they found a hole in Sharks hard working defence on the left hand side for Bristol’s Sian Moore to cross the line. The conversion was missed which wasn’t surprising as the wind and rain were now howling around the ground.

Bristol’s tails were up and they redoubled their efforts to take full advantage of the slight slope of the pitch and the strong wind at their backs.
The Sharks girls were magnificent every single girl on the pitch put their bodies on the line typified by Sharks legend Ruth Nash who was everywhere.

Bristol were playing the conditions extremely well led by Captain Sarah Hunter who was doing the heavy work punching holes through the Sharks defence.

Bristol broke through the Sharks defensive line again when great handling and support play saw Clara Neilson crossed over the line on 21 minutes not converted leaving the score Bristol 10 Sharks 0.

Sharks continued to work hard but Bristol crossed the line again on 27 minutes through Olivia Jones which was converted magnificently by Sue Newman who showed wind defying power and accuracy to bag the extras making the score at half time Bristol 17 sharks 0.

At half time Sharks made the changes to fulfil their RFU obligations with the game against the Maple Leafs in mind.

Sharks got the second half underway and great kicking by Latoya Mason immediately gained ground. Heather Kerr who had taken over the throwing duties found her mark and the forwards marched Bristol backwards into their 22 unfortunately the pass from the ruck went to ground causing a knock on handing the possession back to Bristol.

Sharks were playing much better this half and the continuity between the backs and forwards was excellent.

Sharks broke through Bristol on 61 minutes when more great work by the forwards saw a penalty awarded in Bristol’s 22 a quick miss pass from Latoya Mason found young winger Rachel Woosey on the wing she surged past the outside of her defender with a great handoff turned on the afterburners and scored a fantastic try out wide on the left not converted leaving the score Bristol 17 sharks 5.

Bristol reacted as you would expect from a team looking to secure a playoff place by upping the tempo but despite plenty of possession they could not break down this determined Sharks defence.

It was the Sharks girls who found themselves on the front foot for the last 10 minutes of the game as their continued hard work began putting increasing pressure on the Bristol Girls.

This pressure told in the 79th minute when the Sharks girls who had been camped in Bristol’s 22 drove towards the Bristol line only to be stopped again and again by great defence but the Sharks girls were determined to make this dominance count, young prop Amy Needham who was having her best game of the season took on the responsibility as she picked the ball up and drove towards the Bristol line using her formidable power and teammates to power over the line to score her first try for Sharks and secure the loosing bonus point not converted leaving the final score Bristol 17 Sharks 10.

This was a magnificent performance by the whole squad and Coach Simon Culley and Captain Tamara Taylor can be very proud of their young charges.

The losing bonus point obtained was down to hard work, grit and team spirit.

Thank you to Trowbridge Rugby Club who were excellent hosts.

Back of the match Latoya Mason

Forward of the match Ruth Nash