Thursday, 18 December 2014
Tuesday, 9 December 2014
The Women’s Rugby World Cup is coming to Bristol Ladies Rugby!
Saturday 20th December sees the final fixture in
the Women’s Rugby calendar for 2014, and Bristol Ladies Rugby are seeing the
year out with a bang!
Both teams play at home, at the Portway Rugby Development
Centre, with the 1st XV facing Worcester, who they beat 36 – 22 in
the reverse fixture, and the 2nd XV playing Cheltenham Ladies.
Adding to the occasion, the team are delighted to have the
most prized possession within English Women’s Rugby present at the game…..the
Women’s Rugby World Cup! Supporters will be given close up access to the cup
and the opportunity to have their picture taken with the cup.
Supporters will also have the opportunity to meet Bristol’s
very own World Cup players, including Nolli Waterman and Amber Reed, who will
be participating in a photography and autographing session.
We’re also running a competition to find a ball girl/boy for
the 1st XV game – to enter you must be between the ages of 5 – 17
years old, but don’t have to play rugby, just be interested in the sport. To be
in with a chance to win, please send your name and phone number to bristol.ladies.media@hotmail.com
by 12noon Wednesday 17th December. A name will then be selected at
random, and the individual who has won will be notified directly.
There are several other things happening on the 20th too:
- A girls rugby skills session run by Bristol Ladies Rugby players between 11-12
- A Q&A session with the Bristol WRWC Winning players and those involved in local girls rugby – perfect for anyone thinking about giving rugby a go, or for current players to get help and advice.
- On the day we’ll also be running a raffle for supporters to win a signed piece of World Cup memorabilia.
For those interested in VIP packages or sponsorship
opportunities, please email bristol.ladies.media@hotmail.com
Timings:
10.30am – WRWC on show
Midday – autograph signing session
2pm – KO
4.30pm – World Cup memorabilia raffle
Location:
Portway Rugby Development Centre
Portway
Sea Mills
Bristol
BS9 2HS
Portway
Sea Mills
Bristol
BS9 2HS
Like our facebook page (search Bristol Ladies Rugby) or
follow our blog (http://bristolladiesrugby.blogspot.co.uk/)
for more information.
We hope to see you there!
Image via John White Media, http://johnwhitemedia.co.uk/
Image via John White Media, http://johnwhitemedia.co.uk/
Monday, 8 December 2014
Two players gain sponsorship deal from CrossFit Avon
Noel Smith and Moore
gain sponsorship deal from
CrossFit Avon
Bristol Ladies Rugby is the only self-sufficient Women’s
Rugby Club in the UK, raising the money to run the club through fundraising
events, sponsorship and player annual subscription fees.
Izzy Noel Smith (Number 8) and Sian Moore (Scrum Half) have
both looked to local organisations for sponsorship to support them and allow
them to continue to play rugby at the highest level, and have found sponsorship
from CrossFit Avon and Head Coach Andrew Clark.
CrossFit is a fitness training system which is scalable and
therefore suitable for any committed individual, regardless of experience or
current fitness. It’s built around three principles: functionality (using
multiple muscle groups at one time), variation (each session is different,
keeping the body guessing) and intensity (shorter workouts with as little rest
as possible). The great thing about CrossFit is that an elite athlete, an
average exerciser and a first time elderly participant will be found doing the
same workout, but scaled down (or up!!) to suit their own abilities. This means
our training is suitable (and in fact, ideal) for all.
CrossFit Avon was founded by Andrew Clark, who started using
CrossFit himself in 2009. He opened his own gym in Bristol in March 2010 and
later affiliated to CrossFit.
Izzy Noel Smith started playing rugby at the age of eight at
Monmouth and has since represented England at U19, U20, Sevens and senior
level. Having been introduced to CrossFit through her England team mates, she
is thrilled to have their sponsorship this year.
Sian Moore has been playing rugby since she was 17, and
represented Wales in this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in France. The
sponsorship from CrossFit also means a lot to Sian.
How has having sponsorship from CrossFit Avon helped you, personally
and within your rugby?
IZZY: As women's rugby is currently amateur both at
an international and premiership level, the sponsorship from Crossfit Avon has
helped me financially to train to the best of my ability. It is local to me
which it means I am able to manage my dual commitments easily – I can work,
attend training with Bristol Ladies and maintain a high level of fitness
without extra travel and cost. Since training at Crossfit Avon I have had both
group and individual coaching on various power lifts and movements facilitating
me in becoming more powerful for my position in rugby. I’ve seen real benefits
in my ability to lift more and more efficiently after expert coaching from the
team.
SIAN: The sponsorship has really allowed me to
increase my level of fitness. The gym membership but also access to highly
trained staff and instructors is such a massive help. CrossFit a really
refreshing take on training and the set up at CrossFit Avon is brilliant. There
is so much variety which keeps you engaged throughout and there are lots of
transferable components that you work on in training that relate directly to
rugby.
What do you enjoy about Crossfit Avon?
IZZY: The coaches and people who train there are so
friendly and make everyone feel welcome. It has given me a new focus and drive
to keep pushing myself at that a really high level. I also love the variety, the
competitive element and the intensity of each workout – it’s something new each
time I go and because you don't know what it's going to be each morning you end
up working on things you might subconsciously try to avoid otherwise!
SIAN: I
really love training in a group – the community feel is fantastic and really
motivates you and keeps going, especially those 7am sessions. I’ve met a great
group of individuals and it’s lovely to see other developing, and it really
gives you that push to go that bit further. As Izzy says, everyone is so
friendly and supportive, you can’t help but give it your all every session!
For more information about CrossFit Avon, visit their
website, http://www.crossfitavon.com/
or email info@crossfitavon.com.
The gym can be found at:
Unit 15 Merton Rd,
Horfield,
Bristol,
BS7 8TL.jpg)
Izzy Noel Smith (8), Andrew Clark (Head Coach - CrossFit Avon), Sian Moore (9)
.jpg)
.jpg)
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All photographs taken by Rikki Teml - http://www.rmtphotos.co.uk/
Sunday, 7 December 2014
Match Report - Bristol Ladies 2nd XV vs Trojan Ladies - 7th Dec 2014
BRISTOL LADIES RUGBY MATCH REPORT
Bristol Ladies 2nd XV vs Trojans
Ladies – 7th Dec 2014
Bristol
Ladies lost to Trojans Ladies this afternoon in a hard fought and competitive
game at the Portway Development Centre.
A try for
Tash Doyle on 23 minutes with the conversion from Stacey Jones gave Bristol
their only points of the game.
Trojans
came out with attack and landed their first try of the game on 2 minutes, which
was then followed by 80 minutes of strong competitive rugby from both teams.
Trojans got their 2nd on 32 minutes, and sealed the win with their 3rd
on 60 minutes, to end the game 7 – 15.
2nd
team captain Jenny Fotheringham was proud with the way the girls played, but
disappointed with the end result. ‘We played the full 80 minutes, with all the
girls committing and playing as a team. Individual execution let us down,
because when we had the ball we looked really dangerous. Trojans has a few
players that managed to penetrate our defence on one too many occasions, we
just need to work on closing those gaps and improve our accuracy moving
forward. I’m happy with the spirit the girls showed though, the never gave up,
and many of them played on through pain – really putting their bodies on the
line for their team mates’.
Forward of
the match: Sam Herrick played with passion and added another level of pace to
the game. She played on, even after dislocating a knuckle mid-way through the
game – showing real team spirit.
Back of the
match: Sammy Knighton caused consistent disruption for the opposition and made them work really hard for the ball.
Team sheet:
1 Sam Herrick
2 Trish Brown
3 Tash Doyle
4 Tara McGlade
5 Nat Lewis
6 Daisy Travers
7 Becki Belcher
8 Evie Bunce
9 Sammy Knighton
10 Rebecca Defilippo
11 Courtney Bishop
12 Polly Pearce
13 Jenny Fotheringham
14 Rosie Kells
15 Stacey Welsh
SUBS
16 Lauren Santini on for Courtney Bishop (20min –
return from injury)
Monday, 17 November 2014
Bristol Ladies continue to support SOS Kit Aid
Bristol Ladies continue to support SOS Kit Aid
Bristol Ladies were delighted to hand over this
seasons selection of old kit to the Charity SOS Kit Aid recently.
South West Director Ross Young came down to the
club before the home games on Sunday 2nd November for the handover, where Club
Chairwoman Heidi Chapman Mercer, Welsh International and Bristol Scrum Half
Sian Moore and Bristol Number 8 Izzy Noel Smith presented the donation.
Bristol Ladies had gathered a selection of
items for the charity, including a full strip, 20 balls, a set of cones and ten
bags of old kit donated by players from the club.
Heidi spoke of the
importance of supporting the charity. 'Bristol Ladies Rugby are proud to
continue supporting SOS Kit Aid. As players and club members we know the
importance of sport and the values it installs, knowing that our kit goes to
benefit young people who would normally not get the opportunity to play and
enjoy sport is really rewarding.’
SOS Kit Aid is a
charity which collects second hand/surplus kit from clubs, schools, and
individuals and redistributes it to disadvantaged young people giving them the
opportunity to play and enjoy sport, whilst also making use of kit that would
otherwise become environmentally damaging waste. Since 2001, over £3.5 million
worth has been redistributed and last year 32 tonnes went out to 25 countries.
Closer to home The 2nd Chance project in Bristol received kit. For more
information on the fantastic work SOS Kit Aid does please visit their website
at http://www.soskitaid.com/
Sunday, 2 November 2014
Bristol Ladies 2nd XV vs Thurrock Ladies - 2nd Nov 2014
BRISTOL LADIES RUGBY MATCH REPORT
Bristol Ladies 2nd XV vs
Thurrock Ladies - 2nd Nov 2014
Bristol Ladies 2nd XV were
unable to get passed the Thurrock defence this afternoon as they fell to a 0 –
37 defeat.
There were periods of excellent play during
the first half with the pack showing aggression and pushing forward, and the
backs linking well and completing passes with a high level of accuracy. After
conceding one try in the early stages of the first half, the girls held strong
showing their skill and determination and came close to crossing the try line
twice in 10 minutes. Unfortunately a spell of increased pressure from Thurrock
just before half time saw them score two tries in quick succession taking the
half time score to 0 – 19.
Bristol took several knocks early in the
second half and were unable to get through the Thurrock defence. Their fierce
determination showed as the players tried their all to get that elusive score,
however Thurrock powered on and ended the game with a score line of 0 -37.
Assistant Coach Matt Belbin was pleased
with the performance despite the final score. ‘That was definitely one of the
best performances of the season so far – individually and as a team. The
players have listened to the coaches in training and I could see them using all
the skills we worked on in training which is fantastic – you can’t ask any more.
Our downfall was not being able to get the ball out wide and hold onto it, but
we’ll work on during our week off and come back stronger next time around’.
Forward of the match: Tara McGlade
Back of the match: Rosie Kells
Squad list:
1 Sam
Herrick
2 Becki Belcher 3 Tash Doyle 4 Tara McGlade 5 Heidi Chapman Mercer 6 Sadie Giles 7 Lauren Tracey 8 Sue Neumann 9 Sammy Knighton 10 Jenny Fotheringham 11 Lauren Santini 12 Polly Pearce 13 Lucy Demaine 14 Rosie Kells 15 Stacey Jones 16 Natalie Lewis 17 Sophie Cleverly 18 Beth Turpin 19 Naomi Smith 20 Rebecca Cox
Sunday, 26 October 2014
Cheltenham Tigers vs Bristol Ladies 2nd XV - 26th October 2014
BRISTOL LADIES RUGBY MATCH REPORT
Cheltenham Tigers vs Bristol Ladies 2nd XV - 26th October 2014
Bristol Ladies 2nd XV suffered defeat at the hands of
Cheltenham Tigers this afternoon, with the final score ending at 48 – 12.
The first 10 minutes saw both teams playing a high level of rugby. The
Tigers were fast at the breakdown and offloading well, but Bristol countered
with exciting pace and players using their initiative to weave paths through the
Tigers defence.
Tigers got the first try through Williams (11) who ran through a gap
after a period of pressure in the Bristol 22, and followed up with a second on
23 minutes which took the score to 10 – 0 with the conversion.
Bristol’s Longdon Hughes led by example with some inspiring footwork,
and Lauren Santini broke the Tigers line several times in the first half and
Bristol were rewarded with a try of their own on 27 minutes.
On 37 minutes Tigers scored their third of the half, which ended
with a score line of 19 – 5.
The second half started badly for the Bristol girls who let two
tries through in quick succession to take the score to 31 – 5 and after a quick
tap penalty from Hale, the Tigers found then 38 -5 up with 20 minutes to go.
Their confidence began to grow, and Bristol found themselves on the receiving
end of two more tries, before Bristol managed to get one back right underneath
the posts, which was successfully converted. The final score ended at 48 – 12.
Forward of the match: Tash Doyle
Back of the match: Laura Santini
Coaches Pete Reakes and Matt Belbin spoke to us after the game. ‘As
we’ve seen over the last few games, this is a new squad who are very much still
getting to know each other. We’re getting a more regular team now, and the
girls are feeling more confident in their positions, but we need to come out
firing on all cylinders at the start of the game, and sustain it for the full
80 minutes. There were some fantastic individual performances, with great ball
carrying, great strength and great footwork. We just need a bit more time to
connect as a team and the results will start to change. The girls never gave up and our try right at the end is testament to their determination and
pride in wearing that Bristol shirt’.
Squad List:
1. Tash Doyle
2. Toya Chapman-Mercer
3. Daisy Travers
4. Heidi Chapman-Mercer
5. Tara McGlade
6. Becki Belcher
7. Naomi Smith
8. Sue Neumann
9. Sammy Knighton
10. Jenny Fotheringham
11. Lauren Santini
12. Tatyana Heard
13. Polly Pearce
14. Siobhan Longdon Hughes
15. Stacey Jones
16. Natalie Lewis
17. Lauren Tracey
18. Evie Bunce
19. Ellie Marshall
20. Vicky Zaffiro
21. Beth Turpin
22. Sophie Cleverly
3. Daisy Travers
4. Heidi Chapman-Mercer
5. Tara McGlade
6. Becki Belcher
7. Naomi Smith
8. Sue Neumann
9. Sammy Knighton
10. Jenny Fotheringham
11. Lauren Santini
12. Tatyana Heard
13. Polly Pearce
14. Siobhan Longdon Hughes
15. Stacey Jones
16. Natalie Lewis
17. Lauren Tracey
18. Evie Bunce
19. Ellie Marshall
20. Vicky Zaffiro
21. Beth Turpin
22. Sophie Cleverly
Sunday, 19 October 2014
Bristol Ladies 2nd XV vs Hove Ladies – 19th October 2014
BRISTOL LADIES RUGBY MATCH REPORT
Bristol Ladies 2nd XV vs
Hove Ladies – 19th October 2014
Bristol Ladies 2nd XV succumbed to a 0-29 defeat as they faced Hove
Ladies at home this afternoon.
The first half saw the visitors score 3 unconverted tries taking the
half time score to 15 – 0 (5m Teague (14), 22m Turnbull (10) and 40m Smith
(11)).
After camping out in the Bristol half for the majority of the game,
Hove put two more passed the Bristol ladies with two converted scores to end
the game with a 0 -29 victory (63m Turnbull (10) and 66m Mayne (6)).
Forward of the match: Natalie Lewis
Back of the match: Tatyana Heard
A special mention to Ellie Marshall, who played her first match in
Bristol colours today having worked her way up through the framework at SGS
College.
Coach Matt Belbin spoke after the game ‘We tried to play a really up
tempo style of rugby today, but basic errors and lack of accuracy results in
cheap turnovers and loss of possession. It was a very frustrating game, and the
whole team could have performed better. The positive is that we know exactly
what went wrong and how to avoid it in the future. We didn’t push them at all.
We’ll get back out on that training field, work on amending those errors and
come back fighting, like we always do’.
Monday, 13 October 2014
BRISTOL LADIES RUGBY MATCH REPORT
Trojans vs Bristol Ladies 2nd
XV
12th October 2014
After a thrilling encounter, Bristol Ladies 2nd XV secured their
first win of the season against bottom of the table Trojans.
Trojans started off well and got the first points of the afternoon,
although this was soon followed by a show of strength from the Bristol girls.
After some impressive forward action, a slight wobble saw the team lose a line
out only to take back possession and drive the ball over the line through Tara
McGlade to level the score at 5-5.
Trojans hit back just before half time to take the score at the
break to 12 – 5. Straight after half time a knock on from Bristol gave
Trojans the advantage and they skipped through to take their lead to 17 – 5.
After the initial pressure from Trojans, Bristol stepped up and
started to play the style of rugby they’re known for. Some quick hands from the
forwards linked brilliantly with the backs to get the ball in to the
oppositions 22, with Rebecca Defillipo expertly grounding the ball brining the score to 17 – 10.
With 10 minutes to go, Louisa Steer was on the end of some fantastic
cross field play and ran in from 5 metres to take the score to 17 – 19 after
Stacey Jones converted both tires.
The final 10 minutes saw extended pressure from Trojans, but
excellent defensive play from the whole squad kept them at bay. After turning
over the final scrum and kicking the ball into touch, Bristol Ladies came away
with a hard-fought victory.
Assistant Coach Pete Reakes spoke to us afterwards:
‘We were making silly mistakes in the first half and letting Trojans
through – we were playing to their level, rather than playing the standard of
rugby we know we can play. At half time I told the girls they needed to raise
their game – we had 15 quality players on the pitch with 6 equally talented
girls on the bench, we just needed to play to our potential. And they did, they
stepped up and we got the win. It was tighter than it should have been, but
we’re thrilled to get our first win of the season.’
Captain Toya Chapman-Mercer was pleased with the way the girls dug in ‘It’s amazing that we’ve won, it was so tight but I’m so proud that we got there in the end. The girls really had to keep their composure in the last 15 minutes, that’s what I asked them to do and they delivered. We just need to take confidence from this performance and believe in ourselves going forward’.
Forward of the match – Tara McGlade for fantastic ball carrying and
great work at the line out
Back of the match - Tatyana Heard who made some great running lines
and tackles
Squad list:
1. Samantha Herrick
2. Toya Chapman-Mercer
3. Tasha Doyle
4. Tara McGlade
5. Louisa Steer
6. Heidi Chapman-Mercer
7. Naomi Smith
8. Sadie Giles
9. Sammy Knighton
10. Rebecca Defillipo
2. Toya Chapman-Mercer
3. Tasha Doyle
4. Tara McGlade
5. Louisa Steer
6. Heidi Chapman-Mercer
7. Naomi Smith
8. Sadie Giles
9. Sammy Knighton
10. Rebecca Defillipo
11. Lauren Santini
12. Tatyana Heard
13. Polly Pearce
14. Rosie Kells
15. Stacey 'Welshy' Jones
12. Tatyana Heard
13. Polly Pearce
14. Rosie Kells
15. Stacey 'Welshy' Jones
SUBS: Lauren Tracey for
Naomi Smith, Harriet Wilmot for Tare McGlade, Daisy Travers for Harriet Wilmot
and Emma Lacey for Sam Herrick
Monday, 22 September 2014
BRISTOL LADIES RUGBY MATCH REPORT
2014-2015
A spirited and gutsy
performance saw Bristol Ladies 2nd VX fall to a 15 – 0 defeat to Saracens
Ladies 2nd VX this afternoon.
Saracens put three tries
past the Bristol team, the first at 12 minutes, second at 45 minutes and third
at 68 minutes. Bristol had several chances to score throughout the game with
periods of pressure in Saracens 22, although their accuracy at the line out let
them down at times.
The work rate and perseverance was clear for all to see, and Assistant Coach Matt Belbin was very happy with the performance ‘It was great – so much Bristol spirit and pride on show. The girls made it difficult for the opposition and didn’t give anything away. There were some heroic tackles, players putting their body on the line, and I’m immensely proud of the team today’.
Forward of the match was
awarded to May Campbell for her solid defensive play and generally being as
disruptive and possible for the opposition. Polly Pearce gained back of the
match for her consistent and effective tackles.
Team sheet:
2. May Campbell
3. Harriet Wilmot
4. Tara McGlade
5. Nat Lewis
6. Lauren Tracey
7. Jenny 'Chip' Fotheringham
8. Becky 'Boo' Belcher
9. Becky Cox
10. Polly Pearce
11. Lauren Santini
12. Tatyana Heard
13. Emma Lacey
14. Rosie Kells
15. Stacie 'Welshy' Jones
16. Jen Lander
17. Beth Turpin
Thursday, 18 September 2014
BRISTOL LADIES: TRAVEL INFO FOR SUNDAY 21st SEPT 2014
Home game against Saracens
Bristol Ladies host Saracens this weekend in their first
home game of the season.
After a disappointing loss to Richmond away last week, the
girls are more fired up than ever and can’t wait to get back out on the pitch
and show what they’re made of.
Kick-off is at 3pm at the Portway Rugby Development Centre
(BS9 2HS), although due to the Bristol Half Marathon, supporters may wish to make alternative travel arrangements as road closures are expected.
For those travelling via the M4:
·
Exit the M5 southbound to Junction 18
(Avonmouth).
·
Follow the A4 Portway to Sylvan Way until it is
closed
·
Left onto Sylvan Way
·
Second right at the traffic lights onto
Shirehampton Road
·
Carry on until the Mill House pub is on your
left, and turn right onto Sea Mills Lane
·
Travel to the end of the road by the viaduct and
park where you can
·
Walk to the Portway Development Centre via
Hadrian Close
We look forward to seeing you there.
Monday, 15 September 2014
Match Report - Richmond 2nd XV vs Bristol Ladies 2nd XV 14092014
BRISTOL LADIES RUGBY MATCH REPORT
2nd XV Richmond vs Bristol
– 14th September 2014
Bristol Ladies 2nd XV fell to heavy 54 – 7 defeat at the
hand of Richmond 2nd XV this weekend, in their first fixture of the
season.
Although the points difference is significant, the team took
confidence from the performance and now better understand the challenge ahead
in the Championship.
Debutant Harriet Wilmot (4) scored for Bristol in the 65th
minutes with Stacey Jones (15) kicking the conversion successfully.
Assistant Coach Matt Belbin spoke after the match ‘We’re not
focusing on the score line too much at this stage. The girls worked well
together, and it’s a promising and encouraging start to the season. Todays’
game was definitely a bit of a wakeup call, but we know that with a bit more
structure and time together the team will gel and we’ll have a really strong
and competitive side’.
Forward of the match was awarded to Lauren Tracey who was brilliant
at the breakdown and made excellent attempts to carry the ball forward.
Back of the match went to Stacey Jones who stayed composed
throughout the game, made good decision and defended well.
Team list:
1.
Natasha Doyle
2. Trish Brown
3. Natalie Lewis
4. Harriet Wilmot
5. Louisa Steer
6. Lauren Tracey
7. Heidi Chapman-Mercer
8. Becki Belcher
9. Rhiannon Parker
10. Polly Pearce
11. Lauren Santini
12. Tatyana Heard
13. Jenny 'Chip' Fotheringham
14. Vicky Zaffiro
15. Stacey Jones
16. Beth Turpin
17 . Daneika Currie
18. Tara McGlade
2. Trish Brown
3. Natalie Lewis
4. Harriet Wilmot
5. Louisa Steer
6. Lauren Tracey
7. Heidi Chapman-Mercer
8. Becki Belcher
9. Rhiannon Parker
10. Polly Pearce
11. Lauren Santini
12. Tatyana Heard
13. Jenny 'Chip' Fotheringham
14. Vicky Zaffiro
15. Stacey Jones
16. Beth Turpin
17 . Daneika Currie
18. Tara McGlade
Subs: Turpin for Brown, Currie for Santini and McGlade for Doyle
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