James River v. Raleigh Match Recap (3/16/13)

Disclaimer: For all who are unfamiliar with my match recaps, they don’t usually fall into the objective news article category. I play for James River, and so tend to write as a River player.

With only two weeks of practice behind them and a scant number of players, the James River Women kitted up to face the 2011 Women’s Rugby DII National Champions, Raleigh. Raleigh brought a squad of scarce numbers as well, and the two teams fought to a draw on the pitch.

James River controlled the action in the opening minutes of the match, keeping the ball in Raleigh’s end, but couldn’t find their way to the try zone. After a minor defensive breakdown, Raleigh drove into River territory and broke through the River lines to score first. That first score would be the only one of the first half, though River threatened with a few good runs into Raleigh territory.

The James River Women opened the scoring in the second half, when Sam Pankey broke through the Raleigh defense, and ran 50 meters with her teammates in support. The Raleigh fullback brought Pankey down around the 5-meter line, but two phases later, Rachael Muir finished the drive with a score. Lizzy Scerbo’s kick brought the score to an even ­7-7.

With momentum on their side, River again pushed into Raleigh territory. The River forwards drove Raleigh back with a few punches and a powerful run by Margie Baker. Scerbo followed Baker’s lead, broke through the Raleigh defense and wrestled her way to within feet of the try line. Pankey was there in support to finish the try. The subsequent kick put River ahead 14-7.

After the River try, Raleigh was able to turn the tide and put a try of their own in, tying the score at 14. Both teams threatened in the waning minutes of the match, but the defense on both sides prevailed, and the match ended in a tie.

Though the River backs did the scoring, the forwards worked hard to pressure the Raleigh offense and set pieces. With plenty of talent in their pack and back line, James River will be a solid squad to contend with this Spring.