Andover RFC Ladies were in action again last Sunday in the fourth round of the Ladies Touch Series once again played at US Portsmouth due to flooding at host club Fordingbridge.

Andover travelled with a depleted side due to illness and in the first game against Fareham Hags the lack of cohesion, normally a real strong point, was exposed as they lost 3-1 In the break that followed coach Owen reminded the team of their training and Andover responded superbly.

Captain Emma Dowinton led from the front in the next match against Fordingbridge and Abby Goddard grabbed the only try to give Andover deserved a 1-0 victory They were back on the front foot and went into the game with US Portsmouth full of confidence.

Even the loss of Dowinton to injury in the second half could not deter the All Blacks as with tries from Vicki Brown, Abby Goddard, Lara McDonald, Susan Mitchell and Chelsea Peel they ran out impressive 6-0 winners.

Next up were a young and fast Fareham Development team and after a tough, running game the extra experience of Andover just told as tries from Kim Powell and Susan Mitchell gave Andover a good 2-1 win.

Unfortunately this was as good as it got on a mixed day as the lack of replacements began to bite, a tiring team lost 4-0 to the present leaders of the series Tottonions.

Afterwards manager Kim Powell was very happy with the team’s performance and said: “Considering the illness beforehand and injuries suffered by three members of the squad during the course of the day this was once again a really good effort by all who played.”

 

Full page of Andover RFC with pictures in Friday's Advertiser