A first visit for the Bluebirds to the home of London Welsh Women was always a tricky fixture to call with both teams sitting mid table with 2 wins and 2 losses each. Round 5 saw a strong Bluebirds squad kick off with the sun behind looking to get back to winning ways after 2 straight defeats.

The away side started strongly with a good defensive set, finally winning the ball in their own half and sharply moving the ball wide into the hands of Anna Gray who ran a good 70 meters to touch down under the posts for the Bluebirds first try, with Jess Matthews, captaining the side for the first time this season, putting the conversion over for an early 7-0 lead. Shortly after a yellow card for London Welsh reducing them down to 14 players, Ellie Lawther made one of her trademark line breaks through the centre to go uncontested over the line to score the Bluebirds 2nd try, with the conversion just missing after hitting the post. 12-0. Continued pressure from the home side meant the Bluebirds spent time on defensive duty, and despite the scrum working well were unable to capitalise on a number of occasions to put the ball over the line. As the half drew to a close another great line break, this time by Brenda Barroso going over for the 3rd try of the game, this time converted by Jess Matthews. Half Time 19-0.

Second half saw a change in tactics from London Welsh as they started to move the ball through their backs and put pressure back onto the Bluebirds defence, with the pressure eventually telling as the home side hit back with 2 tries, one converted to bring the score back to 19-12.
After a couple of short injury breaks, the Bluebirds started to get back into their rhythm, a great break from Lillie Barnett saw her hauled down just short of the line, but great support from the Bluebirds gave Karly Harrington an opportunity to pick and dive over the line to claim the bonus point try (unconverted) 24-12. Final stages saw the Bluebirds wrap the game up with another good move allowing Ellie Lawther to cross for her second try of the match, the Bluebirds 5th, and from a difficult angle unconverted. Final score London Welsh Women 12-29 Chelmsford Ladies

Tries: Anna Gray, Ellie Lawther (2), Brenda Barroso, Karly Harrington
Conv: Jess Matthews (2)

Photo Credit: Ella Alderton