On the final match day for the Bluebirds in 2024, which kicked off at the same time as the mens First XV game on the adjoining pitch, bright sunshine and crowd fuelled by the club VP Christmas lunch welcomed an Eton Manor Womens side that sat at the top of the league. Playing downhill in the first half, the Bluebirds were straight into defensive mode, with a well structured Manor team moving the ball well through the backs. With just 5 minutes on the clock, Eton Manor went over for their first try for an early 5-0 lead. Bluebirds then took the game to Eton Manor, looking dominant in the scrum but struggling to make possession count and turning it into points. Halfway through the first half Eton Manor went over again with a quick tap and go penalty to go over in the for corner. 10-0 to Eton Manor. That spurred the Bluebirds into action and 5 minutes later hit back with scrum half Lillie Barnett going over under the posts, and Jess Matthews taking up the crossbar challenge to add the extras to put the home side back in the game. Bluebirds 7-10 Eton Manor. On the stroke of half-time though despite yet more resolute defending from the Bluebirds, Eton Manor added a third try, this time converted to give them a half-time lead of 17-7

Unfortunately for the home side, now playing uphill, the visitors struck again soon after kick off with another well worked try, again converted. 7-24. From the on despite continuing to dominate the scrum, of which there were many, the home side couldn't utilise and make it count and conceded tries in regular intervals. On 65 minutes the visitors were reduced to 14 with a yellow card for a dubious tackle on the Bluebirds scrum half, forcing her off and a reshuffle of the backs for the home side. 2 more tries were conceded in the final 10 minutes to give the visitors a deserved win, but the effort the Bluebirds put in was not rewarded or reflected in the final score line. FT Bluebirds 7-50 Eton Manor Women.

The Bluebirds are back in action in the New Year, hosting East London Vixens at Coronation Park on Sunday 5th January. Thanks to everyone for their support in 2024 and look forward to seeing you on the touchlines in 2025!

Tries: Lillie Barnett
Conv: Jess Matthews

Photo Credit: John Stratford