Devon’s scrum dominates to set up the U18s Girls’ for first win against Somerset

Devon U18s embarked on their 2023/24 County season with the fixture of the season against Somerset in Yeovil. Somerset initiated the match with a high kick into Devon hands, but an early fumble led to the first scrum of the game, showcasing Devon’s strength and superiority in the set piece despite the 1 ½ m restriction. Somerset successfully passed out wide, facing a high tackle from Devon. The ensuing line-out was stolen by Devon, but nervous hands resulted in a knock-on and a second scrum for Somerset.

At the 13-minute mark, an injury to Harli-Mai Rooke deep inside the visitors half, prompted the early introduction of Ellie Monro-Higgs.  Devon’s first scrum followed, with a quick pass leading to a relieving kick by full back Lois Burry.  The match unfolded with strong defensive plays, dominant tackles, and strategic turnovers, highlighting Devon’s resilience. Despite a number of substitutions and strategic kicks from both sides, the first half concluded with a score of 0-0.

The second half commenced with a Devon boot, taking advantage of handling errors by Somerset to secure the first scrum. Although Somerset’s refreshed squad pushed Devon into touch, Devon’s tenacity in scrums prevailed. Strong drives and strategic plays resulted in the first try by Megan Polverino, converted by Burry, establishing a 7-0 lead.

The match saw Somerset trying to regain control, but turnovers and penalties hampered their efforts. Devon’s replacement fly half, Susie Gale executed a well-placed kick, which ultimately put Burry into position to score, securing a 12-0 lead. Somerset were not giving up and they continued their attempts to counter, but Devon’s defensive pressure and turnovers continued, with further scores from Burry and back row Rianna Boere, with Aoife Underhill converting the latter culminating in a final score of 26-0.

It was a fantastic showcase of female rugby from both sides. Devon awarded their “Forward of the Match” to Newton Abbot’s Tilly Hindley, who, having only played for a season, had an absolute stormer in the front row for 80mins. Also representing Newton Abbot, Lois Burry was awarded “Back of the Match” for her try saving cover tackles as well as her tries and conversion kicks. 

The Green and Whites travel to Saltash RFC on December 17th to play their second fixture of the season against Cornwall. Kick Off 2pm.

Report by Sarah Cadle

Related Posts

Devon U18s Women Seal Victory in Gloucestershire

In a thrilling final round of the County games, Devon’s U18s Women travelled North to Cheltenham Tigers, to play their rivals Gloucestershire. With Devon coming into the match unbeaten in…

Read more

Team Announcement Devon U20 Men V Torbay Sharks

Wednesday 19th FEB 2025 @ Brixham RFC 7:30 PM KO The Torbay Sharks have assembled a representative team from across the Bay to play against Devon U20 Men in a…

Read more

Devon RFU Men’s U20 Upcoming Fixtures

Read more

Brixham Colts 7s Tournament Sat May 3rd 2025

Wow, a big thank you to everyone who took the time to respond. We’ve reached our limit with 12 teams signed up for the day. Stay tuned for more details…

Read more

Devon Cup Competitions

The following clubs are part of a Devon Cup Competition game due to take place this weekend. Clubs – Barnstaple, Topsham, Oakhampton, Ivybridge, Plymstock Oaks, Honiton, Torquay, Exeter Saracens, South…

Read more

Devon Rugby Union Ashburton Motor Works Devon Colts Merit Table Results

18th January 2025 CUP HOME TEAM RESULT AWAY TEAM Sidmouth (2) 29 – 32 Crediton (5) Newton Abbot (4) 18 – 10 Barnstaple (0) Ivybridge Postponed Devonport Services SHIELD HOME…

Read more