By Rebecca Hall
USW 3rds put up a solid fight against the Royal Agricultural University but ended up a clear second best in a 50-24 home defeat.
The first quarter ended with USW trailing as RAG outscored them 13–5 with poor passing letting down the USW side as they tried to withhold the pressure.
Some great passing sequences by the away side and lots of possession allowed them to slide past USW players, with centre Bailey Greatley creating ample opportunities for RAG.
It was not all bad for USW as their captain and goal attack Roxy Williams became a standout player with consistent interceptions to make the gap to their opponents as small as possible going into the second quarter.
As the second quarter progressed, USW began to find their feet and edge closer to RAG, with both the goal–defender, Paula Mujjuzi and goal–keeper, Carys Balfour, stepping up to the challenge as the home side picked up the pace.
Pic: Eleanor Clifton
However, RAG managed to handle the pressure forced on them, as wing attacker Florence Rose came to life, putting together crucial plays meaning the second quarter ended 23-14 to the visitors.
The anticipation was still there for USW as both teams kept their feet firmly on the gas and the physicality began to ramp up. Goal–shooter, Olenka Fernandes for USW, was able to keep track of the game well, reading each play and setting up herself and her teammates.
Despite a mighty effort from the USW team, RAG forced them into playing a more defensive game, breaking up their set plays and intercepting their passes.
The end of the third quarter saw USW trailing 37-18.
Despite RAG already having one hand on the win already, the USW team never stopped as centre Ffion Ouseley made it uncomfortable for the RAG players, disrupting the flow of their game.
But the home side’s huge effort was to no avail come the finish.