Falcons Academy Fireworks Light Up Monkton Lane!

The rain from earlier in the week resulted in a sticky playing surface, but overhead conditions were perfect for this top of the table clash. Reading & Maidenhead (R&M) were on the front foot from kick-off, but the game came to an abrupt halt as skipper Izzy went down having dislocated her knee. *Fingers crossed for a full recovery!

R&M continued with a number of strong carries looking to puncture the Falcons Academy (FA) defence - yet they stood firm. Just as it looked as if the visitors had run out of ideas their full-back went on a mazy run and dotted down for the opening score - ably converted by the blindside flanker!? Undeterred by the need for an early replacement and falling behind, the FA hit back with three tries in under 10 minutes. Mimi crossed over for two (the first converted by Phoebe) with Ella making absolutely no mistake after several punishing phases from both forwards and backs. Phoebe added the extras and suddenly the FA had a 19-7 lead.

Both sides were making each other work incredibly hard for any territorial gain, but eventually R&M were able to reduce the deficit just before the half-hour mark with their second try. However, with half-time looming Ella crashed over for her second try - Phoebe adding the two. Half-time arrived with the FA 26-12 ahead - a score few could have envisaged after the first 10 minutes.

The second period got underway with a rainbow almost framing the playing surface and it was FA who lit up proceedings with another two tries in the opening 12 minutes or so of the half. Mimi completed a fine hat-trick closely followed by Honor getting her name on the score sheet - the latter seeing Phoebe add her fourth successful conversion. There was a pleasing accuracy to the FA work with the vast majority of passes finding the intended target and ball carriers having support runners arriving to help retain possession and establish the next phase - super stuff.

Much to the credit of R&M, they came again and hit back with their third try. We were unable to determine the shirt number of the scorer so, Summer (thanks for your help today) suggested I "just make it up" - cheers!? However, the FA were having none of it and Ella was not going to allow Mimi to score the only hat-trick of the match. Her third try took the score out to 43-17.

The visitors continued to show great spirit and somewhat fittingly , it was R&M who crossed for the final score of the game - earning them a bonus point which may be of some significance at the end of the group stages. The final whistle brought an end to proceedings - a 43-22 victory secured; a couple of hat-tricks; countless crashing carries; numerous thunderous tackles (several deemed a wee bit on the high side - something to work on perhaps); a job well done!

There was a real cohesion on display throughout from the Falcons Academy and a willingness to front up for that physical confrontation. R&M played their part in what the referee declared afterwards was, "probably the best game of girls' rugby he had ever officiated". This has to be the marker for the season.