April 21 CRWRFC Match Recap

It was a beautiful Saturday at Moakley Park on April 21st. The Lady River Rats hosted both Providence and Upper Valley- the Rat A-side facing off against Providence and the B-side against Upper Valley.

Charles River last faced Providence in fall playoffs, when Providence knocked River out in round 2. Hopes for a redemption River victory were high, but did not to come to fruition.

Charles River had a slow start and Providence took advantage, scoring 3 tries in the first ten minutes. Stung awake, the Lady Rats began to compete and finished off the first half allowing just 1 more Providence try. The second half continued in a similarly hard-fought vein, but River failed to put points on the board. Providence scored another three times, and a yellow-card earning high tackle gave Providence a penalty try as well. The final score was 0-71, Providence.

In short order the Charles River B-side was on the pitch, facing off against Upper Valley. The coaches and captains did a great job getting our rats to brush off the first match and focus on the one at hand. Scrums were uncontested through the match due to an inexperienced Upper Valley front row, but every other part of the match was played with an intensity that did both teams credit.

River put up their first points of the day and featured especially excellent play by our rookies. Karen Ratcliffe and Mel Witman both scored their first tries with River, earning them the boot later at the social. Vet Eileen Siegel and Ali Gennaro stepped up to kick conversions, and both converted twice. The final score was 48-0, Charles River.

Next up: Charles River Women are traveling to Philadelphia for an April 28 match against Philly Women’s A and B sides.

 

Bitches of the Pitch:

A-side                                                                                            B-side

Charles River Pick, Forward: Maria Sedjo                               Charles River Pick, Forward: Mel Witman

Charles River Pick, Back: Rebecca “Rx” Nashett                   Charles River Pick, Backs: Anna Fruend

Providence Pick: Lucy “Wily Hips” Tin                                     Upper Valley Pick: Arilene Hernandez