Bishopton – 19
Wigtownshire – 5
Tries: Milnes, Reid-Phelps, Brown
Conversions: Douglass (2)
Bishopton Ladies welcomed third place Wigtownshire to Holmpark on Sunday 6th November. After a week of heavy rain, the weather stayed dry but the ground conditions were soft, muddy and wet but that didn’t deter the players from getting stuck into the job in hand. The team knew it was going to be a tough game against a well-established side and showed tremendous defensive discipline throughout the entire match with some excellent carries and breakaway runs to seize a historic first league victory in a hard-fought match.
Demonstrating strength and skill from the first whistle, Bishopton piled on the pressure against Wigtownshire, forcing handling errors from the opposition and securing a few scrums and turnovers. However, it was Wigtownshire who crossed the try line first, scoring their only five points of the game. Bishopton remained composed and retaliated quickly with a try from Sarah Milnes, who powered through the defensive line to level the score.
Bishopton’s hard work in breaking down a strong-willed opposing team with some solid tackles and turnovers. A couple of threatening moves from the scrums gave Bishopton an increased sense of confidence and determination. With the second try coming from the team’s highest try scoring prop, Vanessa Reid-Phelps, this time, converted by Moira Douglass. Finished the first half with Bishopton holding onto the lead.
The second half saw a continuation of Bishopton remaining tight in defence, closing down attempts both through the middle of the pitch and on the wings, forcing multiple line outs. A great break by Kelsey Brown, who had put in a tremendous shift on the wing, secured Bishopton’s third try of the match, which was calmly converted by fly half Moira Douglass, taking the score to 19-5. An unfortunate decision, meant a possible fourth try and bonus point, was disallowed for Molly McNairn.
There was a strong case for every player on the pitch to have been named Bishopton Pharmacy Player of Match after such a cohesive and dominating performance. However, the honour went to Laura Martin for her high work rate and ball carrying throughout the game. Mhairi Thompson-Ross was awarded Barnhill Farm Glue player, for her leadership in defence and the pressure she put on the opposition.
