Final score: Panthers 42 - Tabs 0
The first fixture of 2025 for Oxford’s Panthers was well anticipated, especially with the team looking to avenge a Tabs thrashing earlier in the season. The Panthers were most certainly ready for a fight, feeling as if we had a point to prove and a want to showcase the team’s improvements since that first fixture.
The game began with an Oxford kick off, with Panthers rushing up in defence from the off. The Tabs' initial possession didn’t last long with the ball being turned over and the Panthers began their attack. Something that proved unachievable in the previous fixture was amended in the first four minutes as prop Naomi Thornton bundled her way over the line for the first try of the game. It was well and truly on!
Re-energised and full of positivity, the Panthers went again, showing their dominance as a further 3 first half tries were scored courtesy of Number 8, JoJo Blyth dotting over the line after several hard fought phases, fly half Jess Chiriboga making a superb line break, and Naomi adding a second to her tally. Despite many excellent plays including numerous stolen balls by number 12, Evie Woods, and some excellent lineout throws by Zoe Gordon the Panthers left several points on the field with JoJo being dragged into touch just by the whitewash and Naomi being held up under the sticks.
The second half began at 20-0, with the Tabs feeling wounded but never giving up, proving their skills with some dominant tackles and line breaks. The Panthers remained steadfast, with dominant possession and some well-worked phases and moves. Practise makes perfect with number 13, Libby Smith breaking through the defensive line in a set piece backs move and sprinting her way to the far end of the pitch. Substitutions started arriving, bolstering the team and making their impact known. Replacement flanker Amelie Paterson proved once again that she knew where the whitewash is, finding space and storming towards the line, running in right under the posts. Cheers erupted from the stands as Jess successfully converted the Panther’s sixth try. The game continued in a similar fashion with the Panthers camped in the opposition 22, resulting in further phases culminating with scrum half, Ruby Hancox sniping off the back of a ruck and dotting down over the line. Libby had the last say on the scoresheet with another stunning run off a backs move for her second and the Panther’s eighth try of the match.
Cambridge had much of the possession in the last few minutes, forcing the Panthers to compete right until the death. With winger-come-fly-half Max Cook and Ruby Hancox tackling the Tabs winger into touch at the sound of the final whistle, the game ended 42-0 to Oxford’s big cats.
Commendations must be made to the whole team: the effort, intensity and drive across the board was phenomenal. The forwards set piece functioned almost to perfection and backs moves were put into motion to great effect. The team supported each other at ruck time, stole the ball and put up a formidable defence. The Tabs never gave up the fight and continued to make line breaks and force Panthers to compete throughout, despite the final score line. This team has proven a great deal of growth over the past few months and celebrated a victory, made even sweeter by the painful memories from Grange Road.
Tabs well and truly shoed.
Match report by Ruby Hancox
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