Written by Tamsin White (Magdalen)
The Pumas Varsity match got off to a strong start, with our very own speedy Amelie Paterson (#12) receiving the ball from a scrum, smashing through the Tabs and breaking their defensive line to run through and score a try at only 8 minutes into the game.
However, the Jaguars fought back, scoring two tries against the Pumas in the first half. The Tabs didn’t hold back with their aggression and consistently put the Pumas to the test in the rucks trying to jackal the ball. The Jaguars also brought their aggression to the scrums, frequently contesting the scrums. The Pumas defended well though and came together to pile on against the Tabs and push them back. The Pumas also played well in attack, with some solid kicks from our number 10, Max Cook, and also from our number 13, Alysia Martinez. Despite some player injuries throughout the match, including our ferocious captain, Maria Elgaard Jespersen (#4) suffering an ankle injury, the Pumas retaliated and adapted well to the changing dynamics on the pitch.
In the second half, the Jaguars proved that they had come back onto the pitch to fight, scoring two more tries against the Pumas. The Pumas were relentless throughout the match though, stopping the Tabs in their tracks with some impressive tackles, including some great tackles from the backs, with Eli Henderson (#14) and Ella Gallagher (#9 and fresh from her successful county cricket trial) preventing the Jaguars from making any gains down the edge of the pitch. There were also some great ball carries, with an excellent line break from Kim López Güell (#18).
At 60 minutes, our fearsomely speedy Amelie Paterson received the ball from a back and then fiercely pushed through the Tabs to score another try against them. The Jaguars then unfortunately followed this up with a try of their own. The Pumas captain, Maria, came back onto the pitch and saw the end of the game out, pushing through the Tabs in some tough scrums. The Tabs ended the game by scoring an unlucky try against us from a knock on on the wing.
All in all, it was a tough match for the Pumas, but well fought, with each player giving their all to smash the Tabs for a full-time score of 32-10. Finally, I cannot go without mentioning the incredible support from the side lines for the Pumas. A coach load of supporters had braved a trip to the other place to cheer their best chants and wave some beautiful signs, helping the Pumas to hold back the Jaguars throughout.
We are now looking forward to heading to StoneX Stadium on 8th March to support the Blues in the Varsity Match. For all ticket and match day information head to www.ourfc.org/varsity
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