The last time we faced Bristol we came away feeling we had far more to give, and after a productive preseason the squad was raring to kick off the season with a big statement. Early game jitters left us vulnerable to a crash line from the opposition full back but we re-grouped, stuck to our structure and were rewarded with a penalty on their 5m line. 1 quick tap and silky pass from captain Alex Wilkinson later, Sophie Shams had slipped through the wall of Bristol defenders for our first try. 7-5 to Bristol.
Bristol's fly half responded with some quick-feet, finding her way through the Oxford defence to make the break she'd been threatening us with since first getting her hands on the ball. 7 more points on the board for Bristol. A hungry defensive effort from the dark blues pinned the home team back in their half from kick-off, leaving them with no choice but to exit with a kick. Smart play from Blues backs Lilla Berry and Chloe Hawley helped put our back three in lots of space which winger Katie Hains capitalised on, making a stunning 60m break to score Oxford's second try. A few injuries had the Blues bench stripping off their sub coats to run onto the pitch earlier than they might've anticipated, but we showcased the depth of our squad and continued to engage Bristol in a competitive, physical fixture. 14-10 at the half-time whistle.
Energised by coach Scott Hall's words of encouragement in the break, Oxford took the pitch by storm in the second half and gave the home team much to worry about. Reactive play awarded Sophie Shams her second and third tries of the match, a hat-trick the perfect response to some poor chat directed her way from the opposition back row. Bristol were also keen to play in the second half, topping their tally up with a further three tries - but the dark blues weren't done yet. Massive props must go to the Blues forward pack who valiantly fought to protect our possession in numerous attacking scrums and drove their shoulders into whatever Bristol threats came their way. This platform enabled centre Tori Kennedy to slice her way to the touch line, bringing the score to a contestable 31-24. Unfortunately it was a white shirt who next dotted down, and the final whistle blew with the scoreboard showing 38-25 to the hosts.
Whilst we didn't come away with the win, we fronted up to a physical side and started the season as we mean to go on, with lots of intent and creative play. Back to Iffley we go, for some more learning and a shoeing to prepare for!
Written by Lucy Hamer
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