The weekend saw Witham ladies rugby team travel the very short distance over to us at Braintree for a 2pm kick off on a very sunny Sunday.

The first half Braintree had the sun on their face and put in a very big shift, starting the game with only 13 players, unfortunately due to injuries and unavailability. Witham arrived to play with 22 players for their team. This number of players is an amazing achievement.

The first half showed that Witham were strong in their defence but were unlucky that Braintree Vixens were more polished in their attack. There were some powerful hits and some unfortunate injuries meaning that Witham were using their substitutes early in the game. Half time was called after a gruelling 55 minuets of play due to stopping the clock and it was Braintree that came out on top at 29-0 after scoring 5 tries and converting 2. (Jackie Ridgwell, Dawn Butler (2), Billie Sawyer, Tanyel Smith. And two tries converted by Fay Ingram)

The second half was much the same, Witham carried on playing the match to their fullest, and not allowing their heads to drop; even with the scoreline not going in their favour. The tries kept coming for the Vixens as straight from a reset Braintree were able to make a break straight down the middle of the pitch with captain, Jade Worster, scoring a superb try right under the post, making the conversion easy for Fay Ingram to achieve.

Despite turning up with 22 players, Witham called the game early as they had no legs left to continue as were facing dropping down to 12 a-side. After gaining another 27 points (Tries: Mary Cooksey, Jade Worster, Dawn Butler, Fay Ingram & Jackie Ridgwell. Conversion: Fay Ingram) this meant that Braintree Vixens finished the game at 56-0 on the new scoreboard that until now, has been yet to see a senior win on it!

Both teams were in high spirits as they joined each other in the clubhouse after for food. Our Vixens ‘player of the match’ was split 2 ways between forwards Lauren Beney & Billie Sawyer after their excellent shift on the pitch.

This scoreline doesn't represent the level of camaraderie that these two teams have shown each other, the improvements for both teams can be seen greatly since their last meet- over a year ago. Braintree Vixens are excited for the return fixture at Witham on the 7th of January for another head-to-head in the local derby!