Amazing success for Haverfordwest Ladies

The Blues have been on scintillating form this season with several crushing victories but knew they were in for a much sterner test against CRCC in this year’s Bowl Cup Final.
The Cardiff-based team got off to the perfect start with slick hands releasing their full-back Mirain Jones out wide but a great cover tackle from captain Emma Summons on the five- metre line proved in vain as CRCC recycled quickly and Emily Haywood drove over for the first try. The conversion out wide sailed past the post, but Haverfordwest knew they were in for a tough game.

Blues recover from early shocks

After the initial shock, The Blues started to exert some control with big ball carriers across the park challenging the gain line, but they were unable to get the ball on the outside. CRCC did well to turn the ball over when the try line beckoned, but The Blues finally got on the scoreboard with a penalty in front of the posts by outside half Elin Williams.
Soon after they lost hooker Hayley Thomas to a nasty knee injury, but they continued to probe with pacey full-back Rhian Swift looking dangerous and formidable centres Meg Davies and Ella Sturley making hard yards in midfield.

CRCC lead at the interval despite being under pressure

After continued pressure, The Blues were finally rewarded with their first try, as big ball carrier Jana Neumann crashed over from close range. The conversion was missed, but Haverfordwest had the ascendency as the half-time whistle approached.
However, their confidence was short-lived as CRCC snatched the initiative straight back.
Several strong carries set up the play under the posts and quick hands spread the ball wide for a try by Sophie Longland in the corner and a 10-8 lead at the interval. The Blues felt a little
hard done by after dominating much of the first40 minutes.

Blues battle back again

Yet, they didn’t let their heads drop as they came bursting back out of the blocks. They were propelled again by a continuous barrage from the pack, Sarah Lawrence and Jodie Williams gaining precious yards to set up good field position. Neat hands from controlling outside half Elin Williams and a well- timed pop pass from Sturley to Davies saw her fellow centre run through unopposed for a great try converted by Williams and a 15-10 lead.
The topsy-turvy game continued as CRCC wrestled back control once again. They were initially thwarted after a superb last-ditch tackle by Meg Davies and a jackal by Swift secured a much-needed penalty.
However, the pressure eventually told with some strong close-quarter play drawing in the defence and simple hands out wide for another try in the corner by Anwen Hopkins. This time the CRCC slotted a fine conversion by Louise Baker for a 17-15 lead.

Haverfordwest have
the final word

Despite the scoreboard being against them, The Blues showed level heads with a well-deserved try on 70 minutes after some great phase play set up the chance to score out wide. Replacement winger Jess James was the beneficiary of more good hands, bundling over just inside the corner flag.
However, with 10 minutes to go the game was still not over. Once again, CRCC threatened to snatch back the lead as they surged into Blues’ territory. Some hard tackling and timely steals from Emily Carrington and Menna Pugh-Jones kept them at bay, but a yellow card for the Blues set up a nerve-jangling last five minutes.
CRCC pressed, turning down two very kickable penalties as they sensed the win, but the Haverfordwest defence held firm, much to the relief of the huge travelling blue support.
Emma leads the team on and off the field The Blues were pushed all the way by a very good CRCC outfit, but the girls can be absolutely delighted with their efforts after an excellent all-around team performance where
Jana Neumann was chosen as player of the match for her huge contribution in the tight exchanges and her ball-carrying in the loose..
It was appropriate that Emma Summons stepped up to receive the trophy after again leading by example as captain, with former Haverfordian Geraint John, now with The WRU in community rugby, making the presentation.
We would like to thank everyone for all of the pre-match messages and superb travelling support at the stadium. Also, a big thank-you to our sponsors Pembrokeshire Gin Co, Penfro Construction, Block & Barrel & Hayston Tree Services.
Haverfordwest Squad: Jodie Williams, Hayley Thomas, Emma Busch, Lucy French, Jana Neumann, Emily Carrington, Menna Pugh-Jones, Sarah Lawrence, Emma Summons (Capt), Elin Williams, Poppy Lewis, Meg Davies, Ella Sturley, Tati Richards, Rhian Swift, Natasha
Thomas, Kate Allen, Christine Selby, Delyth Foster, Becky Osborne, Jess James, Eloise Hull, Amber Manning.
Coaches -Steve Barnett, Morgan Layton, Tony George
First aid - John Summons
Match Day Team Manager - Delyth Summons
Billy John - Photographer
Leah Jones – Social Media
Elin Cleal-Summons - Mascot
Player of the Match: Jana Neumann
CRCC Squad: Mirain Jones: Helena Snuggs; Laura Stewart; Jo Pryce; Sophie Longland: Louise Baker; Georgina Cummings: Merlei Daniel; Beth Kenure; Elin Davies; Louise Cox:
Carys Parry: Maddie Rees, Mali Williams; Anwen Hopkins. Emily Haywood; Jude Dewers;
Georgia Wren; Nial Jones; Laura Satterley.

A few snippets from THE big day:

It certainly was a big day for The Lady Blues and it was good to see the club’s men’s team had postponed their game against Pembroke Dock Harlequins so that the majority of them could travel to give support at The Principality. That shows the spirit within the club.
Emma Summons certainly led her team by example despite being arguably the smallest player on the pitch. With some immense tackling as well as her ability to read the game well.
It is a little-known fact that Emma had also captained Whitland Ladies in a final a few years back but in those days there was unfortunately not the same importance attached to ladies’ rugby and so the finals were played at smaller venues – and certainly not three on the same day.
It was a memorable day for Jana Neumann, not only because she was adjudged player of the match and scored a try – but also because it meant that she had followed in the footsteps of her sister Lisa, who has played for the Welsh Ladies there alongside a number of other iconic venues. It was also great that, like the rest of the team, she had her family there.
If there are any others out there who have never played rugby but would like to give it a try they should chat to Jana because two years ago she didn’t have a club but has loved every moment since, especially Saturday.
The Blues Ladies’ head coach is Steve Barnett, who took over when the team was in danger of collapse and look at the difference he has made alongside fellow coached Morgan
Layton and Tony George. He’s always been a larger than life character and a great player in
his day who appeared at Twickenham for The Royal Marines. He was a good mover on the pitch and I’m really informed that he was also showing a few shapes on the bus on the way home but his ‘dad Dancing’ just made his Ladies laugh!
The Summons’ family was very much in evidence away from the action on-field because Emma’s daughter, Elin Cleal-Summons was the mascot, dad John was the first aider and mum Delyth was team manager for the day!