The match started under some (very welcomed) blue skies and saw a few understandable nerves from both teams, but it was Ivybridge who settled quickest and began to impose themselves on the game. Some uncharacteristic handling errors from GAB lead to Ivybridge being camped in our 22 for the opening 5 minutes. Ivybridge kept up sustained pressure with their powerful pack running short, one-out rugby putting Gosford on the back foot. Despite Macy & Ibby making a nuisance of themselves at the breakdown, some thunderous tackling from Lily, Izzy and Lexie around the rucks & well organised wider defence, GAB’s try line was breached first. 0 - 5 to Ivybridge - Game on.

GAB roared into the game at their first opportunity - a scrum 5m from touch on the half way line. A complicated, "French sounding" backs move was called and Amelie raced through the gap created, with Monica and Phoebe running support lines either side. Fantastic interplay between Monica & Amelie and then Jess popping up from the other wing to dot it down in the corner for GAB’s first try. 5 - 5- Game very much on!

From the restart GAB really got into the game. Lexie’s catch and powerful carry lead to a penalty which Cate took quickly. A sniping run with multiple hand offs to gain 25m. GAB recycled the ball well through multiple phases building pressure and keeping Ivybridge in their own half. From a clearing Ivybridge kick GAB played some incredible rugby - Monica returned the ball at pace, beating 3 players. Flo with a hugely important clear out to win the breakdown. Lexie with another driving run to set up quick ball. Ibby with a beautiful delayed pass to put Izzy through a gap who in turn passes to a charging Amelie only to be denied a score by a truly try saving tackle by Ivybridge’s 9. Breathtaking stuff. GAB did get their deserved 2nd try shortly after with some great hands down line following a well executed line out drill between Tara & Bethany. Jess getting the final pass for a proper team try.
10 - 5

GAB’s 3rd try came shortly after. A dominant tackle by Izzy in mid field dislodged the ball which Phoebe pounced on to set up a ruck. Cate moved the ball quickly to Monica who beat 3 defenders on the outside to score under the sticks. 17- 5

Having gone behind to 2 tries in quick succession Ivybridge showed why they were in the final. They put GAB under huge pressure from restart with a mix of strong running forwards, deft kicks in behind and some slick hands. Ivybridge’s 2nd try came from a well executed backs move from a scrum on our 22. 17 - 10

GAB answered back with another 2 tries in quick succession. The first from Cate following some grit and grunt from the forwards to work their way up the pitch including Elena still being on target to be first to every breakdown this season!. 24 - 10

Then the second from Amelie who received an excellent pop pass off the floor from Izzy who’d just gone on one of her trademark power runs. Amelie gassed the Ivybridge defenders to score under the posts - 31 - 10

So with less than 2 minutes to half time GAB needed to secure the ball, see out the clock and go into the break with a commanding lead. However Ivybridge once again showed the determination and skill they have. They won an important turnover, ran some excellent lines and scored under the posts with the last play of the half, their tales were definitely up. 31 - 17

The 2nd started as the 1st half had ended with Ivybridge playing some great rugby, moving the ball with confidence and putting GAB under pressure. GAB were tested in defensive and had to work hard to keep Ivybridge out, but got too narrow and Ivybridge exploited the space out wide to score the first try of the 2nd half. 31- 22. Dark clouds have appeared in the sky

The following 20 minutes was an awesome display of determination and resilience by GAB in defence. Ivybridge just kept coming, kept driving and GAB did whatever they could to keep them out. Try saving efforts from Lizzie, vital defensive line organising from Cerie, jackals from Portia & Bethany and it wouldn’t be a GAB U16’s game without Cate holding up a try! Everyone put in the effort to defend their lead, but the pressure mounted, the penalty count built, GAB were now on a warning from the ref. One more penalty - Yellow to card to Monica and GAB are down to 14.
GAB’s effort goes up a notch as they try to see off the relentless pressure from Ivybridge. Mabel’s work rate in particular to cover wing and full back while Monica is on a yellow is outstanding. But eventually Ivybridge make the most of their numerical advantage and score in the corner 31 - 27

It’s worth noting that as the game tightened up in the 2nd half, the importance of Immy’s goal kicking was highlighted. She slotted 3 out of 5 in the first half which was was the difference as Ivybridge pegged us back on tries scored going into the last 10 mins. 4 out of 7 overall is a match winning effort

So it’s a one score game, with less then 10 minutes to go. The momentum is with Ivybridge and GAB has a player in the sin bin - this one might be slipping away. Right from the restart Ivybridge ping GAB back to their try line with superb box kick from half way but it’s Lizzie who wins the footrace to secure a goal line drop out.

Pressure is building on GAB but this team can dig deep. Anyone who was at the Ding’s Semi Final knows how resilient these girls are and that they can produce big moments when needed. And boy did they today…

As the sunshine returns GAB have a goal line drop out. A big kick chase and a dominate tackle from Lily leads to an Ivybridge knock on. Izzy scoops up the loose ball and takes on 4 Ivybridge players to gain 20m. Scrum to GAB, we’re on the front foot + Monica is back on following the yellow card.
Some silky hands from the backs, good ball retention into contact, hard work from the forwards to get to the break down and GAB are now motoring. Lily hits a hard line off the ruck, great support from Bethany & Sahara securing quick ball for Cate. Cate to Immy. Immy puts Katy through a gap.
Stratford Brake explodes with noise as Katy runs a stunning outside arch to beat 3 players and score a vital try.
38 - 27 - Breathe

With just minutes to play, Ivybridge are still a threat but GAB are on top and really going through the gears now. They secure the kick off through Lexie who runs it back with power and determination. The backs move the ball out wide and it’s recycled well. Bethany is first to the breakdown and wins GAB a penalty. Such is this team’s approach to rugby that’s there’s no slow play / kick for touch here. Cate taps and goes, Ivybridge aren’t back 10m so are marched back a further 10m. Lily, Lexie & Charlie set up a pod play and GAB are off and running. Unfortunately Izzy’s pass to Portia is judged to have gone forward so scrum down to Ivybridge. They opt to clear their lines with a kick…..

…..Monica catches the ball on the half way line and is in open space at full speed. She ghosts past 2 defenders on the outside, straightens and then steps 1, 2 & 3 more defenders to score a stunning individual try. The crowd erupts, cheers go up and Monica is lost in a sea of team mates. The final whistle blows - GAB win 43 - 27.

An epic final featuring 2 very worthy teams, Ivybridge can be rightly proud of their girls & their performance. We wish them a safe journey home and all the best for the rest of the season.

GAB girls - Well done, that was a special one. You all played your part, including our non playing reserves Holly and Clemmie. The support you provided was amazing.