For the second consecutive week, Datchworth Ferns were tested in a top-of-the-table clash, this time welcoming Northampton BBOB. The Ferns were confronted with another physical challenge with the visitors boasting a powerful forward unit.

It was a nervy opening for the Ferns, BBOB dominated early possession, moving the ball confidently across the pitch and applying sustained pressure. A scrum inside their 22 and the Ferns did eventually get the ball back up towards the middle of the field. All 15 players contributed at the breakdown; backing up the ball carrier and going hard into rucks. However a penalty pushed the Ferns back onto their own tryline and despite some solid defensive work the visitors punched in the first try of the day. 0-7 Northampton.

Coaches Phil and Duncan were quick to rally the Ferns, praising their organisation and urging them to keep belief.The response was immediate. Less than a minute into the restart the Ferns scored. Beginning this game at number 8, Albany Summers took the ball out the back of the scrum and popped it off to winger Mily Saunders who squeezed it into the corner to score.

As the half developed, the contrasting styles became clear. BBOB looked to impose their physicality, while the Ferns sought space and territory. A perfectly weighted kick from Kerry Grant dropped into the corner and was chased hard by the Datchworth backs, only for the referee to rule the visitors had grounded it first.

Ferns have at times been somewhat too sporting, stopping play for any injuries regardless of jersey colour. With the coaches words of “play to the whistle” ringing in their ears, they did just that. Assuming play would stop, BBOB caught napping but an alert Mily took the ball in for her second score of the day. Comfortably converted by Katie Humphreys.

The visitors responded strongly, finishing the half with repeated scrums and lineouts close to the Ferns’ line, but disciplined defence ensured Datchworth went into the break ahead.

Injuries to the BBOB front row led to uncontested scrums in the second half, though their frequency remained high. Making her first start at scrum-half, Abbie Foggo showed remarkable composure, delivering quick, accurate ball throughout.

The Ferns tightened up after the interval, improving ball security and cutting out the rushed passes that had crept in earlier. Tanita Turner had a snaking run up the gut of the field to gain valuable territory. Although BBOB eventually reclaimed possession it wasn’t for long. Bobbie Milligan calmly collected the ball from a BBOB kick before passing out to Mily to stride in for her hat-trick.

Albany Summers’ growing influence on the game was rewarded with a superb try of her own. After another smart kick return from Bobbie and a thunderous carry from the tireless Molly Rankine, Albany backed herself, spotted the gap and glided in under the posts. Kerry converted a move that epitomised the Ferns’ teamwork.

Even under pressure with a scrum inside their 15 the Ferns didn’t panic. The teams resident Swiss army knife, Megan Johnston moved from second row into the backs and it was fast hands and fast feet that saw the team quickly move up the field to halfway and beyond.

BBOB continued to kick in search of relief and Bobbie continued to run it straight back at them. Following a marauding run from Bobbie and a burst by Elliot Williams, the ball once again found Mily on the right wing, crossing for her fourth and the games final try of the day. To think she was concerned about the fact she’d have to play a whole game!

The final scoreline of 31–7 may suggest comfort, but it scarcely reflects the intensity of the contest. A rare smile creeped onto coach Phil’s face near the end and the word proud was offered up. This was a complete team performance, built on resilience, grit and relentless effort.

At the midpoint of the season, the Datchworth Ferns are unbeaten and top of the table. They march on.