Datchworth Ferns headed to St Neots for the delayed opening game of the season. After an incredible undefeated season, the Ferns are making the step up to NC2 level. St Neots are stalwarts of the division, having been there since 2019. A strong, physical side on a hard, uncompromising pitch was always going to be a tough start for the Ferns, but one they were relishing.

Recruitment has been great over the summer, and a number of new players made their debuts in the season opener. Del Wynne lined up in the second row, with Kyrie Hughes and Frances Uy (both new to rugby) on the bench, alongside yet another Datchworth Under-18 player making the step up to adult rugby, Stella Odysseos.

The Ferns kicked off and, as predicted, St Neots returned the ball with a punishing, powerful running game. While it took them several minutes to reach the halfway line, the Ferns eventually received the ball from a lineout and passed across the field for Megan Johnston to make a marauding run through the middle and into the 22. Nothing came of it, though, and the opening 15 minutes played out in much the same way. Both sides made ground before being outfought or jackalled at the breakdown.

A lengthy stoppage in play midway through the first half, following an injury to Sophia Solomon, saw Frances Uy make her debut. Frances is new to rugby and has had only a handful of training sessions, but was thrust straight into action far earlier than anticipated.

As the game restarted, St Neots capitalised on a couple of scrums and eventually powered the ball over the try line, duly converting. St Neots 7-0 Ferns.

The ground was a struggle for both sides, with balls and players bouncing across the hard surface. The Ferns battled hard and thought they had capitalised with a score, only for the referee to determine that the ball had been held up.

While it was a humid day, the wind whipped around the pitch and influenced many of the kicks throughout the game. St Neots’ attempt to kick into touch was blown back infield and recovered by Katie Humphreys. The Ferns worked across the field against a sturdy home-side defensive line. Eventually, the Ferns forced the ball home through Elliot Williams, with Kerry Grant making the conversion. All tied up: St Neots 7-7 Ferns.

The Ferns became frustrated by a number of early calls from the referee, with captain Asti Hulley requesting that advantage be played for longer before bringing the play back. Unfortunately, it was one of these early decisions that preceded injuries to the Ferns’ front row, with both Lucy Penn and Lauren Draper-Wood injured under a collapsing scrum. OG Fern Anna Cason and debutant Kyrie Hughes came on in their places.

The early calls went both ways. St Neots’ scrum-half looked to be heading through to score before the referee pulled the play back. The Ferns then stuffed their attempt at a quick tap-and-go and saw out the half at 7-7.

The second half went much the same way as the first: tough scrummaging, some questionable handling and, at times, poor decision-making from both teams.

The injuries to the Ferns’ front row continued, with Asti Hulley and Kyrie Hughes forced off early in the second half. Special mention to Lynne Solomon, who may have hung up her playing boots but was kept particularly busy in her role as first-aider!

With a much-changed forward pack, the Ferns did well to hold out for as long as they did but were eventually forced to go to uncontested scrums. With various substitutes among the forwards, the backs contributed brilliantly to the tackling and resistance against a powerful St Neots unit. Kerry Grant, Bobbie Milligan, Katie Humphreys and Megan Johnston all made important tackles rather than the slick passing moves they are ordinarily in the team for.

Eventually, though, St Neots’ strength won out and they scored the try. St Neots 12-7 Ferns.

The Ferns had opportunities to tie it up. The forwards worked hard on the goal line before the ball was eventually turned over. Anna Cason looked to be walking in for a try when the referee pulled the play back. Right at the death, the backs made a great move, but debutant Stella Odysseos couldn’t quite reel in a last-ditch pass from Bobbie Milligan.

It was a closely fought game, and on another day the Ferns could have come away with the win. Coaches Phil and Duncan were pleased that the team battled right to the end.

The focus now turns to the first home game of the season on 11 October against Milton Keynes.

Respect to St Neots for the welcome to NC2 and the new season. We look forward to the return game later in the year.