Shelford finish their season with style (if not points) in the snow.

For their final fixture of the 2007-08 season Shelford travelled to Loughborough to play some of their best rugby to date. Shelford kicked off and had the slope and the wind in their favour for the first half. The team chased up the kick and immediately put pressure on the home team. Loughborough were solid in defence but Shelford stuck to their game and gave winger Naomi Linklater the ball for the first try of the game, with Tia Martin converting for 2 more points. 

This shock for Loughborough saw them come back stronger from the restart and Shelford had to fight hard to hold them. The visitors worked well but after having held up one try attempt, Shelford conceded the try. Still 2 points ahead, a well placed kick from Tia saw Shelford back in the opposition’s half. Every foot that either team made was fought for with real heart, but Loughborough just had the edge in pace and depth: while Naomi made it over the line once more in the first half, Loughborough scored twice more, exploiting any chink that developed in the Shelford defence.

 In the second half Shelford were playing into the wind and snow and just couldn’t seem to make their game plan pay. Meanwhile, Loughborough’s back row were at every breakdown, upsetting Shelford’s game and making opportunities for their own team. The final score was 47-12 to the home team but the score line is deceptive. Loughborough were the better team, but not by such a big margin and the Shelford team came off the pitch smiling. They may not have won their final game but they played 80 minutes of their rugby and played it well. Bring on next season! 

Forward of the match: Michelle Crolla 

Back of the match: Bertille Glaze